NOT JUST A PRETTY SCENT, Part 1
by Cynthia J. Loving, Clinical Aromatherapist, Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist

A walk through a garden can excite the senses with beautiful colors, unique shapes and, of course, wonderful smells. Our early ancestors not only enjoyed all of these but also valued their medicinal qualities. The knowledge of the healthful benefits of various plants was recognized all over the world. Many of these aromatic plants were also used by forbearers as perfumes to capture the attention of their heart's desire.

At some point in recent history, humans decided they could create the smells of nature using man-made chemicals. They wouldn't have to be at the mercy of weather and seasons and could have the smells always at their beck and call. Thus began the multi-billion dollar perfume industry that promises you love, fame and fortune. What the chemists creating these scents do not tell you is that one "perfume" can contain hundreds of different synthetic chemicals, many of which are associated with serious health problems ranging from allergies to asthma, cancer, hormone disruptions, skin reactions and birth defects ─ AND the producers do not have to disclose these ingredients because synthesized petrochemical "perfumes" are considered trade secrets! Some of the health problems associated with the chemicals found in fragrances can show up right away. Others, like cancer, may not develop for many years.

About one-third of the United States population is chemically sensitive, mostly to artificial fragrances. Some of their symptoms are headaches, burning eyes, skin problems, breathing difficulties, sore throats, heart palpitations, muscle aches and confusion. Artificial fragrances are known to be the primary cause of asthma and asthmatic attacks. Even products labeled "fragrance free" may contain fragrances used to mask a bad-smelling raw material.

Seeing the terms "Fragrance," "Perfume," or "Parfum" (all meaning artificial fragrance) on an ingredient list means there are potentially hazardous chemicals lurking within. Where do we find these? In shampoo, hair conditioners, hair gels, bath soap, body lotions/creams, perfumes/colognes, personal deodorants, cleaning products, room deodorants, scented candles, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, fabric sheets, dish detergents and more. One of the EPA’s top ten reasons for poor indoor air quality is the presence of artificial fragrances.

Some of the perilous ingredients in many synthetic fragrances include:

Phthalates - Affect gender development in male offspring including certain demasculinizing traits and male infants exposed to phthalates through breast milk produce less testosterone. Phthalates are found in 72% of all personal care products, including fragranced shampoos, deodorants, hair gels and more. None of these products' labels show phthalates as an ingredient. Women of child-bearing age have the highest levels of these reproductive and developmental toxicants.

Allergens - Artificial fragrances are among the top five known allergens and cause both asthma and asthma attacks.

Sensitizers - One in 50 people may develop immune system damage from artificial fragrances making them sensitized (subject to moderate to severe allergic reactions) possibly for life.

Artificial Musks - Have been linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption and cancer. This is not limited to colognes described as musk ─ many perfumes, scented cosmetics, air fresheners and cleaning products contain this.

1, 4 Dichlorobenzene - A lung irritant often found in pesticides and room deodorants that has been found to be a carcinogen and suspected as being toxic to the cardiovascular, reproductive, gastrointestinal, nervous, respiratory and integumentary (skin) systems.

Formaldehyde - A known carcinogen associated with brain, nasal, and nasopharyngeal cancers and possibly leukemia.

Toluene - A neurotoxin that can cause fatigue, weakness, confusion, memory loss, nausea, vision and hearing loss.

Harmful health effects of fragrance are caused not only by the chemicals mentioned above. Add to these a few thousand other individual chemicals. Synthetic fragrances are also harmful to marine life, and are a source of pollution.

WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?
There hasn't been much research on the impact of artificial fragrances on children. We know a child's lungs are not fully developed until about 3 years of age. We also know a child's skin is thinner and more permeable that an adult's. A child's detoxification system is not fully developed so they are not able to process out harmful substances as well as an adult. All of this makes them more susceptible to the chemical hazards.

WHAT ABOUT THE PETS?
More and more of our pets are showing up at the Vet's office with many of the same health problems as their owners. Could it be that they are being poisoned by the same substances? Also remember, most animals are far more sensitive to smells than are humans thereby making them more susceptible to respiratory challenges. Are we fragrancing them to an early grave with their shampoos, bug repellents, and our cleaning products, carpet and room deodorizers?  

So what do you do to satisfy your love of wonderful smells? Take a step back in time and make use of Nature's beautiful scents, essential oils. When used correctly, these offer wonderful health benefits while brining the sense of the outdoors to your fingertips.

To learn more about the substances in many products we use daily, you may wish to read:
Not Just a Pretty Face:  The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry by Stacy Malkan
ISBN:978-0-86571-574-5

Part 2 of this series will address the mental/emotional impact of smell and what these chemicals may be doing to our brains, behaviors and moods.

Cynthia Loving is owner of LovingScents, an international instructor of Clinical Aromatherapy and a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist. She also serves as a consultant to businesses, hospitals, long term care facilities, health professionals, educators, spiritual leaders and lay persons. She can be contacted at www.LovingScents.com, e-mailing cynthia@LovingScents.com or telephoning 336.294.7727.