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We have all been there. You
are in a movie theater, on an airplane or in some other
closed quarters that, for whatever reason, you are
required to remain in. Then in walks that man or woman
wearing way too much of the strongest -- and usually
worst smelling -- cologne or perfume. Of course, they
usually sit right next to you.
At best, this is an
annoyance. But especially for those with chemical
sensitivities, and also for everyone else, perfumes,
colognes and other fragrances can actually harm your
health.
What are Fragrances Made
Of?
About 95 percent of the
chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic,
petroleum-based compounds. For people with allergies
or multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), these chemicals
can lead to allergic reactions like sneezing, itchy
watery eyes, wheezing and headaches.
Other health conditions
that can be exacerbated by fragrances, according to
Tracie DeFreilas Saab, M.S., author of a comprehensive
discussion, "Individuals with Fragrance Sensitivity,"
include asthma, environmental illness (EI) and
migraines.
But that doesn't mean the
rest of us aren't affected. An investigation into
fragrances, perfumes and colognes by the Environmental
Working Group (EWG) found several areas of concern:
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16 percent of the
products they reviewed contained ingredients that
may cause cancer
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5 percent may
contain harmful impurities linked to cancer or other
health problems
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18 percent contained
penetration enhancers that increase exposures to
carcinogens and other ingredients of concern
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98 percent of
products contained ingredients not assessed for
safety in cosmetics or with insufficient data
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76 percent contained
ingredients that are allergens
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13 percent of
products posed other potential health concerns
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read rest of article
http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/09/28/what_dangers_can_perfumes__amp_other_fragrances_pose_to_your_health.htm
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