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Fragrance |
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Facts About Fragrances
There are 3,000 – 5,000 chemicals used in fragrance.1 95% of these chemicals are derived from petroleum.1 Over 80% of the chemicals in fragrance have not been tested for human toxicity.1 Some of the chemicals found in fragranced products are on the EPA hazardous waste list.1-2 The perfume industry is not regulated by any government agency and is not required to disclose the ingredients in “fragrance”.1 The National Academy of Sciences targeted fragrances as one of the six categories of chemicals that should be given high priority for neurotoxicity testing.1
Personal Care Products to Avoid
Perfume and Cologne All Scented Products - including soaps, shampoo, conditioner, and bath products Scented Lotions Scented Shaving Cream, Aftershave Scented Deodorants and Anti-Perspirants Scented Shampoo and Conditioner, Hair Spray, Hair Gel and Mousse, and Hair Color Scented Nail Polish and Remover Scented Make-up Scented Anti-Bacterial Hand Wipes or Hand Sanitizer Other Scented Toiletries
Personal Care Products to Use Instead
Scent - use essential oils if tolerated or eliminate perfume Fragrance Free Products - soaps, shampoo, conditioner, and bath products Lotion - use unscented versions or natural oils such as jojoba, coconut, and olive oil Shaving Cream - soap Aftershave - witch hazel or hydrogen peroxide Deodorant - peroxide, natural salt crystal, baking soda, unscented deodorants Hair Styling - aloe vera gel, lemon juice Hair Color - natural variations, peroxide to bleach, all natural henna for color Shampoo / Conditioner - unscented variations, baking soda, vinegar, citric acid, oils Nail Polish and Remover - safer variations from a health food store or go au natural Make-up - unscented, natural variations or go au natural
References
1. Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA). Fragrance Free! Creating a Safe Health Care Environment. Courseserver.com. 2007. http://www.courseserver.com/mna/
2. Steinemann AC. Fragranced consumer products and undisclosed ingredients. Environ Impact Asses Rev (2008), doi:10.1016/j.eiar.2008.05.002.
Chruch
Why Go Perfume Free to Church?
Government Regulations
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Fragrance Free Policy (Page 9, Item C)
Minnesota HB 2148, "Fragrance-Free Schools Pilot Project,"
Ingredients
EPA Toxic Reference Database (to search by name of ingredient)
FMA Air Freshener Fragrance Ingredient Survey Results, March 2009 (PDF File)
Publications
Fragrance Alters Mood and Brain Chemistry - Health Risks and Environmental Issues
Fragrance Chemicals as Toxic Substances
Organizations
Fragranced Products Information Network
Sample Policies
Challenge Charter School, Glendale, Arizona
Seminars
Massachusetts Nursing Association Webinar: "Fragrance Free! Creating a Safe Healthcare Environment"
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"When you choose to use fragrances, chemicals, or pesticides, You are not simply making a choice for yourself, You are making a choice for everyone around you." MCS America |
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This site is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace the examination, diagnosis and treatment of a licensed physician and no such claims are inferred. MCS America will not be responsible for misuse of this information or the misuse of any information provided by it’s member organizations. Articles, citations, links and information are not necessarily the opinion of MCS America and printing does not constitute endorsement.
Email: admin@mcs-america.org |
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