By Matt Weafer
Sure they smell nice sometimes. But they are one of the most common carcinogens exposed to humans on a daily basis.
"Fragrances" refers to the ingredient listed in thousands of non-perishable cleaning and hygienic products on the market.
Manufacturers use fragrances in laundry detergents, window cleaners, oven cleaners, furniture polishes, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, body soaps, and deodorants and, of course, in its most concentrated forms, perfumes, colognes, body sprays, scented candles and air fresheners.
Ingredients commonly found in manufactured fragrances have been linked to cancer and asthma and pose serious risks to young children and unborn babies.
In 2007, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) tested household air fresheners and found phthalates in more than a dozen brands out of 14, including some marked "unscented" or "all-natural." Phthalates damage the reproductive system and interrupt normal development by mimicking the body's hormones.
The two products that contained no phthalates were Febreeze Air Effects and Renuzit Subtle Effects.
In 2005, Greenpeace funded a study of 36 random perfumes and colognes, which concluded that all of the fragrances contained significant amounts of known hazardous chemicals, including synthetic musks and phthalates.
The California Air Resources Board released a 2006 study of household cleaners and air fresheners; the report found chemicals classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as hazardous air pollutants in the products.
The University of Washington in Seattle determined that six popular brands of air fresheners contained nearly 100 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that were not listed on the ingredients lists; ten of the VOCs are regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws.
Fragrances are difficult to regulate because of the variety of products on the market and because ingredients in fragrances are protected as trade secrets, so manufacturers do not have to list ingredients.
The EPA reports, "No single federal agency has jurisdiction over all products that have a fragrance or the different types of fragrances (chemical mixtures) that may be used in particular products."
The Greenpeace study reported that "regular use of perfumes could substantially contribute to individuals' daily exposure to these chemicals, some of which have already been recorded as contaminants in blood and breast milk."
The EPA's current stance on fragrances is that the issue is controversial; some consumers complain that fragrances irritate skin, complicate breathing and cause other discomfort while other consumers report pleasant experiences and attribute health benefits such as reducing stress to the fragrances (aromatherapy).
In spite of the controversy, the EPA continues to monitor research on the subject.
As most fragrances cover up existing odors, the best way to avoid toxic fragrances is to not use air fresheners or products with fragrances at all, but to eliminate the odor by cleaning or increasing air circulation.
Many natural and home-made cleaning products are easy to mix or are inexpensive.
Baking soda absorbs acidic odors and vinegar defuses alkalinic odors. The Internet offers a profuse supply of recipes for home-made cleaning products.
Fresh fruit, flowers and herbs emit powerful aromas. Slice open an orange or place some freshly clipped mint or spearmint in a vase.
Use laundry detergents and fabric softeners without scents and avoid air fresheners altogether, including oil diffusers, plug-ins, sprays and gels.
Research perfumes, colognes and deodorants to find safe alternatives.
In a world plagued by cancer and consumed by artificial ingredients and man-made chemicals, why increase your exposure to harmful toxins by squirting more of these pollutants around your home?
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