Fragrance Chemicals Toxic To Many, One Study Finds

It's not the chemicals per se but rather our own bodies that react differently. Having said that, there are chemicals more troubling than others (The European Union is considering banning 100 ingredients)  

According to one report, "Secret Scents: How Hidden Fragrance Allergens Harm Public Health," by Women's Voices for the Earth found fragrance in household and personal care products was one of the most frequently identified allergens. This is a 5 billion dollar business where companies are not required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Environmental Protection Agency to disclose fragrance ingredients, it is difficult for dermatologists to pinpoint specific fragrance allergens among the hundreds of ingredients that make up a scent, the report said. Beyond skin issues, many people—kids and parents alike—have respiratory reactions, too. Find the complete infographic here.

I think those are very unsexy health affects that needs to be examined. It's not about perfume anymore whereas most people learn it's close to impossible avoid fragrance. Fragrance is ever present in most of our day to day products, it can be found in 96 percent of shampoos, 91 percent of antiperspirants and 95 percent of shaving products--there you go the one item men indulge in. With these high numbers, it is hard to avoid products with these allergens, when they aren't clearly listed in the product ingredients.

It seems that women are 200 percent to 300 percent more likely to have fragrance allergies than men, the report said. Alexandra Scranton, director of science and research for Women's Voices for the Earth, said fragrance allergy usually manifested itself in the form of red bumps, blisters, itchiness and blotchiness of the skin and frequent exposure to fragrance allergens can lead to chronic dermatitis. Fragrance can also exacerbate asthma.

Those allergies come at a cost to the individual and to the health care system as the report has concluded. I am not all that worried, my rule is if something is bothering you and if you can pinpoint the association stop using it. You can also get patch-tested to verify the allergy connection if you so wish.