While fragrances may smell wonderful, studies conducted by the National Academy of Sciences show that more than 95 percent of the chemicals used to create those sweet odors can potentially cause serious bodily harm. Due to concerns about the possible dangers of chemically-based fragrances, some school districts and employers throughout the United States have required a "fragrance-free" environment.
Allergies and Asthma
Fragrances not only potentially cause allergies and asthma in some who choose to wear them, but also may be as dangerous to others as secondhand smoke, according to both Medical News Today and EcoMall. Perfumes have contributed to a type of allergy known as chemical sensitivity; people with chemical sensitivities to fragrances can suffer from severe migraines, allergy symptoms and asthma attacks when exposed to even a minute amount of perfume on another person.
One of the primary ingredients used in most fragrances and similar products, acetone, can cause sore throats, dry mouth, nausea and, in some people, comas. Another popular perfume ingredient, ethanol, also can cause irritation to the eyes and upper respiratory system along with symptoms such as drowsiness.
Central Nervous System Disorders
Central nervous system disorders can result from some of the chemicals included in fragrances, according to the Citizens for a Toxic-Free Marin. Members of that organization analyzed Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. House of Representatives reports and comprised a list of the 20 chemicals most often found in fragrances. Some of the ingredients like benzene derivatives can also potentially cause birth defects and cancer, according to the report published on EcoMall.
Environmental Dangers
Research conducted through Stanford University shows that the chemicals associated with fragrances in household and beauty products are potentially dangerous for the planet, according to the Christian Science Monitor. Mussels were exposed to some of the dyes used in popular fragrances and absorbed the dye, according to the study. The program, sponsored through a California Sea Grant, claims that the cells of mussels and human beings are similar; thus the potential danger to people might be significant.
Also, sewage treatments do not remove the chemicals associated with fragrances from bodies of water throughout the world. Countries such as Japan have banned chemicals such as musk xylene from being used to produce beauty and fragrance items. But in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the cosmetic industry, according to Medical News Today.
