For those interested in the chemicals used in fragrances.
80-90% of all chemicals used in the fragrance industry are synthetic compounds, made mostly from petro chemicals. There are many, many aldehydes and other not so nice chemicals in them. The fragrance industry will tell you that they are regulated by the FDA which is true. But this is what the regulation consists of. The word "fragrance" must be put on the label of any product that something is put in for the purpose of giving it an odor. If fragrance chemicals are used to mask the odor of other ingredients then the word "fragrance" does not have to be put on the label. Most companies list "masking fragrance" in this case, but are not required by law.
Since fragrance formulas are trade secrets the companies do not have to reveal even to the FDA the chemicals used in their products. There a few chemicals that are banned by law. One such chemical that was banned in 1989 was still showing up in products in 1991. There is no required safety testing on fragrances chemicals or the mixture of chemicals used in fragrances. A fragrance formula may have as few as 10 ingredients or hundreds.
Many of the chemicals used in fragrances are also used as additives to cigarettes to enhance flavor, are gasoline additives, and some are the same chemicals that are used in pesticides. Most all of the chemicals are listed as respiratory irritants. Some are listed as possible carcinogens and others are neurotoxins. Others are sensitizers.
I have sources for all this if anyone wants to check it out for themselves.
Betty
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