As usual, I suggest you do your own research and remember I really do not endorse any product, service, or therapy and none is intended or implied. I simply inform you of my experiences or helpful information I've come across. I bring you this information as a service. -- barb
Folks, Fabric Softeners are their own particular type of evil, but remember that for any scented product, it is the fragrance that is volatilizing and causing you problems. For some of the chemicals found in fragrances, you can check out the . . .
A personal note. Back in the early 1990s, when I first learned that I had MCS (the disability that cannot say its name out loud), I worked with Julia Kendall to get her efforts into one-page flyers. That was in the days before the Internet became our friend. Since then, a lot of information has become available on the harmful effects of fabric softeners and other fragrances derived from petrochemicals, but for some reason, the buying public doesn't quite understand the harmful effects for the primary user, let alone for the secondary and tertiary users. And then, add to that the health of our planet . . . and all the animals with whom we share this planet, and we've got a major problem on our hands, lurking behind benign sounding words like "fragrance" and "flavor."
Please start looking at labels! If you see words like "natural" or "flavor" or "fragrance" be a wise shopper and leave the product on the store shelf. Then and only then will the industry get the message that we want, need, deserve, safer products. -- barb
For some of the latest information on the harmful effects of products such as fabric softeners, please see the recent works of Anne C. Steinemann, PhD, UW, starting with: Fragranced consumer products and undisclosed ingredients (2008) http://www.ce.washington.edu/people/faculty/bios/documents/Steinemann2008.pdf
Put a piece of aluminum foil in your dryer.
Pin a safetypin to the hem of your dress, slip, pants (inside leg).
Or, add baking soda OR vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washer.
Cheap. Reusable. These tips work. MCSers use them.
IF you too suffer negative health effects when neighbors' fabric softeners permeate the ambient air, please inform YOUR local Air Resources Board (Calif: Consumer Products Enforcement Program http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/consprod.htm), and the U.S. Consumer
Products Safety Commission by going to their "Report Unsafe Products" page. Also try informing the EPA, for they are interested in air pollution and these chemical concoctions pollute the air for blocks from the site of the user(s).
I am definitely sympathetic to your complaints, for I suffer serious adverse reactions to even light fabric softeners on the ambient air . . . It took me a long time to figure out the source of my collapses to sidewalk and street -- scaring the everlovin' out of a driver and often hurting myself with scrapes and bruises, but fortuneately, never breaking a bone. And during that same timeframe, I suffered severe intermittent numbing from temple to jaw bone on the right side of my face.
While working on Julia Kendall's "Questions to Ponder" -- making a flyer of her work on fabric softeners . . . there it was, "numbness on the side of the face." I protected myself from the stronger odors of fabric softener in the neighborhood and the numbing went away. When my
husband caught me by my elbow and yelled, "PUT YOUR MASK ON!," we both learned that I was reacting to even extraordinarily light hint of of fabric softner on the ambient air. From that day forward, I've not fallen. And yes, fabric softeners enter my house unbidden if I've got my windows open; even upon opening the front door for someone to leave. I must take
precaution in my own home. How "personal" is someone's deicision to use fabric softeners, after all? For my money, the use of fragranced products is all too public! There outta be a law.
But, for all of my complaints about my body's reactions, that doesn't hold a candle to my main concern about the use of highly scented products, including perfumes, air "fresheners," deodorizers, topped off by scented detergents and fabric softeners whose chemicals continue to volatilize or outgas for weeks, months . . . and all the more so, the warmer they are.
Let's look at putting an infant down to bed. Perhaps his or her parent or caregiver is highly scented and perhaps the room has air "fresheners" in it. And, what if the baby's clothing and bedding have been laundered in highly scented detergents and fabric softeners, for the parents believe that baby needs "clean," "fresh" and SOFT fabric next to his or her skin? For industry advertising has told them so!
Remember, scents don't clean and scents don't freshen; they do pollute. So, if babies are put to sleep on their tummies, the way babies have slept from time out of mind -- best for lung, chest and upper back development -- their little noses are literally sucking up the toxins directly
into their little brains.
Fabric softeners are certainly a harmful nusience to my body, but I have gotten nowhere fast contacting agencies. One person complaining to an agency accomplishes nothing. One person complaing to another accomplishes nothing. We ALL must file complaints with agencies whose job it is is to protect public health. It's as simple as that for the FIRST step. Let's get this ball rolling.
CPSC's Report Unsafe Products page http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html
If you have a question of CPSC, please email them at info@cpsc.gov
EPA's Chemicals in the Household Problem and alternatives chart. The same tip for softened fabrics that Julia and I've been giving for years: Add vinegar OR baking soda to final rinse. -- barb http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/edresources/chem_h.html
Fabric Softener Adverse Experiences
Again (March 2001), the industry reps told me they NEVER get a complaint
about fabric softners. Not only have I contacted the industry, but also the
CPSC. Apparently my information has never been cataloged by industry or
government (I asked for a print out of complaints).
So, folks, tell it to the Consumer Products Safety Commission -- again.
Maybe if they hear from enough of us often enough, they will get the
idea that one individual's personal choice to use the TRADE
SECRET-PROTECTED toxic chemicals in fabric softeners, should
not become the neighborhood's polluted air to breathe. Telephone
1-800-638-2772; press 1; press 999 or by CDC's website 'Consumer
Product Incident Report' form at https://www.cpsc.gov/incident.html
Be sure to mention your CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM reactions,
allergies aren't given priority. And in the case of chemical injury, the term
"allergy" is a misnomer anyway.
Anderson Labs Fabric softeners: Respiratory toxicity of fabric softener emissions
Rosalind Anderson Ph.D. and Julius Anderson M.D.-Ph.D. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 60:124-136, 2000. http://www.andersonlaboratories.com/alweb23e.htm
Chemical Week Air Products.
(price increase)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included); Nov 10, 1999
"Air Products will increase its alkyl alkanolamines prices by 8%, effective from November 1. They are used in water treatment, coatings, gas treatment, and fabric softeners. "
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m3066/1999_Nov_10/57443403/print.jhtml
Consumer Products Safety Commission
NEWS from CPSC -- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ý
October 15, 1976 Ý
Release # 76-071
CPSC Denies Petition To Ban Fabric Softener "Bounce"
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 15) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today it has denied a petition to ban the fabric softener "Bounce" because of possible skin irritancy.
However, the matter of cautionary labeling for the purpose of warning and instructing users of Bounce and similar fabric softeners is under continuing review. The Commissioners have instructed the staff to investigate the irritancy and flammability properties of Bounce and other comparable products and to report those findings to the Commission.
The petition was considered under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act which also provides for cautionary labeling of products if the CPSC determines that labels are needed to alert consumers to the possibility of skin irritancy or flammability or other such hazards.
CPSC was asked to ban "Bounce," manufactured by Procter and Gamble, in a petition received May 4, 1976, from the Empire State Consumer Association, Inc., of Rochester, New York.
In denying the petition, the CPSC said that from the information available, it could not be shown that Bounce was likely to cause substantial personal injury or substantial illness to such a degree that a ban is necessary to protect the public health. http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml76/76071.html
1976. . . don't you think there is more than enough information now available on the harmful respiratory and neurological effects posed by fabric softeners that the Consumer Products Safety Commission should think again on the subject of fabric softeners? The only other news I could find from CPSC regarding fabric softeners, was the recall of the Snuggle® Teeny Bean Bears, May 10, 2001. -- barb http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01146.html
DelCon S-2569P - Technical Brief
"...Formaldehyde is a less expensive alternative. The general trend, however, has been
to exclude the use of this material. ..." http://www.seabrook-usa.com/S-2569P.htm
Environmental Justice Action in Southern Africa
The household toxic tour
The Laundry & Cleaning Cupboards
"... Fabric softeners can contain ammonia (see below), petroleum distillates and very strong artificial fragrances, which can irritate the skin, cause stuffy noses and they make clothes highly flammable.Ý Fabric softeners may also contain chloroform, benzyl acetate and pentane that are known to cause cancer and/or damage to lungs, brain, and nerves. These chemicals are even more dangerous when heated in a tumble dryer. ( Use a safe alternative) ..." (Safe alternative: "Fabric Softener - add half to three-quarters of a cup of bicarbonate soda to the wash. "
http://www.groundwork.org.za/Resources/laundry.htm
Fabric Softeners
This is an excerpt from the book, North American Diet!
"Fabric softeners use an oily residue to cut down on static cling. Because it is not washed or rinsed from the clothes, a high concentration remains next to your skin and is being continuously absorbed into the bloodstream. Ammonia propellants and powerfully, strong synthetic fragrances can cause irritation, stuffy noses and watery eyes.
"The air inside your home is an extension of your lungs. You eat approximately two to three pounds of food per day, drink about three pounds of liquid, and breathe 15 pounds of air. You can live 40 days without food, three days without water, but only three minutes without air. ..." http://www.healthrecipes.com/fabric_softeners.htm
Fabric Softeners = Health Risks From Dryer Exhaust and Treated Fabrics
by Julia Kendall (1935 - 1997), distributed by EHN as a one-page flyer at tabling events http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/ehnfs.htm
Neighborhood Health Notice!
'Walk Around The Block' Can Mean 'Symptoms Around the Clock'
By: Dr. Gloria Gilbere
EHN web-posted by permission of Dr. Gilbere
Kootenai Valley Times, October 13, 2000 http://users.lanminds.com/~wilworks/drgilbere/ggart11.htm
It's Personal! -- A conversation with an air quality district's representative at Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) regarding fabric
softeners on the ambient air
By Barb Wilkie; Mar - Aug 1996; Vol 6, No. 2 http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/newreact/itspersl.htm
NewsTarget.com Warning: many dryer sheets contain cancer causing chemicals
Posted Sunday, December 05, 2004 by Mike Adams
"America has a love affair with artificial fragrance and products that contain it. The amount of fragrance that goes into the average household in America is absolutely astounding. It¼s found in all sorts of products but one of the most common is dryer sheets. As it turns out, dryer sheets are absolutely loaded with artificial fragrance. In fact, they serve more of a function of perfume sheets than any other practical function in the dryer. ..." http://www.NewsTarget.com/002693.html
On the positive side with cationic surfactants.
(includes related articles)(Focus: Soaps & Detergents 98)
Author/s: Dan Scheraga; Chemical Market Reporter; Jan 26, 1998
" ... Fabric softeners are the largest use for cationic surfactants, accounting for 23 percent of global cationic consumption ..." http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0FVP/n4_v253/20215390/print.jhtml
STD Information Guide
'... Try not to use scented laundry soap, bleach or fabric softeners. Chemicals in scented laundry soap can cause yeast infections. Bleach in your clothes may harm the friendly bacteria that stop Candida from taking over. Also, fabric softeners stop moisture from escaping, keeping the skin damp and more likely for yeast to grow. ..." http://www.healthinitiative.org/html/hiv/std/vaginal-candiasis.HTM
Do Vaccinations Lead To Sudden Infant Deaths?
"All truth goes through three stages. First it is revealed. Then it is
violently opposed. Finally it is accepted as self-evident." -Schoepenhouer
By Carol SterrittThe Coastal Post - February 2000 SIDS-fabric softener link... ??? Do fabric softeners . . . do vaccinations . . .does the
combination lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome? Read Carol Sterritt. -- barb http://www.coastalpost.com/00/2/04.htm
FAIR - Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting In a search, I've found 47 documents listed on the subject of Stossel. Of course, they cover many more topics. This is a great site ... I hope you bookmark it on your own computers. -- barb
ABC's Junk Science - Victor Neufeld's Anti-Environmental Spin Continues By Karl Grossman; Extra! Update, June 1994
"Victor Neufeld, 20/20's executive producer, whose wife is a PR agent who
has represented the nuclear, chemical and plastics industries, has
continued to steer the show away from environmental stories. ..." http://www.fair.org/extra/9406/neufeld-stossel.html
ABC's John Stossel
"I started out by viewing the marketplace as a cruel place, where you need intervention by
government and lawyers to protect people. But after watching the regulators work, I have
come to believe that markets are magical and the best protectors of the consumer. It is my
job to explain the beauties of the free market."
--ABC News correspondent John Stossel (Oregonian, 10/26/94) http://www.fair.org/media-outlets/stossel.html
Myths FAQ: 10 big myths about copyright explained
"... For example, in the USA, almost everything created privately after April 1, 1989 is
copyrighted and protected whether it has a notice or not. The default you should
assume for other people's works is that they are copyrighted and may not be copied
unless you *know* otherwise. ..." http://www.netmeg.net/faq/law/copyright/myths/
Occupational Acute Anaphylactic Reaction to Assault by Perfume Spray in the Face
by James E. Lessenger, MD, From a private practice. Trust me! You can suffer asthma -- at the very least -- as well as severe migraines, dizziness, and an anaphylactic reaction from perfume being sprayed at your doorways, just outside your room; from scented individuals sashaying through your office space -- happened to me and
they had no other reason than to spread their scent; as a result of a highly scented HR manager determined to "visit" the chemically injured while loaded with her favorite scented product or call in the chemically injured for a myriad of useless meetings; from staff wearing their favorite scented products . . . Talk about a hostile work environment! This behavior should not be tolerated . . . yet it was participated in by management in my former workplace. And in those days, the EEOC saw nothing wrong with it ... MCS was not sufficiently recognized and, from my personal experience, neither was asthma! -- barb http://www.familypractice.com/references/referencesframe.htm?main=/journal/2001/v14.n02/1402.07/art-1402.07.htm
Families USA
"Families USA is a national nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health and long-term care for all Americans. Working at the national, state and community levels, we have earned a national reputation as an effective voice for health care consumers for over 15 years. " http://www.familiesusa.org/html/about/about.htm
Farms / Farmers Unlike mainstream media, when I use the word "farms" (or "framers"), I am not thinking in terms of AGRIBUSINESS. I'm thinking of the small farms, organic farms, and all of the people doing the actual farm work.
I spent four years with my family, during my early teens, living and working on a farm in southeast Missouri, in the Ozark Mountains. I know what it is like to go to a one-room school house, to do homework by lamplight, to use a "two-seater," to walk a mile and six tenths to school in all kinds of weather, to bring in the herd of cattle stranded out in the front 80 in a freak snsow storm as my mother and I walked sideways to make a path by stomping down a foot of snow to get the bell cow to follow . . . I know drought and having to get the hay in with temps ranging over 110 degrees F, I also know racing against severe rain storms to get the hay in . . . I know mucking out the barn, collecting the eggs, running to get help for a heifer who couldn't birth her calf, I know gathering the berries and mushrooms, gardening, and putting up produce and fruits . . . I don't know the use of pesticides as my parents used "natural" means of
farming. For the record, I was far healthier while living on the farm than I ever was when lving in St. Louis, where I was born and raised, and to which I've returned twice in my life
to live . . . once for my senior year of high school and then again during adulthood.-- barb
California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation
2210 "K" Street, Suite 201
Sacramento, CA 95816
916-446-7901 http://www.crlaf.org/crlafdoc.htm
The Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment
631 Howard Street, Suite 350,
San Francisco, California, 94105
415. 495.8990
"The CRPE is an outgrowth of CRLAF's work in helping to fashion a substantial
part of the legal element of the national environmental justice movement. " http://www.crlaf.org/crpe.htm
The Pesticides & Worker Safety Project
2210 "K" Street, Suite 201
Sacramento, California, 95816
916.446.7904, x-19
"The Pesticides & Worker Safety Project provides technical assistance, advocacy support and direct legal representation to farm workers adversely affected by substandard health and safety practices. ..." http://www.crlaf.org/pwsp.htm
The Rural Health Advocacy Institute
1020 15th Street, Suite 11
Modesto, California, 95254
209.549.7889
"The RHAI was begun in 1994 to address the health problems of farm workers
and the rural poor of California. " http://www.crlaf.org/rhai.htm
Fields of Poison: California Farmworkers and Pesticides
" This 1999 report by PANNA, United Farm Workers, California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation, and Californians for Pesticide Reform reveals that California farmworkers face a greater risk of pesticide poisonings than any other segment of
the population. Includes an introduction to the problems related to pesticide exposure by California farmworkers, an analysis of pesticide exposure and poisonings amongst farmworker communities, a review of the effectiveness of current pesticide enforcement laws, and recommendations for the state with regards to protection farmworkers from pesticides. http://www.panna.org/panna/resources/documents/fieldsAvail.dv.html
"The California Department of Food Agriculture (CDFA) has endorsed the use of the nerve toxin carbaryl and other synthetic pesticides to control glassy-winged sharpshooter, an insect that spreads Pierce's disease to grapes. Meanwhile, with financial support from the USDA, growers in Southern California are using a wide variety of insecticides to attempt to knock down sharpshooter populations to manageable levels in areas where it is already established.
"These chemically based approaches are flawed because:
Pesticides endanger human health and the environment.
Insecticides are unlikely to bring the sharpshooter below its economic threshold because it damages crops by spreading disease rather than consuming the plant.
Broad-spectrum insecticides kill beneficial insects, including parasites and predators of sharpshooters and other pests. This creates an ecological vacuum that will create more pest problems in the future. ..."
Steve Tvedten's Letters to the EPA and Dept. of Pesticide Regulation, along with News, Articles and Opinions on the issues surrounding the growing human cost of "registered" pesticide use. http://www.safe2use.com/ca-ipm/_vti_bin/shtml.exe/archives.htm
Why Science Can't Prove a Pesticide is Safe Honest to God, at a meeting regarding the GWSS workplan for Alameda County, California, Tuesday April 10, before the Board of Supervisors, a fellow actually used that old Monsanto line (reportedly used for Roundup), "pesticides are safer than table salt." AND, the two of us speaking for using non-toxic means of control were labled EMOTIONAL, while their pleas for the use of pesticides were SOUND SCIENCE. Let me assure anyone reading this, THEY
were emotional. We were pleading for the health of the people and the environment . . . if that's emotional, so be it. -- barb http://www.safe2use.com/ca-ipm/01-04-11c.htm
White Papers Available in PDF format or available through links to other sites. -- barb http://www.ufw.org/paper.htm
Examples:
Cancer Incidence in the United Farmworkers of America (UFW), 1987-1997, Cancer Registry of Central California (CRCC), November 2001
Fields of Poison: CA farmworkers and pesticides/Campos
envenenados: Los trabajadores agricolas y los pesticidas en CA
Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR), Pesticide Action Network North America
(PANNA), United Farm Workers (UFW), California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation (CRLAF), June 1999
And one of my favorite pieces, which has nothing to do with pesticides per se, is The Guy In the Glass by Dale Wimbrow, (c) 1934. But by making this
available to you, with the blessings of Mr. Wimbrow's progeny, I'm certainly making
an editorial comment. -- barb http://users.lmi.net/wilworks/ehnlinx/guyglass.htm
FEDERAL & POSTAL EMPLOYEES OUTREACH...Assistance and Talk List Workers' Compensation-OWCP-Disability Retirement-EEO-MSPB-NLRB-Etc. There's so much on this page, do visit it ... barb http://expage.com/owcp
Federal Register, defined.
"A daily compilation of federal regulations and legal notices, presidential proclamations and executive orders, federal agency documents having general applicability and legal effect, documents required to be published by act of Congress, and other federal agency documents of public interest; prepared by the National Archives and Records Administration for public distribution by the Government Printing Office; publication of record for ED regulations. " http://www.pt3.org/grantmanagement/glossary.html#f
Gulf War Illnesses: Federal Research Strategy Needs Reexamination, Statement of Donna Heivilin, Director of Planning and Reporting, National Security and International Affairs Division, is a 1998 publication of the United States General
Accounting Office. Called into question the government's methodology and data
used in defining, and treating Gulf War illnesses. The report details the following:
The government was not proactive in researching Gulf War illnesses;
The government's early research emphasized stress as a cause for Gulf War
veterans' illnesses and gave other hypotheses, such as multiple chemical
sensitivity, little attention; [emphasis added]
In contrast, the private sector pursued research on the health effects of
low-level exposures to certain chemical warfare agents or industrial
chemical compounds;
Government research used an epidemiological approach, but little research
on treatment was funded; and
Most of the ongoing epidemiological research focusing on the prevalence
or causes of Gulf War-related illnesses will not provide conclusive answers,
particularly in identifying risk factors or potential causes due to formidable
methodological and data problems.
FedWorkersComp.net (aka FedupFeds)
"A growing grassroots reform movement, a comprehensive website resource, and a
membership mailing list for self help, networking, and information, all of this by and
for injured federal workers. No dues, no fees, ever." (The information available can serve everyone, not just injured fed workers. -- barb) http://www.fedworkerscomp.net/
Chemical Food Additive Exposure During Pregnancy
Author: Richard W. Pressinger (M.Ed.)
Links to Learning Disabilities, ADD and Behavior Disorders
FeingoldÆ Association of the United States http://www.feingold.org/links1.html
MCS: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Reprinted from PURE FACTS: Adapted from April 1992, Vol. 16, Nos. 1, 3. http://www.feingold.org/mcs.shtml
Perfume and Fragrance Exposure During Pregnancy
Fragrance Exposure Causes Aggression Hyperactivity and Nerve Damage
Richard W. Pressinger (M.Ed.)
Neurotoxicology, Volume 1:221-237, 1979
"One fragrance chemical used in perfumes, colognes, soaps, detergents and cosmetics has been found to damage brain tissue in the laboratory animals tested. The compound, called acetyl ethyl tetramethyl tetralin (AETT), was commonly used in the above mentioned consumer products until scientists realized the chemical demonstrated serious neurotoxic properties. In fact, the chemical was in widespread use as a fragrance component in cosmetic, toiletry and soap products for a period of 22 years before the problem was detected. The first laboratory evidence of a problem came after researchers detected repeated percutaneous exposure to AETT in rats resulted in an extraordinary blue discoloration of the skin and internal organs, followed by behavioral changes and degeneration of the white matter in the brain. Upon realizing the potential harm from this compound, the fragrance industry voluntarily discontinued its use. This action was accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) early in 1978."
FeingoldÆ Association of the United States Fragrance: There is more to meet the nose than just scent! -- barb wilkie http://www.feingold.org/links1.html
"Annette Green, [former] executive director of the Fragrance Foundation in New York, has said the restrictions are much ado about nothing, arguing perfume does not
pollute the air and does not contain carcinogens, as cigarettes do."
[Emphasis added as I wonder, who is kidding whom?]
See: "Scent-Sensitive Nurse Sues LDS"
BY MICHAEL VIGH
THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, Tuesday, October 15, 2002 http://www.sltrib.com/2002/oct/10152002/utah/7273.htm
Some Research on Fragrances - Last update 01/20/2002 This webpage contains not only links to valuable information, but helpful comments too. -- barb http://www.feingold.org/research_fragrances.html
Trouble may begin in the grocery cart !
Did you know that the brand of ice cream, cookie and potato chip you select, and the type of fruit or vegetable you choose, can have a direct effect on your behavior, health, and ability to learn? That your irritability, hyperactivity, headaches, asthma or hives could be triggered by certain chemicals in the products you buy? http://feingold.org/home.html
WHAT'S WRONG WITH COLOGNE?
============================== Fragrance: There is more to meet the nose than just scent! -- barb wilkie http://www.feingold.org/05-2000.html
" Here we will suggest something not to buy Dad -- cologne or after shave.....
"While it is true that people have been wearing perfumes for thousands of years, you can bet that they were not wearing the same chemicals being cooked up in the fragrance labs of today.
Red Alert.(health hazards of tampons)
Author/s: Leora Tanenbaum; Vegetarian Times; Dec, 1998
"...Studies conducted by the sanitary product industry have found that lurking within
tampons are trace amounts of dioxin, a chemical deemed a probable carcinogen by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ..." http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0820/1998_Dec/53445330/print.jhtml
Warning: Your tampon may be hazardous to your health.
RESEARCH REGARDING RISKS POSED BY DIOXIN, SYNTHETIC FIBERS, AND OTHER ADDITIVES IN FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS Includes fragrances! Go into Thomas, and key in the word "fragrance" in the "word/phrase box"
and hit search. Or use the number "HR 360" in the "Bill by number" box and hit search. -- barb http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.html
Even advocate of using waste in fertilizer wants tighter laws
by Duff Wilson; Seattle Times staff reporter; Sunday, July 20, 1997
" One of the nation's most prominent advocates of recycling industrial wastes
into fertilizer now says the practice should be better regulated.
"Rufus Chaney, a federal scientist whose research is touted by the industry to
defend the presence of heavy metals and toxic chemicals in fertilizers, says a
recent Seattle Times investigation showed the need for regulatory change.
Fibromyalgia (FM) Many of us who live with MCS, also live with FM. One of the things all of us should consider is reducing the number of superfluous toxins in our lives . . . and the lives of our children and pets. My FM is activated by encounters with synthetic fragrances volatilizing from products worn or used by others, just as is my "adult onset acne" and my asthma, et. al.
I suggest that everyone living with ADD, Autism, CIFDS, CFS, GWS, FM, ME , MCS, et al., make a concerted effort to keep one's life as free from synthetic fertilizers, flavors, fragrances, pesticides and other consumer products with high-emitting VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
In public venues, you have a right to breathe -- believe it or not! -- so ask for your public entity to institute fragrance-free programs for personal care and to use fragrance-free cleaning and maintenance products, and promote true Integrated Pest Management practices (least toxic pesticides used only as a last resort!). There is nothing in fragrance-free policies that says you don't have to be clean. Clean is not defined by a concoction of petrochemicals to create a scent, except by the fragrance industry in its ads.
Use the information provided in EHN's petition of the US Food and Drug Administration,
Docket 99P-1340 to document your requests for cleaner air. The Analysis Summary was
performed by a reputable laboratory . . . those chemicals were discovered. And, please write the FDA. Analysis Summary:http://www.ehnca.org/FDApetition/analysis.htm
Fibrohugs
"Fibrohugs is a friendly and supportive place where sufferers of Fibromyalgia Syndrome, their families and friends, can come for tough love, gentle hugs, and lifelong friendships. This is a place to learn about fibromyalgia, and ways we can help ourselves to fight this horrid disease. You'll find many supportive people on our Message Forums with whom you can ask questions, talk about problems, or just have a friendly shoulder to cry on. We also have multiple Chat Rooms where you can talk to other FMS'ers live. http://fibrohugs.com
Fibromyalgia Syndrome Improved Using a Mostly Raw Vegetarian Diet:
An Observational Study
by Michael S. Donaldson, Neal Speight, and Stephen Loomis -- ImmuneSupport.com; 10-24-2001 http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm?ID=3159
National ME/FM Action Network
[A] Canadian registered charitable organization dedicated to helping people
who suffer from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and
Fibromyalgia (ME/FM) through support, advocacy, education, research and the
publishing of a bi-monthly newsletter. http://www3.sympatico.ca/me-fm.action/
What your doctor may NOT tell you about fibromyalgia Introducing a new book by the medical team who discovered
THE GUAIFENESIN PROTOCOL FOR FIBROMYALGIA http://www.guaidoc.com/
Visitor and Tour Info
"Admission fees are $10 per adult and $1 for children under 12. Children under 2 are free. Admission includes your self-guided, guided tour or Nature Hike. Filoli is wheelchair accessible in both the house and gardens; however, wheelchairs are not available for rental. Please inquire at the Tour Office for a map outlining the best tour route for wheelchairs. ... " http://www.filoli.org/visitor_gen.html
Dr. Cynthia Fincher
Author of Healthy Living in a Toxic World... great book -- barb
Healthy Living in a Toxic WorldThis site contains links to tips from Dr. Fincher's book.
NON-TOXIC SOLUTIONS; CLEANING PRODUCTS; PEST CONTROL; PERSONAL
PRODUCTS AND COSMETICS; OTHER TOPICS COVERED IN THE BOOK -- barb
"Living TAPESTRY is a ministry of The Invisible Connection
You may contact us at LivingTAPESTRY@whit.com " http://www.whit.com/tapestry/h-toxic.htm
Marjorie Fisher NOHA News - Nutrition for Optimal Health Association, Inc. Folks, look at the dates of these articles . . . oldies, but goodies. Why haven't our government
agencies been tuned in? By the way, all articles from the 80s are available online through
NOHA News. This is a great site to visit. -- barb http://www.nutrition4health.org/
Steven Fist
Contact details:
E-mail to Stewart Fist fist@ozemail.com.au
Address: 70 Middle Harbour Road,
LINDFIELD, NSW, 2070, Australia
Phone: +61 2 9416 7458 (H & W)
Facsimile: +61 2 9416 4582 Steven Fist is updating his website. I cannot find links to the two documents without bullets. -- barb
CDNN Cyber Diver News Network Do Flame Retardants Extinguish Sea Life?
by Helen Philips
"... The researchers find that the chemicals are perhaps even more persistent
than PCBs, and resist metabolic breakdown in tissues. ..." http://www.cdnn.info/article/pbb/pbb.html
Science News Burned by Flame Retardants?
Our bodies are accumulating chemicals from sofas, computers, and television sets Charlotte Schubert; Week of Oct. 13, 2001; Vol. 160, No. 15 http://www.sciencenews.org/20011013/bob18.asp
Flat-head Babies Why not give up highly scented detergents, fabric softeneres, air "fresheners," perfumes, and other scented personal care and cleaning and maintenance products? Perhaps babies could sleep in their natural position, on their tummies, and with their little butts in the air and
not suffer ear aches, asthma and goodness knows what all, including the ultimate: SIDS.
What about all the research around SIDS? Have our government and medical industry experts ever studied the effect of the chemicals in synthetic scents upon babies? Heavens, purchase Video 1. Air fresheners and fragrance products ($25 for a five minute video), produced by Anderson Labs . . . look at the reactions suffered by the mice. See http://www.andersonlaboratories.com/
Think twice about putting YOUR baby down to sleep in clothing and bedding that is volatilizing (outgassing) the superfluous toxins found in synthetically scented detergents and fabric
softeners. Also, avoid using disinfectants (classificed as pesticides by the EPA) and air "fresheners"
in your baby's room and around your baby. Until our government agencies start acknowledging the public's right to know and properly informing the public . . . Caveat Emptor! -- barb
Flavors and Fragrances Flavors: There is more to meet the nose and palate than just scent and taste!
Fragrance: There is more to meet the nose than just scent! -- barb wilkie
Also see Fragrance Info http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/ehnlinx/f.htm#Fragrance
"Annette Green, [former] executive director of the Fragrance Foundation in New York, has said the restrictions are much ado about nothing, arguing perfume does not
pollute the air and does not contain carcinogens, as cigarettes do."
[Emphasis added as I wonder, who is kidding whom?]
See: "Scent-Sensitive Nurse Sues LDS"
BY MICHAEL VIGH
THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, Tuesday, October 15, 2002 http://www.sltrib.com/2002/oct/10152002/utah/7273.htm
American Academy of Dermatology Allergies: Culprit Could be in Cosmetic Bag
"... Dermatologists recommend that people who experience allergic contact dermatitis adhere to the following program to avoid some of the most probable offending agents, with specific patch testing performed once the dermatitis is clear:
-- For clothing care, double rinse all detergents and avoid all fabric softeners.
-- Try to wear pure, untreated cotton in light colors. Avoid permanent press or
cotton blends. Silk and polyester are acceptable.
-- Wash all new clothing items five times before wearing.
-- Use only fragrance-free soaps, body cleansers, shampoos and conditioners.
-- Avoid all perfumes, colognes, and after-shaves.
-- Do not use any fingernail care products or hair spray.
"The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential,
and most representative of all dermatologic associations. ..." Great advice as far as it goes. But, again, the subject of fragrances is being dealt with as if it is a problem unique to that one individual and all that one individual has to do is to AVOID
USING scented products. . It is the nature of this petrochemical beast to become one with the air we all must breathe.
To spell out the obvious: Our modern fragrances are volatile organic compounds, therefore they become the air we all must breathe. Synthetic scents are not tested for reactions to skin beyond those of the primary user.
When will our government agencies and health care societies begin to look at the fact that fragrances contain volatile chemicals that are known or suspected hormone disrupters, irritants, sensitizers, carcinogens, tertatogens and neurotoxins? Fragrances should be tested BEFORE marketing for their adverse effects upon users and nonusers who suffer adverse events at secondary and tertiary levels of exposure. Fragrances should be tested for their effects upon the reproductive systems of developing fetuses as well males and females of all ages. Fragrances should be researched for their effects upon the respiratory systems of users and non users; for their neurotoxic effects upon users and non users; for their potential cancer-causing capabilities for users and non users. Come to think of it, if there is synthetic scent in the air, we all are users!. -- barb http://www.newswise.com/articles/2000/3/ALLERGY.AAD.html
Aromor Flavors and Fragrances
".. Aromor is active in the production of Natural, Natural Identical and Synthetic raw materials
for the Flavor and Fragrances Industries. ..." http://www.aromor.com/
The Products
"BACIS offers the following Information Packages and Professional Tools for the
Flavour and Fragrance, and Food and Beverage Industries. ... " http://www.xs4all.nl/~bacis/bacispdi.html#PFC
BodytalkMagazine.com Perfume Headaches
" 'Hi, nice perfume you've drowned in!' Do you know people who absolutely douse themselves with perfume and just about kill everybody within a mile radius?" http://www.bodytalkmagazine.com/perfumeallergy.htm
Environmental Working Group As I see it, spinning off of the work Betty, several others and I did with Health Care Without Harm, came the information on cosmetics and fragrances by the EWG. As we brought info to the attention of HCWH through our working group, it first fed their website, and then we'd learn of EWG's reports such as Not Too Pretty and then suddenly, their Safe Cosmetics Campaign. All great efforts. Glad they could run with it . . . Wish more of you would learn from it. -- barb
Chronology of Cosmetics & Personal Care Products Content
February 2007 - EWG NEWS RELEASE:
"Fragrances Hide Toxic Chemical Ingredients -- A major loophole in federal law allows fragrance manufacturers to hide potentially hazardous chemicals in product scents, including substances linked to allergies, birth defects, and even cancer. ..." http://www.ewg.org/issues/siteindex/issues.php?issueid=5005
Not Too Pretty The report all pregnant women should read . . . more importantly, read if you are planning a pregnancy. Remember, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." -- barb http://www.nottoopretty.org/
European Flavours & Fragrances
" ... [T]he largest privately-owned International flavour and fragrance company with
full creative fragrance and flavour laboratories and technical support service in the
United Kingdom." http://www.eff-ware.com/profile.html
FDA and the European Commission's Enterprise Directorate General Bilateral Meeting
Cosmetics 'Breakout' Meeting; Brussels, Belgium; Summary http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cosint99.html
FDA Presentation
Transcript of address by Felicia Satchell, Consumer Safety Officer, F.D.A. July 15, 1995 - Celiac Disease Conference - University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland http://www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/fda-balt.html
Folks, the FDA doesn't abide by its own regulations, hence the Citizens' Petition, docket number 99P/1340. Join us in writing to the FDA about your adverse reactions. Please see EHN's FDA Petition with analyses well known fragrances. --barb http://www.ehnca.org/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm
Danish Environmental Protection Agency on fragrance products
4 Analytical methods - Mapping of chemical substances in air fresheners and
other fragrance liberating products http://www.mst.dk/chemi/01082704.htm
9 Scents -- Chemical substances in animal care products - Updated 09/06/04
"... Perfume allergy is an increasingly big consumer problem and a regulation within
this substance group is underway. At the moment, scents in cosmetics do not have to be declared. It is sufficient to state the substance group "perfume". In the coming amendment to the Cosmetics Directive, which is expected to be implemented in the Danish legislation in 2004, a number of likely sensitizing perfume substances must be stated on the INCI declaration. ... [Empahsis added.] Why are we in the USA not worthy of such information? Industry rules, we drool . . . and get asthma, cancers, eczema, migraines, etc., etc., etc. Remember, these products could be harmful to inhale, and if you are applying to your animal, or petting your animal, you, too, are in
contact. -- barb http://www.mst.dk/chemi/01083810.htm
The industry's response to Betty is available from the Fragrance Manufacturers Association
the folks who effectively fought Calif. labeling legislation and who assure you that the industry is "Providing the public with safe and wholesome fragrances and fragrance ingredients." -- barb http://www.fmafragrance.org
Flavors and fragrances: The chemistry challenges
A truly multidisciplinary approach is needed to provide consumers with the performance they expect while continuing to meet the regulatory challenges of the industry.
William L. Schreiber; Lewis G. Scharpf, Jr.; Ira Katz; CHEMTECH 1997, 27(3), 58-62 http://208.209.231.30/hotartcl/chemtech/97/mar/flav.html
Flavours and fragances of plant origin
"The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not
imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. . . ." M-37 ISBN 92-5-103648-9 http://www.fao.org/docrep/v5350e/V5350e00.htm
"Fragrance: emerging health and environmental concerns"
The entire article is available as a "preprint" from Betty Bridges' page: http://www.fpinva.org/FragranceReview.htm
Fragranced Products Information Network
The renowned site of my friend and colleague, Betty Bridges, RN It was the research of Betty Bridges, based on analyses she and I purchased, that began all the work on getting out the word about the true toxins with which your fragrances are made. Following us came the efforts of EWG and GreenPeace UK. http://www.fpinva.org
Huber, The Nose (The science behind your sense of smell ... which is the sense that is part of your food enjoyment!
So why load up on fragrances when dining out? Or Wine tasting? Or ever? Modern, synthetic scents are combinations of petrochemiccal derivatives. They are poisons sold without warning.-- barb) http://www.huber-research.com/science.htm
IFF REPORTS SALES AND EARNINGS FOR
FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2000
"New York, N.Y., January 29, 2001 --- International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
("IFF" or "the Company") reported sales for the fourth quarter totaled
$384,533,000;; [sic] sales for the full year 2000 totaled $1,462,795,000. ..." http://www.iff.com/NewsRoom.nsf/DOCS/75B674FF27C56DEB852569E3005BADF2
IF you are offended by male nudity, do not open this link! -- barb "THE NACKED SCENTS"
NAKED MALE ADS STIR CONTROVERSY IN EUROPE
Yves Saint Laurent Uses Full-Frontal Nudity
By Lawrence J. Speer and Ali Qassim
"PARIS (AdAge.com) -- Just when it seemed that French fashion houses had given up on the use of so-called porno chic ads, crosstown design rivals Yves Saint Laurent and Dior have set off a new controversy with the use of provocative sexual imagery in campaigns for their newest perfumes. Because AdAge.com deems the image otherwise inappropriate for publication, it has whited out the genitalia displayed in this controversial Yves Saint Laurent print ad.
"...'Perfume is worn on the skin, so why hide the body?' ..." How about some pictures of what perfume does inside the body and brain? What's put on the skin, goes through the skin! (Dr. Richard Conrad in letter to FDA.) -- barb http://www.perfume2000.com/Home/Articles/the%20nackedscents.asp
"perfume sprayers" a though job
Army of perfume sprayers descend on holiday shoppers
By MEGAN ROSENFELD; The Washington Post
"WASHINGTON -- Like the jingle of the Salvation Army collectors and the thrum of Muzak carols, the spritz of perfume sprayers is abroad in the land. A little Giorgio? A splash of Shalimar? A snoutful of Opium, perhaps?
" 'No!' retorts a shopper at the Hecht's, a department store in downtown D.C. ..."
"... 'This is fun work, but you have to have a thick skin,' says LeCompt.
'You get rejected all the time.' ..."
"... And a lot of them don't really believe there is such a thing as an allergy to perfume. 'People just say that to get away from us,' says Jeanne Crow, dispensing sniffs of Oscar and Opium. But most fragrance models now hand out cards embedded with scent rather than spraying people -- unless they get permission." http://www.perfume2000.com/Home/Articles/perfumespray.asp
Terpinyl Acetate - fragrance ingredient
IFF - International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.
"Recommended uses . . .
MSDS - TGSC MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET FOR TERPINYL ACETATE
(NATURAL) -- The Good Scents Company
"... After inhalation :
"If inhaled, remove person to fresh air. If not breathing give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. http://www.thegoodscentscompany.com/msds/md101473.html
INTRODUCTION TO ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND FLAVOR INDUSTRY
"1997 SALES ESTIMATED AT 9.5 BILLION DOLLARS (Chemical Manufacturing Reporter)" Note: Includes a book and journal list -- barb http://courses.che.umn.edu/99fscn8337-1f/flavor_industry.htm
Global 1999 Flavor and Fragrance Market Overview; 23 June 2000
"The global fragrance and flavor market was worth over US$10.4 billion in 1999, according to a report released by IAL Consultants." http://www.perfumerflavorist.com/news/news.html#938
Rhodia Food [Flavors]
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) [library] provide valuable information regarding the proper measures to be taken in the event of a emergency involving Rhodia products. http://www.food.us.rhodia.com/MSDSLib.asp
Flax seed and its uses
Again, no recommendations are implied . . . this is just "food for thought." -- barb
Budwig Flax Oil Diet
by Chris Turner
"Science has proven that fats play an important role in the functioning of the
entire body. To function efficiently, cells require true polyunsaturated, live
electron-rich lipids, present in abundance in raw flaxseed oil. http://www.positivehealth.com/permit/Articles/Nutrition/turner60.htm
Properties of Raw Fragrance Materials
"These are the characteristics of materials used in the formulation of fragranced products and flavors and not necessarily that of finished products. " http://www.ameliaww.com/fpin/FragMatTox.htm
Health Aspects
"MARMOLEUMÆ and ARTOLEUMÆ have no adverse health issues whatsoever, either during production, their useful lives, or disposal. Quite the opposite is true. MARMOLEUMÆ and ARTOLEUMÆ are the "natural" choice when health concerns are involved. For this reason they are broadly applied in many hospitals, as well as being recommended by medical profession to people with respiratory disorders." http://www.themarmoleumstore.com/websites/MarStore.nsf?OpenDatabase
Nature's Carpet
Nature's Carpet is a series of 100% natural, biodegradable and ultra-low toxicity
floorcoverings for your health and comfort. http://www.naturescarpet.com/
Information and articles about Chemical Sensitivity and Environmental Illness Click on "Related Links" from their home page. -- barb http://www.naturescarpet.com/
Florida Medical Network's (FMN) MCS info
"DEFINITION:
An acquired disorder characterised by recurrent
symptoms, referable to multiple organ systems,
occurring in response to demonstrable exposure
to many chemically unrelated compounds at doses
far below those established in the general population
to cause harmful effects. " http://www.floridamedicalnetwork.com/diseases/mcs.htm
Fluoride / Fluoridation
Fluoride: The other "F" word.
" ... Fluoride has long been known as a potent metabolic inhibitor. Thus, fluoride can interfere with the metabolism of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.1-4 ..." From: EFFECT OF FLUORIDE ON SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE (SOD) ACTIVITY IN GERMINATING MUNG BEAN SEEDLINGS
By L G Wilde* and M Yuð, Bellingham, Washington, USA http://www.fluoride-journal.com/98-31-2/31281-88.htm
Facing up to Fluoride
It's in Our Water and in Our Toothpaste. Should We Worry?
By Jim Motavalli; January-February 2001
"... Dr. J. William Hirzy, representing the EPA professional employees' union, called for a national moratorium on water fluoridation. The practice, he said, is "a massive experiment that has been run on the American public, without informed consent, for over 50 years." Hirzy cited the case of Dr. William Marcus, who was fired from a senior EPA post for going public with concerns about fluoride. Marcus sued the EPA, and was reinstated with back pay. He charged that the dental benefits of fluoride are limited to children three years old and younger, and that in senior citizens its main effect is to double the rate of hip fractures and hearing loss. ..." http://www.emagazine.com/january-february_2001/0101gl_health.html
Fluoride Action Network Lots of info including the Harvard Study about cancer in boys being caused by fluoride. How many of you have doctors/dentists that put your children on fluoride? Please rethink that
decision. A good diet beats fluoride tablets and fluoride water any day. -- barb http://www.FluorideAction.org/
Just a few of the many links to this informative site.
Fluoridation: A Violation of Medical Ethics and Human Rights
by Douglas Cross and Robert J. Carton, PhD
International Journal of Occupational Health 2003;9:24-29
"Silicofluorides, widely used in water fluoridation, are unlicensed medicinal substances, administered to large populations without informed consent or supervision by a qualified
medical practitioner. Fluoridation fails the test of reliability and specificity, and, lacking
toxicity testing of silicofluorides, constitutes unlawful medical research. It is banned in most
of Europe; European Union human rights legislation makes it illegal. Silicofluorides have never
been submitted to the U.S. FDA for approval as medicines. The ethical validity of fluoridation policy does not stand up to scrutiny relative to the Nuremberg Code and other codes of medical
ethics, including the Council of Europe¼s Biomedical Convention of 1999. The police power of the
State has been used in the United States to override health concerns, with the support of the courts, which have given deference to health authorities.
Key words: fluoridation; fluoride; silicofluorides; medical ethics; human rights." http://www.rvi.net/~fluoride/ethics.htm
Flouride Pollution
By George Glasser
" 'Fluoride has two faces, one apparently benevolent, the other unquestionably sinister.' (G.E. Smith, 1985)"
"Fluorine is the 13 or 14 most abundant element on earth. In its elemental form, fluorine is a pale yellow, highly toxic and corrosive gas. In nature, fluorine is found combined with minerals as fluorides. Not accounting for industrial fluoride pollution, water fluoridation, etc., probably everyone is exposed to some form of fluorides. Most human exposure to fluorides prior to sixty years ago was primarily from natural sources such as naturally fluoridated drinking water, fluoride uptake in fruits and vegetables from the soil and seafood. However, over the past sixty years, there has been a dramatic expansion of the industrial, domestic, agricultural and medical usage of fluorine-based products, thus the average person's exposure has increased exponentially. ..." http://home.att.net/~gtigerclaw/fluorine_pollution.html
New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation (NYSCOF)
Fluoridation 101
"Impure, untested and unrequired fluoride chemicals are legislated into most U.S.
water supplies, not to kill nasty microbes, but to medicate tap water drinkers who
are assured water fluoridation is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay.
But it is neither. ..." Visit this site . . . I believe you'll be glad you did! -- barb http://www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof/index.html
News Releases: Fluoride Harmful Researchers Warn
" NEW YORK ã August 2002 -- Research from India shows that fluoride can make people sick; but improved diet and complete fluoride withdrawal can relieve symptoms, according to the May-June, 2002, „Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.¾(a)
" Fluoride¼s harmful health effects, except to teeth, are rarely studied in the U.S. and, in fact, are often discouraged(b). Also never studied, incredibly, are the most widely-used artificial fluoride chemicals Americans drink daily(c) - silicofluorides, derived from fertilizers, purposely added to water supplies, at about 1 milligram fluoride per quart of water, in an attempt to reduce tooth decay. ..." http://www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof/_pgg1.php3
Baby Foods High in Fluoride - JADA
"Some baby foods contain such high levels of fluoride that babies, who eat the food, risk dental fluorosis (white flecks, brown or yellow irreversibly stained permanent teeth, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association (Heilman, et al., July 1997)
"The authors conclude, 'Any infants who regularly eat more than a couple of ounces of infant foods containing high-fluoride-content chicken would be at elevated fluorosis risk.' Infants who eat large quantities of dry infant cereals reconstituted with fluoridated water could ingest substantial quantities of fluoride from this source, this study shows 'Children should also be monitored to make sure that they do not ingest
too much fluoride from other sources such as fluoride dentifrice, dietary fluoride supplements or fluoridated water....' ) ..." http://www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof/_pgg3.php3
Fluoride Doing More Harm Than Good, studies show
"New York - July 2007 - Contrary to popular belief, fluoridation is damaging teeth with little cavity reduction, according to a review of recent studies reported in Clinical Oral Investigations. ..." http://www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof/_pgg1.php3
Fluoride's Harmful Effects Can Be Reversed
"NEW YORK ã August 2002 -- Research from India shows that fluoride can make people sick; but improved diet and complete fluoride withdrawal can relieve symptoms,
according to the May-June, 2002, 'Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry'. ..." http://www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof/_pgg3.php3
PEN Fluoridation Leadership Team
"Fluoride is a waste product of the aluminum and the phosphate fertilizer industries.
Hydrofluosilicic Acid is the most corrosive chemical known. If industry weren't permitted
to dump this waste product into our drinking water, they'd have to dispose of it as
hazardous waste. Fluoride is linked to hip fractures, ADD, diminished IQ, Alzheimer's Disease, birth defects, skeletal fluorosis, dental fluorosis, early onset of puberty, bone
cancer and other rare forms of cancer. Fluoride in the water system helps leach lead out of pipes. Fluorides are considered poisons in Pennsylvania law." http://www.penweb.org/issues/fluoride/index.html
Is Your Drinking Water Fluoridated? - Fluoride News/Alerts
STATEMENT OF Dr. J. WILLIAM HIRZY
NATIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES UNION CHAPTER 280
BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND DRINKING WATER UNITED STATES SENATE; JUNE 29, 2000 "Cancer Bioassay Findings
"In 1990, the results of the National Toxicology Program cancer bioassay on sodium fluoride were published (10), the initial findings of which would have ended fluoridation. But a special commission was hastily convened to review the findings, resulting in the salvation of fluoridation through systematic down-grading of the evidence of carcinogenicity. The final, published version of the NTP report says that there is, "equivocal evidence of carcinogenicity in male rats," changed from "clear evidence of carcinogenicity in male rats." http://www.penweb.org/issues/fluoride/hirzy.html
Fluoridation Chemicals This site is worth your time if you are at all interested in your health, and especially the health of your young sons! Check out the articles, going back to 1979 on this page:http://www.slweb.org/chemicals.html
Stop Fluoridation USA A MUST visit site! Following are only a few of the links you'll want to peruse. -- barb Fluoride Poisoning
"What do pesticides, fertilizers, air pollution, prozac, nerve gas, toothpaste, and
tap water have in common? ... This Web site is about environmental illness and
the bogus "sound science / anti-quackery" movement behind fluoridation. It's
about the contrast between special interest propaganda and the original research
reports - as published in the professional journals and referenced in major reviews.
It's only logical. ..." http://www.rvi.net/~fluoride/index.htm
Fluorine gases in atmosphere as industrial waste blamed for death and
chronic poisoning of Donora and Webster, Pa., inhabitants Chemical & Engineering News; Vol. 26, pg. 3692, 13 Dec 1948 http://www.rvi.net/~fluoride/death_fogs.htm
EarthSave International
"EarthSave leads a global movement of people from all walks of life who are taking
concrete steps to promote healthy and life-sustaining food choices." http://www.earthsave.org/
Hudson Fish Company
Fresh and smoked King Salmon in SF Bay Area The Hudson's are selling their boat and buying a larger one. Pictures available. -- barb http://www.hudsonfish.com/index.html
Food Allergy/Sensitivity: The Pulse Test and Other Strategies
by J. C. Waterhouse, Ph.D.
(from CISRA's Synergy Health Newsletter, Issue 5, Vol. 2(2),
Summer/Fall, 1999, web site: http://members.aol.com/SynergyHN) http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mecfs/general/allergy.html
The Food Conspiracy
"The Food Conspiracy Cooperative is committed to providing the highest
quality natural and organic foods and related products to our members and the
great Tucson community. ..." http://www.foodconspiracy.org/
Hudson Fish Company
Fresh and smoked King Salmon and other fish in SF Bay Area The Hudson's are selling their boat and buying a larger one. Pictures available. -- barb http://www.hudsonfish.com/index.html
Formaldehyde So, now to watch for formaldehyde precursors. For example, paints. They can use formaldehyde precursors, which means formaldehyde forms while drying, but as formaldehyde isn't an additive to the paint, itself, they don't have to warn you. -- barb
See Environmental Depot for "safer, healthier, and environmentally
responsible building products and systems" for offices and residences.
Note: I only offer this as a suggestion for you to investigate further. -- barb http://www.environproducts.com/
Brain cancer study is scary, but industry may be a step ahead
" ... Zheng concludes that "occupations which have a potential for exposure to gasoline or solvents," dyes, pesticides, formaldehyde ã textile-producing, electrical/electronic, plumbing, HVAC and sheet metal industries ã carry a higher risk. ..." http://www.cmmonline.com/news.asp?mode=4&N_ID=22624
Consumer Product Safety Commission
An Update On Formaldehyde: 1997 Revision
CPSC Document #725
"Why Should You Be Concerned?
"Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas. When present in the air at levels above 0.1 ppm (parts in a million parts of air), it can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat, nausea, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, skin rashes, and allergic reactions. It also has been observed to cause cancer in scientific studies using laboratory animals and may cause cancer in humans. Typical exposures to humans are much lower; thus any risk of causing cancer is believed to be small at the level at which humans are exposed." Of course, they'd say that . . . but what about all of those soaring rates of cancer that are "unexplained"? Also, I wonder what about all the already chemically injured that are ignored or worse, stultified? It is up to YOU to protect you. -- barb http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/725.html
Formaldehyde
"... Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen and has been linked to
nasal and lung cancer, and with possible links to brain cancer and leukemia. ..." http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/formaldehyde/index.html
Indoor Air Quality in Home Environments
Epidemiology is part of Public Health in North Carolina
"Formaldehyde: Sources of formaldehyde include durable-press drapes and other textiles, particleboard products such as cabinets and furniture, tobacco smoke and adhesives. Formaldehyde is an irritant to the eyes, nose and throat, and can cause tearing of the eyes, coughing and bronchial spasms. Formaldehyde is also a suspected human carcinogen. Careful selection of products and increased ventilation can help reduce health effects. " http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/air/homes.html#formaldehyde
Building Green in a Black and White World-- Chapter 3
The following is an exerpt from the book Building Green in a Black and White World.
Section 2; Chapter 3; Part 3; Actual Costs - Is Building Green Too Expensive?
David Ritchey Johnston http://www.housingzone.com/topics/nahb/green/nhb00ca029.asp
EcoProducts - WheatSheet
"Our environmentally responsible, industrial-grade MDF board is made from recycled wheat straw and an emission-free binder.Ý WheatSheet, asÝit is known, can be used in any application where particle board is applicable-cabinets, countertops, shelving, closets, andÝ under-layments." http://www.ecoproducts.com/Building_Division/BuildingSupplies/wheatsheet.htm
HEALTHY CONSTRUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HEALTHY PEOPLE (Building a Generically Healthy House)
Presented at the Energy Efficient Building Association Excellence in Housing Conference in Dallas Texas, February 1994.
by John Bower (copyright 1994) http://www.hhinst.com/Artgeneric.html
Neil Kelly Cabinets
"the finest and friendliest kitchen and bath cabinetry made in the U.S.A. The first in the industry with a full range of environmentally friendly materials and techniques. " http://www.neilkelly.com/cabinets/index_main.htm
Goon Squad
"Ever wonder about those people you see on television ads urging you to vote
YES or NO on ballot propositions. . .journalists, elected officials, environmental "leaders," "independent analysts," "minority" groups, taxpayer advocates, etc.?
Drugs, after release to market, have been shown to cause "adverse events" (FDA's term, which
includes illness, injury and death) to the larger population and so they are recalled. There is
nothing in place to save the people when it comes to harm from flavors and fragrances. That is
despite the fact that the FDA claims it is the AUTHORITY OVER COSMETICS.
We the people are left to hang in the breeze. And the chemical industry has worked the medical industry, the manufacturers, the workplaces and the mainstream media down through the years to make sure we do hang in an unjustly polluted breeze for evermore.
Well, we the people can change that! WRITE to the FDA today. PURCHASE safer products. Once you have asthma or other upper or lower respiratory diseases, neurological problems including headaches, dizziness, ataxia, or a syndrome like MCS, for which the medical industry too often feels justified in stultifying its patients, you must purchase safer products and so must your family members and friends. IF f they are kind and loving enough to want to keep you among
them. For more info on how to write, see EHN's petition 99P-1340 and its sample letters at http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/FDApetition/sampletr.htm
This section is dedicated by me to all of you who are battling to be able to breathe cleaner air, free
of petrochemical-derived fragrances in your workplace, school, doctor's office or other healthcare setting or facility, in your place of worship, in government offices you have to visit, on public conveyances. ETC. I can empathize. I have been there and my employer has done that . . . Harm,
that is, by protecting the fragrance users rather than the health of all employees. The management had an opportunity to educate all staff about the harmful effects of petrochemical-derived fragrances. I worked for over twenty years with increasingly harmful health effects and finally my body said, Enough is enough. I was able to take early retirement, but not disability.
When I was working -- and extremely and dangerously sensitive to scents -- about 10 to 15 percent
of the staff insisted on wearing fragrances. This meant that about 85 to 90 people did not wear fragrances. Some never did; others chose not to wear when they learned how sick I'd become.
To those wonderful folks, I remain eternally grateful. The others I hope will eventually wake up.
A few of the people who wore scents were the IN YOUR FACE! types, and actually practiced assault by scent. Even when they did not deliberately try to harm me, just their wearing of their scents meant that the volatilizing toxins would carry throughout the building, whether they were half a building away (half a block) or not.
When will the legal profession start seeing fragrance injury and the fragrance hate crimes for what they are? Chemical assaults with a deadly weapon. When that day comes, it will be less attractive to deliberately expose the already fragrance-sensitized individual to the poisonous contents of fragrance products. I hope I live so long as to see that fragrance-FREE becomes THE standard for doctors' offices and all other healthcare facilities, workplaces, schools
from preschools through universities, places of worship, all government agencies, public transit ...
My "Nose Patrol" let me know when I could safely use the front elevators or the back stairwell. I would not have lasted as long as I did in that toxic workplace without their help. For them,
and their helpful vigilance, I am most thankful!
I close with one question: Why is it that after all of these years, our American Lung Association
doesn't have a page like the Canadian LungAssociation? Both organizations use the same line, "When you can't breathe nothing else matters." We live it, they copyright it. At least the Canadian Lung Association spells out clearly for the uninformed that fragrances are harmful to health for user . . . and non user. An excerpt:
Search for "Indoor Air Pollution" and you'll be given info on RADON. Is radon really spelled RED HERRING? Not to minimize radon, but are as many homes polluted by radon as are polluted by the huge array of ubiquitous petrochemical-derived fragrance products? What will they find IF they look at the harmful effects of fragrances?
Number 36 on my search was " " and at the very bottom of that page, you'll find:
Household cleaning agents, personal care products, pesticides, paints, hobby
products, and solvents may be sources of hundreds of potentially harmful
chemicals. Such components in many household and personal care products
can cause dizziness, nausea, allergic reactions, eye/skin/respiratory tract
irritation, and cancer.
Do you see that overly protected word, fragrance? Or perfume? Or how about scent? No. And if you don't know that modern scents are derived from petrochemicals, would you think of YOUR favorite fragrance as containing "potentially harmful chemicals"? I think not. Again, IF you hunt far and deep enough on ALA, you'll come up with information on the harmful effects of fragrances. But you must do the hunting, yet they have this information and have had from Betty Bridges and me down through the years . . . and no telling from how many other reliable sources. What" ALA protects industry over people? http://www.lungusa.org/site/apps/s/content.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=34706&ct=67158
The problem with scented products is not so much the smell itself as the chemicals that produce the smell. Today's perfume is not made from flowers but from toxic chemicals. Ninety-five percent of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known
toxics and sensitisers - just one perfume can contain more than 500 chemicals. Another common ingredient in scents is toluene. Toluene triggers asthma attacks and is known to cause asthma in previously healthy people.
The only safe assumption about scented products is that they contain numerous toxic chemicals which constantly vaporize into the air and attach themselves to hair, clothing, and surroundings.
We ALL are stakeholders when it comes to breathing!
-- barb
My open letter to all fragrance users. (Written in the early 2000s.)
Dear Users of Fragrance Products:
Fragrance. There is more to meet the nose than just scent! Let's turn upside down
the wise counsel from our childhood: Stop, Look and Listen.
Before purchasing a perfume or other scented personal care or infant care products, as well as those
sold for cleaning and maintencance projects, you may find it to your ultimate health advantage to:
LISTEN to the opinions of the already fragrance-sensitized people.
Also, please listen for the sound of heavy, deep coughs, sneezing attacks, of a voice that suddenly goes from clear to scratchy as you enter an area. Your perfume could be the kind that leads the way, that overwhelms while you are present and for several hours after your departure, or the kind that leaves a noxious trail of gas to remind people that you were there. Regardless of the type of formulation, when you buy fragranced products and perfume, you have made a decision
to pollute the air for everyone . . . including yourself and your children. Some have instant reactions. Some take a little longer to develop the often insidious illnesses associated with chemical injury. Most mainstream medical doctors have not been adequately trained to diagnose chemical injury.
What the people already sickened by fragrance chemicals tell you should be heard, for the fragrance industry is merely trying to sell you products with components that otherwise they may well be having to pay toxic waste fees for proper disposal. What if that is the case? Where is your outrage? In any case, fragrances are released to market without substantiation of
safety by the US Food and Drug Administration. The industry can be viewed as self-serving
in its self-regulation.
LOOK at the label of the product for the word "Fragrance" or "Parfum" -- such a commonly sold product is scented with petrochemical-derived fragrance, whose chemicals are
absorbed through your skin and are also released to the air to adversely affect your health, and
the health of untold others, through inhalation.
Also, LOOK for and purchase detergents and other cleaning and maintenance products that are made with without petroleum.
STOP to think for a minute: Is it really in your best interest to use products containing petrochemical-derived fragrances that have been released to market without full substantiation of safety for carcinogenic, irritant, neurotoxic, sensitizing and teratogenic effects?
Please think of all of the folks you encounter in docotors offices and all other healthcare facilities, your workplace or school; on public transit conveyances; in your place of worship; at restaurants, etc. As a matter of immediately helping the health of others -- and long term your own health and the health of your children -- perhaps you'll see it as your personal responsibility
to avoid adding dangerous chemicals to your body, the bodies of your children and grandchildren, to the bodies of your friends and colleagues and to the air and water for all.
FRAGRANCES LEAVE THE USER TO AFFECT EVERYONE IN BREATHING RANGE --
hours, days and weeks, after the fragrnace user has vacated an area. That is one heck of a potent pollutant.
When you look for safer, fragrance-free products, watch out though for products labeled "Fragrance-free and "Unscented," as they are allowed to carry fragrances to mask other objectionable odors. Get to know the products you use on your body, for they go in your body and in the bodies of others.
Recent studies show that petrochemical-derived fragrance chemicals pollute the bodies of users and nonusers, as well as the ambient air, land, water . . . and creatures other than just humans.
Please remember -- or research -- the fact that many mainstream medical doctors ignored or could not diagnose all asthma cases. Additionally, many doctors did not/ could not diagnose pellagra or tuberculosis. Also on record is how doctors refused to believe that asbestos was harmful. (Asbestos, like illnesses from pesticides and fragrances often affect the individual years after exposures. At first, symptoms may be insidious, but even when they become acute the patient is still doubted and stultified.) And more recently, there's been AIDS. Doctors are not sacrosanct:
During my childhood, doctors used and pushed tobacco products . . . I remember seeing the ads in
mainstream magazines, for goodness sakes. Now look at all the warnings you get on tobacco! One day, we will likely see warnings on flavors and fragrances. It's time has already passed.
Am I supposed to be surprised that far too many mainstream medical doctors do not/will not
understand the harm that is associated with modern petrochemical-derived fragrances? I think not.
So, as I see it, it is up to the public to learn as much as it can about the products foisted upon them by
an unregulated industry. Avoiding superfluous "body burdens" starts with informed purchases.
Benzene, for example, is found in a wide variety of products, including detergents, plastics, dyes, drugs, flavors and fragrances, not to mention, tobacco smoke. But, why is attention given only to benzene in tobacco smoke and yet not word one about how it is commonly used as an ingredient in flvaors and fragrances -- products that one comes in contact with daily?
The harmful effects of benzene has been known for years -- 70/80 something. Yet benzene is widely
used with no regard to the numbers of products one is exposed to on a daily basis, from products one uses, as well as from the VOCs of products used by others. Hence, one is a user whether one is a primary user or a secondary -- not by choice -- user.
We ALL are stakeholders when it comes to breathing.
Sincerely,
Barb Wilkie
EHN President
Articles about fragrances
(Petrochemical-derived fragrances, that is.) Plus a few other tidbits that I hope are of interest in the struggle for cleaner air . . .
Please remember all links do not always work, but hopefully there is enough info to get you
started on your search.
Personally, I believe petrochemical-derivedfragrances are unreasonably unsafe, but that has
yet to be acknowledged by our US FDA, EPA, CPSC, the DOJ and OSHA. We are sujected to the
workings of the United Soup Alphabet agencies. They, thus far, are untied with industry not with WE THE PEOPLE. Corporations are the people in this era, and until that changes,
We the people will be ignored. At best. So, until such time that products have to be proved safe
before marketing, PLEASE be mindful of your body and the bodies of all others around you --
and if pregnant, in you. Look for safer products that do not contain petrochemically derived flavors
or fragrances. In effect, vote with your pocket book. Organics are for us and the planet. -- barb
Air "Fresheners" / Fabric Softeners
JULY 2008 - Prof. Anne Steinemann's work:
And, of course, the industry (below) must have its say . . . for what matters is selling products!
Regardless of the industry's claims of safety, fragrance products volatilize and adversely affect the health of millions of people -- users and non users who are really sceondhand users.
There is NO consumer protection by any government agency. The "authority" is fragmented, at best. The fragmentation exists because the Food and Drug Administration is only known as the "Authority Over Cosmetics" -- but isn't THE authority because the industry is self-regulated! The FDA is so much NOT an authority, it can't even demand its required warning be affixed to labels of fragrances released to market without full substantiation of safety. What a joke . . . and the industry laughs all the way to the bank!
The fact that the public isn't even clued in by the FDA led to EHN's FDA petition, 99P-1340,
which was filed with the FDA on May 11, 1999. The FDA's silence, I may say, has been deafening!
But to revisit my statement about "fragmentation" . . . IF fragrances or flavors are found
in fabric softeners or in bleaches or air "fresheners" or deodorizers, in various cleaners,
or in detergents for dishes or laundry or in pesticides, or in candles -- wherever, other than for cosmetic purposes -- the FDA has no say in those fragrances. So, try to find an agency that does.
I've had the personal frustration of turning to the EPA . . . they sent me back to the FDA who assured me they have nothing to do with fragrances except for those in cosmetics
or personal care products and used as colognes, perfumes, toilet water, aftershaves, in body deodorants, lotions, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products, etc.
Failing with that government agency, I turned to the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Admitedly, it's been a while since I last set myself up for that level of frustration, but there were years there that whenever I'd contact them to complain about being poisoned by scented fabric softeners, laundry detergents, various cleaners, air "fresheners," etc., they hadn't had any complaints before mine. After the first several comments like that, I got to saying, Wait A MINUTE! What about my previous complaints? To which I was told time and again, that they had had a database problem, or a computer malfunction or ... In other words, they kept no records so everytime became a first time they heard anything about fabric softeners or what have you. However, because I was part of a campaign to complain to the CPSC, I knew it to be false statements. Eventually I did get a printout of a list of complaints, but whether they have managed to maintain that database or not, I don't know.
During my entire ordeal with chemical injury, I begged our government agencies and also nonprofits to begin keeping a log of times fragrances (or flavors) triggered asthma or other upper or lower respiratory problems including sinus infections, lung infections and laryngitis, migraines or other neurological problems, acne and other skin problems, etc. Just keep a list of diseases -- including the above, plus cancers and reproductive problems and fetal development problems, SIDS, etc., -- where fragrances had been in use. If the public isn't polled, we'll never know the full extent of the harm these chemicals can do.
To my body, it matters not the source of the petrochemically derived fragrance (or
flavor), if it is man-made it is poison to my body. And I didn't get that way easily. It was after many years of exposure in a highly scented workplace where I battled on behalf of cleaner air for everyone. I eventually had to retire and that's when I turned my efforts to helping people worldwide through my volunteer efforts for the Environmental Health Network.
The truth is, the flavors and fragrance industry is self-regulated and further protected by trade-secret laws. Those laws do nothing to protect the industry from rip-off scents. Obviously. But trade secret laws do a fine job of shielding the industry from an informed consumership.
Once you become sensitized by arftificial fragrances, it is too late to save your health. The time to protect your health is BEFORE you become chemically injured and the only way you can even try to accomplish that now is to look at the labels. IF you see either the word "flavor" or "fragrance" on the label, leave the product on the shelf. Look for safer products that contain NO artificial flavors or fragrances. And, IF you work, or go
to school, or a healthcare center or a doctor's office and you encounter synthetically scented products, begin educating them by directing them to the work of Prof. Steinemann or to the document developed to help people with fragrance sensitivity issues.
The industry's response is posted on Medical News Today. -- barb
California Health and Safety Code Section 41700
41700. Except as otherwise provided in Section 41705, no person shall discharge from any source whatsoever such quantities of air contaminants or other material which cause injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or to the public, or which endanger the comfort, repose, health, or safety of any such persons or the public, or which cause, or have a natural tendency to cause, injury or damage to business or property. ..."
RIFM RESPIRATORY SAFETY PROGRAM - INDOOR AIR QUALITY The fragrance industry tells us that fragrances do not clean the air. What they don't elaborate upon is that line about producing no smell at all. They use chemicals to deaden your olfactory senses. The chemicals are there to adversely affect one's body whether or not you can smell them. I personally find that dangerous and despicable. -- barb http://www.rifm.org/WHITE%20PAPER%20IAQ%20DIsola%20v2%2004082004.htm
Also see EHN's . . .
FDA Citizens' Petition 99P-1340, which is still open (1/06).
If you view nothing else, DO check one of the analyses, then write the FDA at: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov and reference 99P-1340
Laboratory 2: Analysis Summary of Eternity eau de parfum by Calvin Klein
(Be sure to print this out and use it . . . Make note of the chemicals listed on the EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory and on the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS).) http://www.ehnca.org/FDApetition/analysis.htm
RIFM RESPIRATORY SAFETY PROGRAM - INDOOR AIR QUALITY The fragrance industry tells us that fragrances do not clean the air. What they don't elaborate upon is that line about producing no smell at all. They use chemicals to deaden your olfactory senses. The chemicals are there to adversely affect one's body whether or not you can smell them. I personally find that dangerous and despicable. -- barb http://www.rifm.org/WHITE%20PAPER%20IAQ%20DIsola%20v2%2004082004.htm
Air Fresheners Create Indoor Smog
EHANS; UPdate spring 2005
"Plug in air fresheners containing fragrances such as pinene and d¼limonene can combine with ozone in the air to create a potentially harmful smog inside houses. Ozone is a common component of both urban and rural air. Researchers from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studied what happened when the substances combined as they would in an indoor environment. They found that the combination generated formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen, as well as related compounds which are associated with respiratory problems." http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Health/Nsaeha/s05fresheners.html
Air Resources Board and the University of California, Berkeley
Household cleaners and air fresheners emit toxic pollutants
May 25, 2006, 12:33, Reviewed by: Dr. Priya Saxena
"Their results indicate that we need to look beyond the directly emitted compounds."
By UC Berkeley, When used indoors under certain conditions, many common household cleaners and air fresheners emit toxic pollutants at levels that may lead to health risks, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. http://www.rxpgnews.com/research/environment/pollution/article_4312.shtml
. . . and that led to . . .
Principal Investigator: William W. Nazaroff
University of California, Berkeley
April 2006
ARB Contract No. 01-336 (Full Report)
ABSTRACT
When cleaning products and air fresheners are used indoors, occupants are exposed to airborne chemicals, potentially leading to health risks. Indoor air pollutant exposures owing to cleaning product and air freshener use depend on emissions from products, dynamic behavior of chemical species, and human factors. A series of experiments was conducted to investigate volatile organic compound emissions, concentrations, and reactive chemistry associated with the household use of cleaning products and air fresheners. Research focused on two common classes of ingredients in cleaning products and air fresheners: ethylene-based glycol ethers, which are classified as toxic air contaminants, and terpenes, which react rapidly with ozone. A shelf-survey of retail outlets led to the selection of 21 products whose chemical composition was characterized. Among the criteria used to select these products were ready availability through California retail outlets and, for the majority of products, expectation that they contained ethylene-based glycol ethers, terpenes and related compounds, or both. Of the 17 cleaning products characterized, four contained substantial levels of d-limonene (4-25% by
mass), three contained terpenoids that are characteristic of pine oil, six contained substantial levels of ethylene-based glycol ethers (0.8-10% by mass), and five contained less than 0.2% of any of the target analytes. Xylene in one product was the only other toxic air contaminant detected. Among the four air fresheners characterized, three contained substantial quantities (9-14% by mass) of terpene hydrocarbon and terpene alcohol constituents, with linalool being the most abundant. Six of the 21 products were investigated in simulated-use experiments in which emissions and concentrations of primary constituents were measured. Cleaning products that contain 2- butoxyethanol
as an active ingredient produced one-hour-average concentrations of 300 to 2,300 µg/m 3
immediately after simulated typical use in a room-sized chamber. For cleaning products that contain d-limonene as an active ingredient, corresponding levels were 1,000 to 6,000 µg/m 3 . Application of a pine-oil based cleaner produced one-hour-average concentrations of 10-1300 µg/m 3 for terpene hydrocarbons and terpene alcohols. Reactive chemistry was studied by exposing constituents of three products to ozone, both in a bench-scale chamber and during simulated use. Prominent products of the reaction of terpenes with ozone included formaldehyde (a toxic air contaminant), hydroxyl
radical, and secondary organic aerosol (a form of fine particulate matter). Incorporating the new experimental data, exposures were estimated for several simulated use scenarios. Under ordinary circumstances, exposures to 2-butoxyethanol, formaldehyde, and secondary organic aerosol are not expected to be as high as guideline values solely
as a result of cleaning product or air freshener use. However, ordinary use could lead to exposure levels of similar magnitude as guideline values. Scenario model results suggest that exposure levels could exceed guideline values under exceptional yet plausible conditions, such as cleaning a large surface area in a small room. The results of this study provide important information for understanding the inhalation exposures to certain air pollutants that can result from the use of common household products. http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/abstracts/01-336.htm
April 2007 . . . Alternative Medicine Get the magazine on your newstand now! Read Stop Making Scents
Is the olfactory onslaught of scented sprays, detergents, and lotions making you sick? AltMed clears the air on the hidden hazards of chemical-laden fragrances and helps you de-scents-itize your home.
BY JILL SVERDLOV
Web ExclusiveãFight Perfume Pollution
"As public awareness grows about super-scenting, more companies are providing safer products. Ask questions, do research, share information, and remember not to trust all labels. Most people would never knowingly douse their kids in benzene or dispense narcotics into their neighborhoods from their dryer vents. With full ingredient disclosure, educated consumers will be able to decide what they want to use on their bodies. ..."
This info includes FDA contact information to support EHN's Citizens' Petition 99P-1340. I hope folks take heed and take time to write to the FDA and to their congressional representative and senators. EHN is best pleased that Alt Med has provided this important information to the public! -- barb
Web ExclusiveãFragrances to Avoid
"To avoid negative reactions, check labels for these potentially harmful ingredients. They are found in common products such as perfume, cologne, shampoo, fabric softener, bleach, air fresheners, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, soap, hairspray, shaving cream, aftershave, deodorants, nail polish remover, and more. ..."
(This seems to be based, at least in part, upon the work of Julia Kendall. See above, Twenty Most....)
Air Fresheners Can Make Mothers And Babies Ill
19/10/2004
"Air fresheners and aerosols can make babies and their mothers ill, research from the
University of Bristol¼s Children of the 90s study has revealed.
"A number of previous studies have shown that air fresheners and aerosols are responsible for high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the home.
"Children of the 90s (ALSPAC), which has followed the health and development of 14,000
children since before birth, is the first study to investigate the effects of VOCs on infants.
"The researchers found that frequent use of air fresheners and aerosols during pregnancy
and early childhood was associated with higher levels of diarrhoea, earache and other
symptoms in infants, as well as headaches and depression in mothers. ..."
http://www.alspac.bris.ac.uk/press/air_fresheners.shtml
Air Fresheners Really Air Polluters
Dean Edell (aka Dr. Dean); July 01, 1998
"DEAN EDELL, M.D. Breathe in, breathe out. What you're supposed to breathe is plain ole fresh air, not pollution - but not perfume either. So why do so many of us turn to air fresheners to freshen what is already fresh? Lots of folks put them in their kitchen, in their bath, and all over the house. Many even put them in their cars. ...
"First of all, researchers say what air fresheners don't do, is improve air quality. In fact, fresheners don't even make odors disappear, they just make the nose less sensitive to bad smells by masking one smell with the other....
"Depending on the brand, fresheners can release camphor, alcohol, limonene and others which might be harmful when vaporized and breathed. Some contain more toxic chemicals like paradichlorobenzene - also used as a moth repellent - which is now so common it now turns up in trace amounts in almost all blood samples. 'But the real potential for harm is to people with asthma and other breathing problems. Experts say anyone with respiratory problems may want to avoid most air fresheners. Best advice? Try a little baking soda in the cat box or garbage can, otherwise maybe open a window and let the fresh air in' [Emphasis added.]
Are Household Chemicals Connected To The Rise In Asthma?
23/12/2004
"Frequent use of household cleaning products and other chemicals in the home could be linked to cases of asthma among Britain¼s children.
"A new study of respiratory health among young children has shown a clear connection between breathing problems and their mothers¼ use of a range of common products such as bleach, paint stripper and carpet cleaners. ..." And, I ask, do the women who use scented household products also used scented personal care products? Some of the products made for infants and children are so scented, the infant is in a chemical warfare zone constantly. And if that mother also uses highly scented detergents and fabric softeners, her children are guaranteed to be breathing and absorbing toxic fragrance chemicals. -- barb http://www.alspac.bris.ac.uk/press/household_chemicals.shtml
July 27, 2006-- Folks, what have we been saying all along???? Well, lookie here. Of course, they say MAY, and we say WILL, but what they hey, this is at least some recognition of the polluting effects and health damage associated with synthetically scented products. Air "freshener," my kiester! -- barb
. Chemical in Many Air Fresheners May Reduce Lung Function
New research shows that a chemical compound found in many air fresheners, toilet bowl cleaners, mothballs and other deodorizing products, may be harmful to the lungs. Human population studies at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), a part of the National Institutes of Health, found that exposure to a volatile organic compound (VOC), called 1,4 dichlorobenzene (1,4 DCB) may cause modest reductions in lung function.
NIH News http://www.niehs.nih.gov/oc/news/airfreshener.htm
Chemical Soup and Federal Loopholes
By Kelly Hearn, AlterNet. Posted March 11, 2005.
Toxic cosmetics ingredients were recently banned in the European Union. Here in the U.S., the $35 billion cosmetics industry is fighting a similar ban tooth and nail.
"..."After three decades of extensive studies [on] carcinogens and reproductive toxins, the EU banned two phthalates and those are the two that I am proposing to ban," Chu said in a recent telephone interview. 'It is outrageous that American women aren't give the same protections that European women are. How can a whole continent of women be protected yet Americans ignore this?'
"Chu says she would also like to make companies list any phthalates on product labels but has set aside that politically more difficult task (the industry argues that rejigging its labeling process presents huge economic burdens and could infringe on trade secrets).
"During last year's legislative session, Chu's original bill (AB 2012), would have prohibited phthalates and forced cosmetics manufacturers to disclose to state officials any hazardous chemicals on their products. That bill failed to pass the Assembly Health Committee after intense industry opposition.
" 'They probably spent millions lobbying against it,' says Chu. 'They flew people in from New York and spent days and days lobbying members.' Supporters of the bill, ranging from the United Food and Commercial Workers to the Breast Cancer Fund were no match.
"This time round, the cosmetics industry plans to mount the same kind of campaign. ..." And I'm old enough to know that there is nothing new under the sun regarding the fragrance industry. They flew in top guns when residents of Oakland and Berkeley sought fragrance-free
language for civic meeting notices. They fear mongered drops in business for local merchants, but I can gurantee that as not every one has stopped smoking and drinking, not everyone will stop using the toxins in fragrances -- and trust me, there are more toxins to worry about than just phthalates. Even though a study indicates that fragrances affect the brain in the way that alcohol and tobacco do. -- barb http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/21468/
American 'Beauty'
A march through time with what was known when about fragrances
Compiled and written by Barb Wilkie, June 2004
November 2004 . . . Coming sometime summer of 2005, if all goes well. -- . . . And, as if I put a curse on myself with that hopeful thought, all didn't go well. I was marked with time by a nephrologist who proclaimed I'd be on diaylysis or have a kidney transplant -- NO! -- or be dead in a year. I saw him on July 26, 2005 and I've not been back. For starters, that entire section at Kaiser Oakland was heavily perfumed and that is shared space with pulmonary! Secondly, the doctor offered no hope. I've since learned of a Dr. Mackenzie Walser of Johns Hopkins, who has published a book and has a website -- http://www.copingwithkidneydisease.com/ -- and he feels that one can arrest the progression of kidney failure through diet and supplements. You may follow my journey by visiting Kidney Disease on EHN's page K.
Asthma -- 1986 Why, oh why did John Wodatch not look at this work before making his landmark decision that hospital staff had the right to futher poison patients, when he ruled February 1995 that it was a "personal choice" to wear perfumes? Frankly, my personal choice is to not breathe the toxins volatilizing from someone else's chosen scents, benignly labeled "fragrance" but are really petrochemically derived poisons. OF course the industry says they are fine . . . the industry includes the pharmaceuticals that they then can push so folks feel a little better for a little while. -- barb
See http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/foia/tal605.txt
"Effects of Odors in Asthma"
Chang Shim, MD and M. Henry Williams, Jr., MD,
Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine,
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, The American Journal of Medicine, Volume 80, January 1986.
In that study they "carefully distinguished between unpleasant emotional reaction to the odors and respiratory symptoms." In conclusion they wrote: "From a practical standpoint, sensitive asthmatic patients should be advised to eliminate odors from their environment as much as possible. They usually have done so on their own."
The Detroit News
"Tuesday, May 24, 2005 "Radio DJ wins $10.6 million in stink over perfume
WYCD personality claims she was fired after co-worker's scent made her sick."
By David Shepardson / The Detroit News
"DETROIT -- A former top-ranked radio host, who claims she was sickened by a colleague's use of a perfume described as "romantic, sensual, emotional," won
$10.6 million in a federal court lawsuit Monday.
"Erin Weber, who was on the air at WYCD-FM (99.5), contends in her suit that she was fired in 2001 after she complained about being exposed to Tresor perfume, which sells for $45.50 a bottle and is described by Lancome as a combination of ingredients such as rose and lilac. She said she was sickened by the fumes, a condition that began when a co-worker exposed her to spilled nail-polish remover in the country music station's Southfield studio.
"The perfume was worn, her suit said, by another radio personality, Linda Lee, whose legal surname is Bullock. ...
"... In a May 2001 e-mail to the station manager, presented as evidence, Weber said Lee's perfume caused her to lose her voice and that Lee intentionally walked by her at the Downtown Detroit Hoedown -- a popular annual country music festival. "Linda nearly brushed past me and a cloud of perfume trailed behind me," Weber wrote.
" 'To have brought the perfume with her suggests forward planning. This appears
to be a premeditated attack which was entirely unprovoked by me in anyway,' Weber wrote. 'Please tell me what steps you plan to take to ensure my safety.' ..." And, this is the story of millions of us, including yours truly . . . except I couldn't even hope
to sue as no lawyer I met wanted to take the case of a government worker. I couldn't even get CalPERS disability. I had to take early retirement, which was far less monthly income.
I would like to think that EHN's petition of the US FDA, with the analyses of several modern fragrances played a crucial part in this case, but I dream on. So far, that petition, filed with the FDA
back on May 11, 1999, has netted no information from the Food and Drug Administration to the public about the harmful chemicals disguised by advertising hype as benign fragrances.-- barb http://www.detnews.com/2005/business/0505/24/A01-191461.htm
Now, for an interesting look at JUSTICE . . . there is little for the perfume poisoned! -- barb Great Lakes ADA & Accessible IT Center
A Disability & Business Technical Assistance Center
800-949-4232 (V/TTY) ADA Update: 15 Years Later
John Wodatch, Chief-Disability Rights Section, U.S. Department of Justice;
Sharon Rennert, Attorney Advisor, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission July 19, 2005 Note, the oblique reference to "Mary" is really Mary Lamielle, NCEHS.
Caller: Hi Sharon. Hi John. I wanted to know if there were a recent charges or complaints that EEOC or DOJ regarding chemical sensitivity and the implications if any of the 10 million dollar verdict with regard to the radio personality in the Midwest injured by chemicals, and then the issue of discrimination revolving around perfumes. Thank you.
John Wodatch: Sharon, you want me to go first?
Sharon Rennert: Sure.
John Wodatch: I think we have not had a large number of new complaints dealing with multiple chemical sensitivity – We obviously take some of those. I think Mary, who has dealt with us in the past on these issues, knows they are difficult for us to advance in terms of insuring that we have proof in individual cases, but oftentimes, the kind of accommodations that are needed, especially in the courtroom settings, or other settings to enable people who have extreme sensitivity to the chemical environment,
whether it be carpeting, or perfume, there are ways to deal with that that are easy
to accomplish, but it's still an area where I think our record is spotty and where we are at the beginning of this matter – I have to admit, I'm not familiar with the judgment that you are talking about in the Midwest involving a radio personality though.
Caller: Okay.
John Wodatch: I don't know if Sharon is or not.
Sharon Rennert: No. Like you John. I'm not familiar. In terms of EEOC, I don't think that we've had any particular increase in the past few months, year, like John was saying, in terms of cases of multiple chemical sensitivity. I don't have exact numbers. This has always been percentage wise a relatively small amount of our ADA case load. In terms of the employment issues, EEOC has taken the position that as a legal matter, employers are
not required to ban the use of perfumes, either using could cologne, perfumes, perfumes that can be found in shampoos and soaps, many other things that we think is going beyond what the ADA would require. Chemicals involved in say cleaning agents is a different story, and there employers may well have to see about using a different kind of chemical, or you know if not throughout a building, looking around where the person
may work. These are very difficult cases. Depending on the number of chemicals involved, the sensitivity, what the person does, what may be feasible to be done in terms of kinds of accommodations here. So individuals themselves in terms of dealing with kind of on multiple levels, if you will, about, number one, you know trying to see if you can gain certainly some cooperation as part of the problem tends to be the perfumes that may be showing up in people's use of shampoos and soaps, etcetera. But then really brain storming over what other things an employer may be able to do, in terms of relocating where somebody works, and better controlling the immediate environment. It may be about working at home if that is feasible, and in many jobs, that just won't be. It can be though, if someone is working on site, can we use things like phones and computers so that if somebody cannot join others in meetings doesn't mean you can't participate, but you just may have to do it through phones, through computers other ways of
trying to get to have the person with the disability still involved.
Caller: Thank you. I wanted to let both of you know, — there's access board project that's just finished, www.indoorenvironmentalquality.org that I think will add data to sort of what do we do in these circumstances. But thank you both for your response.
Note: the reference to NIBS Indoor Environmental Quality website above is faulty.
Save yourself frustration and go to IEQ Indoor Environmental Quality at http://ieq.nibs.org/.
From there, you can go to Fragrance-free at http://ieq.nibs.org/rooms/cu_fragrance.php and read: Fragrance-Free
Prohibit fragrance-emitting devices (FEDS), air fresheners, deodorizers, and similar
products. Recommend that no fragranced, citrus-and/or pine-based products be
used in cleaning or maintaining the room, path of travel, and restrooms. Any persons with perfume, cologne, aftershave, as well as fragranced personal careand laundry products, would be prohibited from using the room.
(See Fragrance-Free Policy, Operations and Maintenance Report)
Fragrance-Free Policy
It is recommended that a fragrance-free policy include prohibition of fragrance- emitting devices (FEDS) and sprays; use of fragrance-free maintenance, laundry, paper and other products; restrictions on perfume, cologne, and other scented personal care products used by employees, visitors, and other occupants; and prohibitions on use of potpourri and burning incense and scented candles.
An important first step is educating staff and others about the need for and benefits of reducing or eliminating the use of fragranced products. Oh, yes, but just try to get recalcitrant, perfume-using management staff to agree!!!! -- barb http://ieq.nibs.org/om/gr_policies.php
Disease from Fragrances: Info for Doctors and Patients There is far more information available than meets your eye here, but this should give a clue to
adverse health events suffered as the result of EXPOSURE to fragrances. Exposure means not
only by the body of the user, but by the bodies of all others within breathing distance of these volatilizing, lingering on the ambient air, toxins. I hope NEPHROLOGISTS read this list.
WHY is it that doctors' officies, healthcare facilities and hospitals, like the Kaiser system, continue to be scented? Is it so they have more patients for whom they can prescribe drugs? -- barb wilkie
Asthma -- Instead of laying claim to the word
" UNEXPLAINED" for soaring rates, L@@K at FRAGRANCES!
"Effects of Odors in Asthma"
Chang Shim, MD and M. Henry Williams, Jr., MD,
Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine,
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, The American Journal of Medicine, Volume 80, January 1986.
In that study they "carefully distinguished between unpleasant emotional reaction to the odors and respiratory symptoms." In conclusion they wrote: "From a practical standpoint, sensitive asthmatic patients should be advised to eliminate odors from their environment as much as possible. They usually have done so on their own." We have. But, in a scented workplace we must breathe the air polluted by the superfluous fragrance chemicals of others.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3079951&dopt=Abstract
[IOM] Study Finds Strong Evidence That Exposure to Some Indoor Substances
Can Lead to or Worsen Asthma
Date: Jan. 19, 2000
Contacts: Neil Tickner, Media Relations Officer
Jennifer Cavendish, Media Relations Assistant
(202) 334-2138; e-mail
"...Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies finds strong, causal evidence linking common indoor substances to the development or worsening of asthma symptoms in susceptible people. ...
...For biologic or chemical contaminants that could worsen asthma symptoms, limited or
suggestive evidence exists regarding exposure to material shed by domestic birds; certain types of pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); secondhand tobacco smoke in older children and adults; formaldehyde fumes from furniture and building materials; and fragrances in personal care and household products.[Emphasis
added.] The committee found limited evidence of an association between the development of asthma in infants and their exposure to RSV and material shed by cockroaches. ..." http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=9610
Scented Products as Sources of VOCs: Implications for Susceptible Populations Ý
Paper # 995; Presented at the 2005 AWMA Conference and Exhibition; June 2005
Betty Bridges http://www.fpinva.org/AWMA2005.htm
Cardiovascular The Ecologist
BEHIND THE LABEL: PERFUME
"What's in your perfume bottle? Pat Thomas dissects the
ingredients of Eternity by Calvin Klein, uncovering a sweet smelling
array of carcinogens, neurotoxins and hormone disruptors. " It looks like you'll have to purchase this issue of The Ecologist. -- barb http://www.theecologist.org/current_issue.html
Home Sickness
Walker
Edie Newsroom
Consumers should boycott toxic perfumes (published on 18-Feb-2005)
"Concerns over high levels of chemical contamination in perfumes was highlighted this year as Valentine's Day was also designated as Chemical Awareness Day.
"This Valentine's Day, environmental groups were urging lovers not to buy each other
perfume or aftershave, stating that phthalates, a group of chemicals that adversely affect
sperm counts, and artificial musks were proven to be present in virtually all perfumes. ..." Consumers should boycott toxic perfumes Source:www.edie.net
The Ecologist Read The Lable: Fragrances
We are enamoured of fragrances, and virtually every aspect of our lives is touched by a fragranced product. But is it a touch too much?
Pat Thomas reports; Date:01/09/2006 http://www.theecologist.org/archive_detail.asp?content_id=676
The Harmful Effects of Scented Products
By Robin Barrett; Healthy Homes Consulting
UPdate Winter 1994-1995
"Currently, the Canadian government prohibits the use of three substances: chloroform, estrogenic substances, and mercury. It also requires products to be „safe for their intended usage¾, but the government seldom does any investigation to verify that a product is in fact safe.1 There are many lists of the different health effects individuals have to scented products. ..." http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/w9495harmful.html
Petition questions perfume safety UPdate Summer 2002
"The Environmental Health Network (EHN) of California wants the perfume "Eternity" by Calvin Klein to carry a label "Warning - the safety of this product has not been tested." The EHN is petitioning the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require the labeling. Their petition claims that many of the substances in Eternity have known adverse effects on health. So far, over 1,200 people have written to the FDA to support the petition. http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/summer02safety.html
December 1999 Article Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment:
Agents of Subtle Change?
By Christian G. Daughton1 and Thomas A. Ternes2
1Environmental Sciences Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/NERL,
Las Vegas, Nevada USA;
2ESWE-Institute for Water Research and Water Technology, Wiesbaden-Schierstein, Germany http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/members/1999/suppl-6/907-938daughton/daughton-full.html
About fragrance and flavor chemicals, a thread appearing in EHP:
June 2004 Correspondence: Toxicity of Fragrances
By Luke Curtis
University of Illinois at Chicago
School of Public Health
Wilmette, Illinois
"I appreciated Barb Wilkie's (2004) important letter on the need to do more research on health effects of artificial fragrance and flavor products. ..." http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2004/112-8/correspondence.html
For your erudition . . . FDA Citizens' Petitions
EHN's of May 11, 1999, Docket Number 99P-1340 is still open. Please write!
Analyses of popular perfumes and contact information is available, starting at http://www.ehnca.org/ FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm
Analysis of Eternity Eau de Parfum by Calvin Klein can be found at
Chronology of Cosmetics & Personal Care Products Content
February 2007 - EWG NEWS RELEASE:
"Fragrances Hide Toxic Chemical Ingredients -- A major loophole in federal law allows fragrance manufacturers to hide potentially hazardous chemicals in product scents, including substances linked to allergies, birth defects, and even cancer. ..." http://www.ewg.org/issues/siteindex/issues.php?issueid=5005
Show us your secrets Who makes sure fragrances are safe?
" ... The FDA, the agency responsible for overseeing product safety, does not systematically review the safety of fragrances. The FDA cannot require that fragrances be tested for safety before they are sold. Instead, the fragrance industry regulates itself, through their trade association, the International Fragrance Association, which funds and conducts safety assessments for fragrance ingredients. This self-regulating scheme has led to the widespread use of chemicals in fragrances that raise concerns when it comes to our health: ..." http://www.ewg.org/issues/cosmetics/valentine/index.php
Nov. 2004 Correspondence: More Recent Studies on Fragrances
"In response to Curtis (2004), I would like to cite more recent studies by researchers at
the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) that address the health and
environmental effects of fragrances. "
By Ladd W. Smith
Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc.
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
E-mail: ehp@rifm.org http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2004/112-15/correspondence.html
October 2004 article: The Association between Asthma and Allergic Symptoms in Children
and Phthalates in House Dust: A Nested Case-Control Study
Carl-Gustaf Bornehag, et.al. Phthalates are commonly used in fragrance manufacture to make the
fragrance last. I had only sporadic bouts of short-lived, chemical-induced asthma attacks until the proliferation of perfumed products in my former workplace. That started in the late 1970s.
picked up momentum in the '80s and went hogwild in the '90s. It was in the late 70s or very
early 80s that my asthma was first diagnosed. Becuase I coughed, never wheezed, mainstream medical doctors were clueless, until somewhere it was written that coughing was a sign of asthma. The attacks became more severe and lengthened . . . and progressed to chronic bronchitis. Out of that toxic workplace for six years and I again have fewer asthma episodes, but perfumes are still a terrible trigger for me for asthma, sinus headaches, migraines and other neurological reactions. Besides, they can set off pain in my tumor. It all depends on the particular chemical soup I am forced to breathe. What are those toxins doing to the body of the wearer? By the way, while current literature runs to warnings about phthalates, don't forget about musks, coumarins and the other 3,000 to 5,000 chemicals used to make a "scent." -- barb http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/members/2004/7187/7187.html
Nitromusk and Polycyclic Musk Compounds as Long-Term Inhibitors of Cellular Xenobiotic Defense Systems Mediated by Multidrug Transporters
Till Luckenbach and David Epel
Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, Pacific Grove, California, USA http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2004/7301/abstract.html
Common household fragrances may be harming aquatic wildlife, study finds - 30 Oct 2004
"Those fragrant soaps and shampoos we casually rinse down the drain may be causing long-term damage to aquatic wildlife downstream by interfering with the animals' natural ability to eliminate toxins from their system, according to a new Stanford University study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). ..."
"...The study also has implications for human health. 'People have these same transporters
in the blood-brain barrier, the placenta and the intestines,' Luckenbach explained. 'Perhaps exposure to chemical fragrances could compromise the transporters, making it easier for pollutants to enter the brain, for example.'..." Also see EHN's section on POPs, General Links, page P. -- barb http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=15643
Fragranced Products Information Network
By Betty Bridges, RN
Two of many works on FPIN . . .
Fragrances by Design - Materials that quickly get into the air http://www.fpinva.org
Fragrance: Emerging Health and Environmental Concerns
Fragrance: emerging health and environmental concerns; pages 361-371 Flavour and Fragrance Journal
Volume 17, Issue 5, 2002.
Published Online: 16 Apr 2002 http://www.fpinva.org/FragranceReview.htm
EU Business Environment group raises stink over perfumes- 10/02/2005
Excerpted . . .
"The Greenpeace environment group said Thursday that several perfumes and toilet waters are health-threatening because of persistent chemicals used in their manufacture.
"It said virtually all of the 36 well-known brands it tested contained phthalate esters and synthetic musk, two chemicals that "can enter the body and may cause unwanted health impacts" such as hormonal malfunctions.
Everything you didn't want to know about sex...
Greenpeace report reveals the impact of toxic chemicals on reproductive health
02 May 2006
"Amsterdam, International íŸÓ Falling sperm counts, rising infertility and genital abnormalities in babies could all result from exposure to hazardous man-made chemicals used in perfumes, carpets, electronics, clothing and a host of other consumer goods, a Greenpeace report released today has revealed [1].
The report, íŸÚFragile: Our reproductive health and chemical exposureíŸÙ, collates the findings of a number of peer-reviewed scientific studies of recent years. Together, the studies show for the first time a comprehensive picture of an increase in reproductive health disorders, mirroring the rising presence in our lives of man-made chemicals.
Sperm counts have fallen by 50% in 50 years, infertility among couples has more than doubled in industrialised countries since the 1960s, while testicular cancer has become increasingly common. The male-female birth ratio has changed dramatically in some areas and birth defects of the reproductive system are increasingly noted in baby boys.
ퟙThe growing body of scientific evidence indicating links between exposure to man- made chemicals and damage to our reproductive systems is extremely disturbing. Greenpeace is calling for any chemical that can potentially harm humans in this way to be removed from use wherever a safer alternative is available,ퟘ said Dr David Santillo of Greenpeace InternationalíŸÙs Science Unit, one of the reportíŸÙs authors. ..."
Add to this respiratory damage, neurological adverse events, fragrance toxins storing in
adipose tissue, unexplained cancers, etc., can it be so hard to understand premature kidney
failure????Come now, Kaiser nephrologists! -- barb http://www.greenpeace.org/international/press/releases/Fragile
Fragrance and Health by Louise Kosta explores what is known about fragrance and health -- and separates fact from fiction. Learn who is susceptible to adverse effects from fragrance, why they are susceptible, where they experience harmful fragrance exposures, and what harmful properties fragrance material may have. Almost 200 pages packed with information about fragrance, its materials and their health effects. Tables, references and much, much more.
A problem not to be sniffed at
By GINNY CLARK; June 15 2005
" It's just a squirt of scent to you, but for others it is hell. Now with new awareness of
perfume allergy, Scots sufferers are hoping a change in the law will help" ...
"... What to watch for
"There was a time when potential allergens in scent were simply listed as "perfume".
Now a change in European law means there are 26 which have to be listed individually if the concentration is higher than 0.001% for leave-on products (deodorants etc) and 0.01% for rinse-off products (shampoo etc). ..." (list follows) When will the good ole US of A's FDA follow suit? Certainly, EHN's Citizens' Petition 99P-1340 filed with the FDA May 11, 1999 was about just this!!!!! At the very least we plead with the FDA that they require their warning on labels of all fragrances released to market without
substantiation of safety. That's the least our government agency charged with protecting public health can do. -- barb http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/41175-print.shtml
The Independent - Online Edition -- UK
Trouble in the air - 09 November 2004
"First it was smoking, now US cities are banning artificial fragrances in public places.
But, as Kate Hilpern discovers, our love of perfumes really could be making us sick"
"... For some people, second-hand scent is more serious than second-hand smoke, says to Lindsay McManus of Allergy UK. The onset of symptoms are quicker and can be debilitating, she explains. 'Whilst some people might get a mild headache from getting a whiff of perfume from someone walking down the street, others may be very ill for several days.'
"She reports that a growing number of helpline calls are from sufferers of 'fragrance sensitivity', with symptoms including dizziness, fatigue, rashes, hives, watery eyes, sore throat and chest tightness. Fragrance sensitivity has even been blamed for learning disabilities and depression. 'Normally the blood expels anything toxic,' explains McManus. 'With fragrance-sensitive people this may not happen and it can affect the nervous system.'
".... Since WEN [Women's Environmental Network] implemented its fragrance-free office-policy a year ago, she says, staff have reported an absence of headaches, streaming
eyes and tightness of the chest, as well as having a clearer head. ..." [Emphasis added.] http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health_medical/story.jsp?story=580858
Betty Bridges (www.fpinva.org) was interviewed for this article. It's a good read, but ... There is something you should know regarding this line: "Santa Cruz in California has banned fragrances from public meetings, whilst neighbouring Marin County boasts a growing number of restaurants with fragrance-free sections."
One, there is a big difference between "banning" fragrances and making a courteous request that people be courteous about not wearing scented products to public meetings. What Santa Cruz really states is: " The City of Santa Cruz does not discriminate against persons with disabilities.
Out of consideration for people with chemical sensitivities, we ask that you attend fragrance free. ..." You can find out more by visiting EHN's page, Take Heart! http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/ehnhompg/takheart.htm#Cities
Secondly, my work for EHN and one of my doctors, takes me to Marin County. I have yet to find a restaurant that truly has "fragrance-free sections." I know that Julia Kendall had worked on that topic and I believe she had had one or two where she could eat without being put in grave danger, but we lost Julia in 1997 and I don't know of anyone living in Marin County who put as much time and energy into fragrance education as Julia did. But, because of Julia's efforts, I can request seating 'as free of fragrances as is possible' and I'm not laughed out of the place. -- barb
US study links more than 200 diseases to pollution
By Geoffrey Lean, Environment Editor; 14 November 2004
"Pollution has been linked to about 200 different diseases, ranging from cerebral palsy to testicular atrophy, as well as more than 37 kinds of cancer, startling US research shows.
"The study, which the authors say probably underestimates the full toll of the contamination, will focus attention on the need for information on the tens of thousands of chemicals routinely released into the environment.
Alas, commonly used consumer products are not included in this article, as it discusses the
pollutants that are out there. Out there in the air and water, where folks feel as though they can do
nothing but complain. But, WE can start protecting ourselves, our family, our colleagues and our environment, by switching to safer products.
Purchase pesticide-free products, petrochemical-free detergents, truly fragrance-free products for personal care and for cleaning and maintenance projects. You can also purchase safer carpets, paints, furnishings. The products are available. Remember, by definition, if you are trying to do green cleaning, and personal care I might add, the product "MUST NOT CONTAIN PETROCHEMICAL-DERIVED FRAGRANCES," as stated by the US Dept. of the Interior. http://www.doi.gov/greening/sustain/trad.html
If WE the people worldwide look for and purchase safer products, starting with those truly free of fragrance as currently concocted, the industry will move. I assure you that for years, we the already chemically injured, have been told repeatedly that our requests for safer products, our pleas to put burden of proof for safety of modern petrochemical-derived consumer products on the industry, would "impact industry," would be "burdensome to industry," that we are trying to "bring industry down." ... NO! We are trying to get industry to make safer products. Grow new industries if the old won't change! Isn't it supposed to be a FAIR market?
It can be done. The alternative and organic markets are growing! And if mainstream industry does not make safer products and the people don't start buying safer products, I suggest Powell, Blair, Chirac and the public, think about the economic burden in dealing with chronic disabliing diseases. Already, health care costs in the States have soared out of sight, not to mention the trauma to families affected by environmentally caused diseases and premature deaths.
Remember, every manufactured scent is one of Dr. Schettler's "chemical milieus" that our bodies converse with 24 hours around the clock, seven days a week. -- barb
IOMA - Safety Director's Report; Copyright October 2004 Banning Fragrances: Smart Health Policy or 'Scents-orship'? This is a pay-per-view article. -- barb
"Dear Safety Director: For the second time this year an employee has come into our office to stridently complain about a coworker¼s 'excessive' use of fragrance, which she insists is making her ill. The employee believes that, for the health and well being of all staff, our organization should implement a 'fragrance-free' workplace policy. We need to know: Is there a real health issue here? If so, what are other companies doing about it? Please advise. Signed: The Human Resources Dept." http://www.ioma.com/pub/SADR/2004_10/1588780-1.html
Kaiser Permanente Fragrance-free Workplace Policy
"To help promote a healthier and more enjoyable work place, the management team
and space committee have put together a department policy regarding the use of fragrant
products. ..." Well, this is a bit of a crock, based on my personal experiences, including Nov. 2004 -- barb http://www.internalmemos.com/memos/memodetails.php?memo_id=2361
Los Angeles Times
Nov. 4, 2004 -- On scent, we've barely scratched the surface
By Steven Barrie-Anthony Betty Bridges (www.fpinva.org)was interviewed for this article.
Supposedly the Times will print my letter to the editor, week of Nov. 8, 2004. Download
this article for your files now, while it is still available without charge. -- barb http://www.latimes.com/features/printedition/home/la-hm-scents4nov04,1,4521225.story
Mar. 9, 2003 -- Chemicals in Home a Big Smog Source
By Gary Polakovic
"Cleansers, cosmetics and other products pump 100 tons of pollutants daily into the Southland's air, ranking second to tailpipe emissions, studies show.
"Ordinary household products such as cleansers, cosmetics and paints are now the Los Angeles region's second-leading source of air pollution, after auto tailpipe emissions, air quality officials say. ...
"...The offending items include detergents, cleaning compounds, glues, polishes, floor finishes, cosmetics, perfume, antiperspirants, rubbing alcohol, room fresheners, car wax, paint and lawn care products. ..." Folks, think for a second about how many of these products contain synthetic scents. They are made to volatilize; they don't need any propellants. They become one with the air we all breathe. -- barb http://www.mindfully.org/Air/2003/Home-Chemicals-Smog9mar03.htm
Oct. 27, 1996 --CHILDHOOD ASTHMA: TOUCHED BY THE TRAUMA
'Her Asthma Is Just Like a Job . . . 24 Hours a Day, Seven Days a Week'
"Rochelle Hasson has worn a constant path to the emergency room. ...
"... Her latest attack came when she smelled perfume at a movie theater. 'I was breathing real hard and tried taking inhalers, but it didn't work,' Rochelle said. 'So the ambulance
had to come get me. They told me if my mother hadn't called the ambulance and got me to the hospital, I would have died.' ..." Where it had been: http://www.latimes.com/HOME/NEWS/SCIENCE/REPORTS/ASTHMA/rochelle.htm
Note: In this series of articles, the question, WHY?, was posed one way or another.
Good grief, they have the answer right here in the words given above . . . PERFUME.
Now, I'm not saying that perfume is the only cause of asthma, and other chronic diseases such as headaches and cancers, but it is a gross dereliction of duty to not look to these petrochemical- derived concoctions! A look at the timeline of proliferation of perfumed products, the direct
advertising to consumers by the pharmaceutical industry AND the fact that mainstream medical doctors ignore the air polluting capabilities of fragrances, I believe warrant scrutiny. Not to look at the role played by fragrances is despicable. -- barb
Medical News Today
Chemical Sensitivities and Perfume - 19 Jun 2004 Taken from the work of June Russell at http://www.jrussellshealth.com.
You can begin to substantiate claims of chemicals in fragrances by going to EHN's Citizens' Petition. See FDA Petition - Docket Number 99P-1340 (with analyses, FDA contact information and complementary information) at http://www.ehnca.org/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm, or by
visiting the site of Betty Bridges, RN at http://www.fpinva.org/petition99P1340.htm -- barb
"Fragrances are now used in almost every cleaning, laundry, and personal-care product on the market. Since people have been using perfumes for hundreds of years. It's reasonable to wonder why the problem of using scents has surfaced only recently.
"Until the 20th century, perfumes were made from natural ingredients derived directly from plants and animals, and as fragrances became cheaper and more widespread, they also became more synthetic.
"The National Academy of Sciences reports that 95% of the chemicals used in fragrances today are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum, including known toxins capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.
"We have been brainwashed by the industry to feel we must cover up our natural scents with toxic chemicals. Many of the same chemicals in perfumes are the same chemicals that are in cigarette smoke. ..." http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/newssearch.php?newsid=9682
Common household fragrances may be harming aquatic wildlife, study finds - 30 Oct 2004
"Those fragrant soaps and shampoos we casually rinse down the drain may be causing long-term damage to aquatic wildlife downstream by interfering with the animals' natural ability to eliminate toxins from their system, according to a new Stanford University study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). ..."
"...The study also has implications for human health. 'People have these same transporters
in the blood-brain barrier, the placenta and the intestines,' Luckenbach explained. 'Perhaps exposure to chemical fragrances could compromise the transporters, making it easier for pollutants to enter the brain, for example.'..." Also see EHN's section on POPs, General Links, page P. -- barb http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/newssearch.php?newsid=15643
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity . . . "The disability that cannot say its name out loud."
DEFINING CHEMICAL INJURY: A Diagnostic Protocol and Profile of Chemically Injured Civilians, Industrial Workers and Gulf War Veterans
G. Heuser, M.D.,Ph.D., P. Axelrod, and S. Heuser, M.A.
"... Patients should be encouraged to list what appear to be "allergic" or "sensitive" reactions to chemical substances, which were previously not experienced as harmful. These include chemicals such as gasoline, fumes and perfumes, household cleaners and other chemicals in everyday use. Reactions to these chemicals may include skin rashes,
hives, eye and throat irritations, sinus problems, nausea, dizziness, and flu-like symptoms. These may have developed during the initial chemical exposure but may also recur when a patient has become chemically sensitive and now reacts to even low amounts of a given chemical or chemical mixture. This reaction to low level exposure is called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) [Cullen, 1987]. If not carefully evaluated, MCS patients will easily be misdiagnosed as suffering from somatization disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or other psychiatric labels. ..." http://www.iicph.org/docs/ipph_Defining_Chemical_Injury.htm
Government and Medical Science Finally Recognize
Crippling Effects of MCS (in Canada)
"...Nevertheless, the reality is that when a person carries an
MCS diagnosis, the competing interests of insurance
companies, employers, and government programs often
erect seemingly insurmountable barriers for the applicant.
Furthermore, not only is MCS a new disease, but it is
caused by substances upon which industrialized
economies depend. ..."
By Helke Ferrie http://www.vitalitymagazine.com/node/view/112
NIBS - National Institute of Building Sciences
IEQ Indoor Environmental Quality Project http://ieq.nibs.org/intro.php
Fragrance-Free
"Prohibit fragrance-emitting devices (FEDS), air fresheners, deodorizers, and similar products. Recommend that no fragranced, citrus-and/or pine-based products be used in cleaning or maintaining the room, path of travel, and restrooms. Any persons with perfume, cologne, aftershave, as well as fragranced personal care and laundry products, would be prohibited from using the room.
(See Fragrance-Free Policy, Operations and Maintenance Report)" http://ieq.nibs.org/rooms/cu_fragrance.php
Fragrance-Free Policy
It is recommended that a fragrance-free policy include prohibition of fragrance-emitting devices (FEDS) and sprays; use of fragrance-free maintenance, laundry, paper and other products; restrictions on perfume, cologne, and other scented personal care products used by employees, visitors, and other occupants; and prohibitions on use
of potpourri and burning incense and scented candles.
Additional Resources
"... Fragrance: This is an air pollutant that is intended to give the false impression that air is clean. Truly clean air has no smell. Fragrance formulas can contain benzene, toluene, styrene, and formaldehyde, along with other ingredients. Fragrance chemicals can enter the body through the lungs, skin, and nasal passageways. They can affect the brain and nervous system in a matter of seconds, either by their presence in the brain or via stimulation of olfactory nerves. Avoid all products that list fragrance as an ingredient or have a fragrant odor. Be aware that even if "fragrance" is not listed as an ingredient, fragrance chemicals may have been added to a product for another purpose, or claimed to be added for another purpose &ndash[sic] such as an anti-microbial stabilizer, blending agent, or enhancer.
http://ieq.nibs.org/om/resources.php
Neurotoxins in fragrances
This EHN section includes info from Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace
(Report by the Committee on Science and Technology. U.S. House of Representatives,
Sept. 16, 1986) [Report 99-827] http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/ehnlinx/n.htm#Neuro
Our Stolen Future
What the nose knows - Think twice before buying a loved one perfume, cologne By Francesca Lyman; MSNBC; 12 February 2003
Excerpted: „ 'Only drugs are pre-tested,' says an FDA spokesperson. 'Cosmetics are treated less strictly.'
"Essentially, protection lies in the hands of the fragrance industry. Glenn Roberts, spokesperson for the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, an industry-sponsored group that does voluntary testing of chemicals, says safety is insured in a four-step process.
" 'First, we have a long history of cosmetics ingredients use to go on; additionally, EPA requires safety testing for any new chemicals; RIFM does it¼s own safety testing of chemicals; and many fragrance and cosmetics companies do their own testing,' says Roberts."
Either Roberts doesn't know what he is talking about, or he is dissembling, but the EPA has not required safety testing for new fragrance chemicals and RIFM has not studied fragrance chemicals for effects upon inhalation or absorption, nor for neurotoxicity, nor carcinogenic effects, nor systemic effects, nor for effects upon daily exposures to perfumes used by others. The industry's primary focus has been for dermatological (skin) effects upon the user, and you can bet your last dollar that they didn't test on people who had eczema or other skin reactions.
See new (posted Nov. 2004) RIFM document below. -- barb http://www.msnbc.com/news/YOURENVIRONMENTH_Front.asp
Phthalate Monoester Levels in the Urine of Young Children Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 68:309‚314.
Brock, JW, SP Caudill, MJ Silva, LL Needham, and ED Hilborn. 2002
" ... The types of phthalates detected suggest that exposure is via consumer products such as fragrance-containing soaps, shampoos and perfumes, as well as nail polish and beauty products. The presence of MEHP indicates that another route of exposure was via DEHP-containing toys. ..." Folks, if the health of your future generations and the health of this planet, not to mention your own health, is important to you, look for safer, fragrance-free products. The already chemically injured successfully clean, cook, garden, live, without use of petrochemical-derived flavors and fragrances or pesticides. YOU can too! Copy us, we've shown the way. -- barb http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/NewScience/oncompounds/phthalates/2002-0401brocketal.htm
Perfume 2000: From a Perfumer's Point of View Errors compound!
A statement I made -- and stand by, for at least one time it was observed by two friends, one of whom was disbelieving until we caught up with the perfume-ladened individuals that had been a block ahead of us -- is seen as a pull quote in block letters. It is meant to demean, as industry apologists are wont to do. But if they face reality eventually, they will learn they should have paid attention to the harbingers, not tried to stultify them/us. While trying to make the already
chemically sensitized individual look ridiculous, they show just how stupid they can be. Time will tell.
Now, it is true that I have stated -- as do many, many already chemically injured, fragrance- sensitized people -- that I have reacted to perfume that was block away, it is not true that I am from Marin County, nor is my name spelled so. That particular time, it was perfume, but so often for so many, it is those horrid, dangerous fabric softener chemicals that waft upon ambient air for blocks.
Now how did Jean-Pierre Subrenat come up with his article? He took his information from Michael Fumento who did not do any personal research whatsoever for his article appearing in a right-wing magazine on April Fools' Day, 2000, The American Spectator. I
researched the fact that no one mentioned in his article had been contacted for personal input. He just gathered information from the web, presenting it out of context, to degrade as he best could. He makes money. We volunteer to make a safer and healthier world for others, including the creatures with whom we share this planet. -- barb http://www.perfume2000.com/magazine/Sep2000/magazine5.asp
Determination of musks and other fragrance compounds at ng/L levels using CLSA (closed loop stripping analysis) and GC/MS detection.
"... All samples contained differents musks at ng/l levels with the polycyclic musks Galaxolide and Tonalide and both fragrances, Amberonne and Acetyl cedrene, being the most abundant. These results suggest the importance of studying and controlling the presence of these ubiquitous environmental compounds in water systems." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15497838
National prevalence of asthma and chemical hypersensitivity:
an examination of potential overlap.
Caress SM, Steinemann AC.
State University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia, USA. scaress@westga.edu
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the linkage between asthma and chemical hypersensitivity. METHODS: The authors conducted a population study with a random sample of 1057 geographically weighted cases to determine the prevalence of both asthma and chemical hypersensitivity in the American population and to explore their co-occurrence. RESULTS: A total of 14.1% of the respondents reported being diagnosed with asthma and 11.2% reported a hypersensitivity to chemicals. Of those with asthma, 27.2% also reported being hypersensitive to chemicals and 7.4% reported also being diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). Of those diagnosed with MCS, 42% reported also being diagnosed with asthma. Additionally, 29.7% of those with asthma said air fresheners caused breathing difficulties,
and 37.2% found scented products irritating. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that there is significant overlap between some forms of asthma and chemical hypersensitivity. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15891531&query_hl=7&itool=pubmed_docsum
The premonitory symptoms (prodrome): a tertiary care study of 893
migraineurs.
Kelman, L.; Headache. 2004 Oct;44(9):865-72. Perfume can trigger migraines. I know that to be the case for me, but since I am no longer
gainfully employed -- not subjected to other people's perfumes! -- I seldom get migraines now. -- barb http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15447695
Dr. Doris Rapp TOXIC PERSONAL CARE - PRODUCTS YOU USE DAILY:
"Your shampoo, toothpaste, hair sprays and dyes, underarm deodorants, body lotions, creams, perfume, lipstick, bubble bath, shaving preparations, aftershave, deodorants, scented soaps, fingernail polish and polish removers all can contain substances that can make you sick. So many people developed asthma from scented perfume strips in magazines, for example, that many advertisers discontinued them. Remember, what you put on your skin can go directly into your body. [As also written by Dr. Richard Conrad to the FDA, in support of EHN's FDA Citizens' Petition, docket number 99P-1340.]
"There is little supervision of the cosmetics industry. The FDA does not require manufacturers to register their products or to file safety data on the ingredients used. There is nothing stopping them from putting a number of toxic chemicals in their products. One perfume, for example, can contain over 200 chemicals. ..." http://www.drrapp.com/alerts.html
RIFM RESPIRATORY SAFETY PROGRAM - INDOOR AIR QUALITY The fragrance industry tells us that fragrances do not clean the air. What they don't elaborate upon is that line about producing no smell at all. They use chemicals to deaden your olfactory senses. The chemicals are there to adversely affect one's body whether or not you can smell them. I personally find that dangerous and despicable. -- barb http://www.rifm.org/WHITE%20PAPER%20IAQ%20DIsola%20v2%2004082004.htm
RMP Annual Monitoring Results 2002 http://www.sfei.org/rmp/
SF Estuary Institute
5.0 MONITORING NEW TRACE ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS IN 2002
Daniel R. Oros
"5.1 Background
"There are several classes of environmental organic contaminants that are currently not a focus of regulatory activity but are clearly drawing attention as potential threats to
aquatic life in the San Francisco Estuary and elsewhere. These new organic contaminants
of concern include a wide variety of persistent and non-persistent chemicals that either
have potential to adversely affect natural endocrine system functions (e.g., development,
growth, and reproduction) depending on exposure, induce toxicity depending on dosage
and bioavailability, and/or bioaccumulate in marine biota (e.g., planktivorous fish, crabs,
and bivalves) and biomagnify in higher food chain consumers (e.g., predatory fish, birds,
marine mammals, and humans). Several examples of these emerging contaminants
include personal care products (e.g., musk fragrance compounds), flame retardants (e.g., polybrominated diphenyl ethers), plasticizers (e.g., phthalates), and surfactants (e.g., p-nonylphenol). Here, phthalates are given as plasticizers, but they are also used in fragrances to make the scent
last on the ambient air. While attention is paid to phthalates role as plasticiizers, people continue to merrily apply them to their bodies as part and parcel of all of their scented products. -- barb http://www.sfei.org/rmp/2002/2002_05_NEWANALYTES.pdf
Fragrances cannot clean the air. What have the already chemically injured been saying? We've said, fragrances cannot clean. Fragrances and perfume don't clean your body. They don't clean your home. They don't clean the air. Fragrances can and do pollute the air, your body, the bodies of untold others and the water.
Fragrances pollute people, the air, and the aqualtic and wildlife with whom we share this planet.
If you are thinking green, says the US Dept. of the Interior, you must find products that do not contain petrochemical-derived fragrances. Read the label and if it says, "Fragrance," put it back and look for another product. Plenty exist. Once you become chemically injured, you'll be having to use the safer products anyway. May as well start early and save yourself and your family the various aspects of environmentally caused illnesses, which include asthma and cancers. -- barb
RIFM RESPIRATORY SAFETY PROGRAM INDOOR AIR QUALITY It's about time we hear this from the industry: "... Fragrance products may give the air a more pleasant smell (or no smell at all),
but they cannot clean the air." [Emphasis added.] More pleasant smell is in the body of the beholder, and believe me, if you smell fragrances, you are inhaling fragrance chemicals and they are becoming part of your body . . . even through your eyes.
We've been inhaling increasing quantities of petrochemical-dervied fragrances for three decades and only now RFIM begins a safety program. Will they look at effects upon the very young,
including fetuses; the already ill, and our elderly? Or, will they test only on healthy people who can still wear fragrances without any yet-obvious health effects? -- barb http://www.rifm.org/WHITE%20PAPER%20IAQ%20DIsola%20v2%2004082004.htm
THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE "Scent-Sensitive Nurse Sues LDS"
BY MICHAEL VIGH; Tuesday, October 15, 2002
"LDS Hospital nurse Susan Bell says she suffered for more than a year from daily headaches, eye irritation, swelling of her face and lips and other symptoms because
her co-workers doused themselves in perfume or cologne.
"Bell, 57, says she became the office laughingstock for supervisors and colleagues, some of whom continued to bathe in their perfumes even after she told them it made her sick. She worked at the hospital for more than a decade before she took a disability leave in March 2001.
"Last week, the Eagle Mountain woman filed a lawsuit against the hospital in U.S. District Court, claiming supervisors failed to adequately accommodate her and enforce their own policy prohibiting the wearing of heavy perfumes.
"I have allergic and severe reactions to fragrances and paints," Bell said in a statement to the Utah Labor Commission's anti-discrimination division. "I complained to my supervisors . . . and they promised to fix the problem, yet no action was taken and every day I was sick at work.' ...
" ... Annette Green, [former] executive director of the Fragrance Foundation in New York, has said the restrictions are much ado about nothing, arguing perfume does not pollute the air and does not contain carcinogens, as cigarettes do." [Emphasis added as I wonder, who is kidding whom? Analyses prove Green WRONG! -- barb] http://www.sltrib.com/2002/oct/10152002/utah/7273.htm
San Francisco Chronicle
GREAT NEWS!
New law on disclosure for cosmetics Chronicle Staff Report; Sunday, October 9, 2005
Sacramento -- Over the objections of dozens of cosmetics manufacturers, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed legislation that will require the makers of beauty products to disclose product ingredients that could cause cancer. BUT, he refused to sign the bio-monitoring bill, regurgitating the chemical industry's line. -- barb http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/10/09/BAGH3F4QJN1.DTL
Success Smells Sweet to 'Phantom's' Vroman
By JERRY CARROLL, Chronicle Staff Writer; Thursday, December 12, 1996
"The San Francisco company of the enormously popular 'Phantom of the Opera' marks its third anniversary and its 1,260th performance at the Curran Theatre today, pleasant enough milestones. But the actors are bracing for one not so nice, the annual New Year's Eve performance.
"The house is always packed that night, and therein lies the problem. 'Everyone dresses up big time,' said Lisa Vroman, who plays the virginal Christine in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. 'And everyone wears a different scent.' Some really pour it on.
"As the play unfolds, body heat in the theater builds and, as it unleashes powerful waves of perfume and cologne, the term 'the smell of the crowd' takes on new meaning for folks on the stage. By the time the action has moved to the roof of the Paris Opera House at the end of Act 1, co-star Franc D'Ambrosio, playing the Phantom, buries his face against the fumes as he waits to reveal himself in the nest of gilded nudes high above the footlights.
" 'Individually,' said Vroman, 'the scents might be nice, but in combination you literally gag. Some people are allergic and it wreaks havoc with sinuses. Sometimes I can't get my breath. So on behalf of the company, I beg people to go easy on the scent.' ..." So, folks, have a care for the air. If you want to hear a great performance, leave the scented products for your own enjoyment in your own home, among consenting, non-pregnant adults! We ALL are stakeholders when it comes to breathing. -- barb http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1996/12/12/DD15845.DTL
A Whiff of Danger Registered subscribers only That is IF you also have a newer computer, which will allow you to get to the story. -- barb
Ý(3/19/2005)
Synthetic fragrance chemicals can inhibit the activity of molecules that cells depend on
to eject harmful substances. Hey folks, how about this as a clue to those of us who have MCS????
I have always said it was the proliferation of modern, petrochemical-derived perfumes, worn by my colleagues in my former, highly polluted workplace that was the cause of my MCS. Before that, I had lived most of my life with chemical induced asthma . . . not that that was diagnosed at age five by any means. But the medical industry did learn about it by the time I hit my 40s and a doctor said, "IF you have had this type of coughing since you were five, then you have had chemical-induced asthma since you were five." That, by the bye was when a chemical pall settled over south St. Louis from a "refinery mishap," as my mother had stated. -- barb
Search: http://www.sciencenews.org/
Lemon-scented products spawn pollutants
Janet Raloff
Week of Dec.Ý9,Ý2000; Vol. 158, No. 24 , p. 375
"While prepping for holiday guests, many hosts will deploy cleaners and air fresheners that impart a pleasant lemon or pine scent. Though they can mask stale smells, their fragrant ingredientsãunder certain conditionsãmay also be a rich source of indoor pollution, a study finds. ..." http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20001209/fob7.asp
My Own Bad Air Day
Ben Harder
Week of Jan.Ý3,Ý2004; Vol. 165, No. 1 , p. 4
A new study suggests that most people inhale substantially more organic contaminants,
including cancer-causing benzene, than is indicated by standard environmental risk assessments based on outdoor measurements. http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20040103/fob3.asp
Stung Lung: Volatile chemical may cut respiratory capacity Ý Registered subscribers only That is IF you also have a newer computer, which will allow you to get to the story. -- barb
(8/5/2006)
Para-dichlorobenzene, a chemical in some air fresheners and pest-control products, may slightly impair lung function in millions of people.
Search: http://www.sciencenews.org/
Sebastopol Toxics Education Program (STEP) The Next STEP: Index to Past Issues Perfume Dreams
By Patricia Dines; November 2004 Click out to Fragrances, toxics in - IV/6 to download a PDF file. I'm in great company in this article. Ms. Dines interviewed Lynn Lawson and Betty Bridges. -- barb
STEP Index: http://www.healthyworld.org/STEPIndex.html
Sierra Magazine The Hidden Life Of ... Laundry
By Chris Borris; Sierra Magazine; Sept. 2002 . . .
"Ah, clean! Fresh-smelling towels, chubby-cheeked cherubs snuggling into soft blankets that have been lovingly bathed in chlorine, benzene, formaldehyde . . . what?! That¼s not part of the image, but it is the reality for the 99.8 percent of Americans who use common commercial detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches, and stain removers. Plus doing our laundry burns through hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil and sends millions of pounds of chlorine into our air and water each year.
"But we don¼t have to put our healthãor the environmentãat risk to get our clothes brighter and whiter. Recipes for homemade greener cleaners abound, and nontoxic, eco-friendly laundry products are no longer rare. Looking for the best of the conventional
brands, on the other hand, isn¼t always easy. Cleaning-product ingredients are considered
"trade secrets," so manufacturers aren¼t required to list all of them on the label.
Stanford Household fragrances may be harming aquatic wildlife, study finds
BY MARK SHWARTZ; Stanford Report, October 29, 2004
"... The study also has implications for human health. "People have these same
transporters in the blood-brain barrier, the placenta and the intestines," Luckenbach explained. "Perhaps exposure to chemical fragrances could compromise the transporters, making it easier for pollutants to enter the brain, for example." ..." Now, where is Dr. Dean Edell and his claim that people are somatizing their chemical injury? -- barb http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2004/november3/Perfume-1103.html
The State -- South Carolina COSMETIC WARNINGS MULLED
By DAVID GOLDSTEIN; Sat, Mar. 12, 2005
"FDA considers labels for personal-care products
"WASHINGTON -- Imagine reaching for a tube of lipstick or a can of shaving cream and finding this label: 'Warning -- The safety of this product has not been determined.' ..." This is about the work of the EWG, not EHN's petition, but hey, news is news. -- barb http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/nation/11117085.htm
Studies Link Class of Chemicals to Certain Medical Risks
Feb 10, 2004 3:54PM Knight-Ridder / Tribune Business News ‚
" A group of common chemicals found in indoor air, some perfumes and plastic tubing used in hospitals may be more prevalent and dangerous than previously thought -- with pregnant women and infants especially at risk, new studies say.
"New research on the substances, called phthalates (pronounced THAL-aytes), finds that at least one type can disrupt the human hormone system -- putting pregnant women at risk for delivering premature babies, damaging sperm in some men, and harming reproductive systems of children.
"Recent studies also refute the notion that humans are only exposed to phthalates orally; the studies have established that indoor exposure to the chemical is more widespread than previously thought and that modest levels of some phthalates can be harmful. ..." Actually, phthalates are commonly found in perfumes and fragrances because they
help make that scent last on the ambient air. Consider for a moment, all those fragrance
products you use and are subjected to from those used by others. -- barb http://www.leas.ca/News/phthalates.htm
Chronology of Cosmetics & Personal Care Products Content
February 2007 - EWG NEWS RELEASE:
"Fragrances Hide Toxic Chemical Ingredients -- A major loophole in federal law allows fragrance manufacturers to hide potentially hazardous chemicals in product scents, including substances linked to allergies, birth defects, and even cancer. ..." http://www.ewg.org/issues/siteindex/issues.php?issueid=5005
Citizens' Petition before the FDA -- 99P-1340 Replete with perfume analyses. Write to the FDA about your adverse reactions or the
adverse reactions of family members. -- barb
On EHN's site: http://www.ehnca.org/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm
Cosmetic / Personal Care Packaging
FACES & PLACES
"John Bailey, former director of FDA's Office of Applied Research and Safety
Assessment, has joined the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association
(CTFA; Washington, DC) as director, cosmetic chemistry. Among Bailey's
responsibilities will be providing support on cosmetic regulatory matters to
CTFA staff and association members." Do you think we have a little bit of the ol' governmental revolving door? -- barb http://www.cpcpkg.com/02/03/businessbeat.html
Dr. Mercola's, Do Environmental Chemicals Harm Humans?
"... exposure to chemicals may pose the greatest threat to pregnant women,
which then may affect the health of the fetus later in life. ..." http://mercola.com/2004/mar/6/environmental_chemicals.htm
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cannot even beg for safety! The FDA cannot require pre-market testing and it does not test. Any word from industry
to FDA about related injuries from fragrance/cosmetic products is strictly voluntarily released information. The industry voluntarily recalls harmful products . . . the FDA is forbidden to institute recalls, without first proving cause in a court of law. The FDA can do one thing toward informing the public, yet it does NOT do it. The FDA has a requirement for a warning message on labels of products released to market without substantiation of safety, but it does not enforce it's own regulation. That alert would read: "WARNING: The safety of this product has not been determined." -- barb FDA Authority Over Cosmetics http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-206.html
Fragrance Foundation Inc.
"Scent circle" The fragrance industry states you should not exceed your "scent circle." Yet, toxic chemicals are used in the manufacture of their scent so it wafts further and lasts longer on the ambient air. To wear and use fragrances means you pollute the air beyond your arm's length. And you pollute your body and the bodies of others. You also pollute the water downstream and the air in remote areas. -- barb Fragrance Tips http://www.fragrance.org/feature_feattips.html
Do you think "safe and wholesome" best describes our modern petrochemical-derived fragrances? -- barb
Fragrance Materials Association of the United States
"Providing the public with safe and wholesome fragrances and fragrance ingredients." http://www.fmafragrance.org/
Safe and wholesome fragrances and ingredients, anyone? Frankly, I don't know how the fragrance industry defines safe or wholesome, but according to my American Heritage Dictionary the definitions are:
SAFE:
1. Secure from danger, harm, or evil.
2. Free from danger or injury; unhurt.
3. Free from risk; sure.
4. Affording protection.
WHOLESOME:
1. Conducive to sound health or well-being; salutary.
2. Promoting mental, moral, or social health.
3. Enjoying or marked by physical, mental, or moral soundness; healthy.
Now see some excerpts from the National Academy of Science presentation before the
99th US Congress, way back in 1986, regarding the neurotoxicity of fragrance chemicals. Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace http://users.lmi.net/wilworks/ehnlinx/n.htm#Neurotoxins
FMA Mission Statement and Critical Objectives Lest you wonder why we haven't been successful with the FDA Petition or SNIFF in our meager attempts to protect public health, check these gems . . . and more. -- barb
"... Proactively engage in the development of international, federal and state laws ..."
"... Take action to preserve self-regulation in the face of legislative and regulatory initiatives ..."
"... Seek legislative and regulatory relief from burdensome laws and regulations ..."
"... Ensure the safety of our products by supporting RIFM and IFRA
Take action to protect proprietary information from legislative, regulatory and related initiatives ..."
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Common Indoor Air Pollutants NIEHS lists fragrance products and pesticides uncer VOCs (volatile orgranic compounds). -- barb http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/faq/indoor.htm
Scent-Sensitive Nurse Sues LDS
BY MICHAEL VIGH; THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE; Tuesday, October 15, 2002
"Annette Green, [former] executive director of the Fragrance Foundation in New York, has said the restrictions are much ado about nothing, arguing perfume does not
pollute the air and does not contain carcinogens, as cigarettes do."
[Emphasis added as I wonder, who is kidding whom? FDA have you seen this article?] http://web.archive.org/web/20021108134652/http://www.sltrib.com/2002/oct/10152002/utah/7273.htm
Visit the rest of EHN's website after seeing the rest of this section.
Then think before you purchase. The health you save may be your own. -- barb
When you are surfing the web and find elsewhere that you should beware of "chemical irritants," think "poison" and then think "FRAGRANCES." Fragrance in your cologne and perfume. "Fragrance" as listed on the label to indicate the scents in your cosmetics and personal care products. Plus remember the scents in your household and janitorial cleaning and maintenance products -- they too are petrochemically derived. All of these modern scents are made of alcohol and petrochemical derivatives. They voliatilize to pollute the air for all. And, fragrance chemicals are found downstream adversely affecting wild and acquatic life. Listen to the already chemically injured; look at labels; stop
buying products with "fragrance" on the label until such time those products are substantiated for safety before government agencies and the public before marketing.
When you see the word "fragrance" on a label, think carcinogens, think hormone
disrupters, think lung and skin sensitization (poisoning), think neurotoxin, think of the
next generation for some of the chemicals are teratogens, capable of adversely affecting developing embryos and fetuses. THINK! Then, purchase safer, fragrance-free products. -- barb
A COMMON FRAGRANCE COMPONENT INCREASES AIRWAY
RESPONSIVENESS AFTER SKIN SENSITISATION
"... In summary, the results show that commonly used fragrance components can decrease lung function and sensitise the skin on contact and thereby also induce increased lung sensitivity.
" It is important to note that the perfume components of many products that act as contact sensitisers of the skin can also cause hyperreactivity of the lung. Since multiple chemical sensitivity is an increasing problem in today¼s society, the authors hope that the results of their study will help reducing use of fragrances in consumer products and thus help people suffering from asthma and unspecific reactions. " Fragrances adversely affect health AND therefore access! Note MCS comment above. -- barb
ABSTRACT NO: 3194
ORIGINAL ABSTRACT TITLE AND AUTHORS: A common fragrance component, 3‚carene, increases airway responsiveness after skin sensitisation - a study in isolated guinea pig lungs
L. Lastbom, A. Boman, S. Johnsson, P. Camner, A. Ryrfeldt
DAY AND TIME OF PRESENTATION
Tuesday, September 17 / 13:30 ‚ 15:30
CONTACT PERSON:
Lena Lastbom
Division of Inhalation Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine,
Karolinska Institutet
Stockholm, Sweden
Tel: +46 8 728 7570
Fax: +46 8 30 33 90
Email: lena.lastbom@imm.ki.se http://www.ersnet.org/4/3/4_4_3_5.asp#fragrance
"... Atralone, the main active ingredient of natural oakmoss. Atralone's properties make it an excellent substitute for natural oakmoss extract. ..."
" ...Heliogan, a green, ozone note that is a favorite in soaps, detergents and perfumes with scents of flowers and fresh meadows. ..."
"... Musk (Concentrate, BB, DEP, IPM). The product's proven performance, persistence and stability make it an ideal raw material for functional and fine fragrances.
Musk Concentrate; Musk 50/BB; Musk 50/DEP; IPMcame up same as DEP
Chemical name: 1,3,4,6,7,8,-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-cyclopenta-2-benzopyran CAS registry no. [1222-05-5]
"Ganolid, a synthetic tetraline-type polycyclic musk"
"Amberonne is a colorless product having amber, woody notes with
velvety undertones"
"Ganone, a special product with its very powerful fresh, marine and greenish notes,
Delta Damascone is a special product with Floral, Rose, Fruity note
Ý
ATRALONE - Methyl-2, 4-dihydroxy-3, 6-dimethyl-benzoate; CAS# 4707-47-5 Most Important Hazards: Prolonged or repeated exposure may be irritating to eyes, skin and respiratory system. Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air. Consult a doctor in the event of any complaints.
Oak moss odor: http://www.agan-aroma.co.il/aroma2002/p-atralone.asp
Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace
(Report by the Committee on Science and Technology.
U.S. House of Representatives, Sept. 16, 1986) [Report 99-827] Scroll down to excerpts keyed in by me. -- barb http://users.lmi.net/wilworks/ehnlinx/n.htm#Neurotoxins
When you see, hear, think "Agression," think FRAGRANCES . . .
FRAGRANCES AND PREGNANCY Fragrance Exposure Causes Aggression Hyperactivity and Nerve Damage Neurotoxicology, Volume 1:221-237, 1979 brought to you by ChemTox http://www.chem-tox.com/pregnancy/perfume.htm
Cosmetics and breast cancer
By James W. Coleman, Ph.D.
Cancer Research Center of America, Inc.
"... Perfumes. It is has been shown with medical certainty that there is a direct correlation between the amount and frequency of beverage alcohol consumed and breast cancer. 8, 9, 10 [See original document.] Most perfumes consist of about 80 per cent
alcohol. We have learned from our studies that many women spray perfumes directly on their breast above the nipple, the site of a large percentage of breast cancers. Certain carcinogens combine synergistically with alcohol and enhance the
risk factors for breast cancer. " http://www.cancerresearchamerica.org/cosmetics.html
Alcohol detector detects fragrances! New Sensor Can Detect Blood-Alcohol Levels in Moving Vehicle - 7/5/2002 Join Together Online
" ... 'One of the problems is the system is so sensitive that perfume, which has an
alcohol level of 0.02, can trigger an alarm,' he said. ..." http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/summaries/reader/0,1854,552387,00.html
Diversion Activity Increases Along With Cigarette Prices - 1/28/1999
"According to the WALL STREET JOURNAL:
" 'Here's how diversion works: Philip Morris, say, makes cartons of Marlboros in the US earmarked for foreign markets where prices are lower. Some of the cigarettes may then steam offshore, only to return; others may never actually leave. But one way or another, they make their way through a complex and often shadowy distribution network and land on shelves in US stores. . . . Technically, there is nothing illegal about re-importing a product and selling it. Diversion is widespread for shampoo, perfume and other products."
Owner Says Restaurant Closed Because Of Smoking Ban - 4/6/1995
"The WALL STREET JOURNAL reports that Jimmy's restaurant in
Chicago closed because, according to its owner, the establishment went
smokefree a few years ago. Owner Jimmy Rohr banned smoking and
perfume because of his allergies. When he later allowed smoking again,
the smokers "never came back."
Source: "Unforgiving Smokers," WALL STREET JOURNAL, April 6, 1995, p. A1.
Is this what restaurants are fearing? Then let them serve the public who far prefers to
taste their food, not another's cigarette smoke, not another person's perfume or other
fragrance product. Dining is an olfactory pleasure. Dining is ruined by tobacco smoke
and our modern plethora of perfumed products. Think of the millions waiting to dine sans
smoke and fragrance pollutants.-- barb
Health Care Without Harm There was a small group of people, including Betty Bridges and me, who were working with Health Care Without Harm. And, as I see it, out of our efforts came the information on fragrances on noharm.org . . . and spinning off of that was also the efforts by the Enviornmental Working Group and their report all pregnant women should read, Not Too Pretty and also their Safe Cosmetics Campaign. -- barb http://www.noharm.org
Fragrances
" To many people, the word "fragrance" means something that smells nice, such as perfume. We don't often stop to think that scents are chemicals. Fragrance chemicals are organic compounds that volatilize, or vaporize into the air - that's why we can smell them. They are added to products to give them a scent or to mask the odor of other ingredients. The volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) emitted by fragrance products can contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and are associated with a variety of adverse health effects. ..." http://www.noharm.org/pesticidesCleaners/Fragrances
IFRA's "Procedures for supplying fragrance information promptly
to dermatologists "
"The following procedure has been approved by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), including all its regional and national associations (e.g. in
Europe, Japan, North and South America) and has been shared with COLIPA
(The European Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association), CTFA (Cosmetics, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, US) and JCIA (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association). ..." This file, as a Word document, carries this date reference . . . "FinalProcedureDermatReqContactDermatitis 05.08.2002"
Interestingly, the date doesn't appear on the document one can get
as HTML through Google.
These procedures were put in place nearly three years to the day after EHN filed its Citizens' Petition with the US Food and Drug Administration -- 99P-1340. Is there any connection?
Who knows? And are there procedures pertaining to the neurotoxic effects of fragrance chemicals, or their possible carcinogenic, teratogenic, respiratory effects, ...? I don't know as I've yet to find any formal recognition by the industry that there's any problem with breathing fragrances at primary, secondary or even tertiary levels of exposure.
Mind you, the information may be available, but I have yet to find it. The most I've come to learn is through the article by Francesca Lyman, published in February 2002 and re-released October 2002, Scents and sensitivities, in which it was stated: "In response to the perceived problems of fragrances in the air, Roberts [Glenn Roberts, spokesperson for the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, an industry-sponsored group that does testing of chemicals] says that his industry group has begun the first study to examine fragrance inhalation. 'We're spending a lot of money on this,' he says, 'to understand the systemic effects of fragrances on organs and nervous system, what happens when fragrances are inhaled.' " -- barb
Quoting from IFRA's "Procedures for supplying fragrance information promptly to dermatologists "
ANNEX I
List of the 26 fragrance ingredients proposed for labelling on cosmetic products in Europe
US PANEL FAILS TO PROTECT AMERICANS FROM REPRODUCTIVE TOXIN IN COSMETICS Not Too Pretty's Breaking News November 19, 2002 [regarding phthalates] http://www.nottoopretty.org/pa_new_11_18_02.htm
------------
Adequate -- or to use the industry's term "Thorough" -- testing
What does thorough testing mean to the industry?
To the industry, it has meant testing only the primary user for dermatological effects -- adverse reactions to the skin. In February 2002, an industry represenative was quoted in an article by Ms. Francesca Lyman, "In response to the perceived problems of fragrances in the air, Roberts says that his industry group has begun the first study to examine fragrance inhalation. 'We¼re spending a lot of money on this,' he says, 'to understand the systemic effects of fragrances on organs and nervous system, what happens when fragrances are inhaled.' " [Glenn Roberts, Research Institute for Fragrance Materials.] See: "Scents and sensitivities - What to know before buying a Valentine¼s Day perfume," MSNBC; Feb. 6, 2002 http://www.msnbc.com/news/702445.asp
To me, thorough testing would include, but not necessarily limited to, testing for:
Adverse reactions of various kinds for people of all ages, at secondary and tertiary levels of expsosure.
Upper and lower respiratory effects upon inhalation.
Neurotoxic effects upon people of all ages -- the neurotoxic effects of fragrances were brought to the attention of the 99th Congress, way back in September 1986.
Teratogenic effects of all types, including neurological, upon embryos and fetuses
Carcinogenic effects.
Effects following long-term use, whether at first or secondhand exposures.
Effects upon reproduction -- phthalates seem to have adverse effects upon sperm and they seem to have adverse effects upon developing male fetuses.
Hormone disrupting effects for all people of all ages, including fetuses, infants and children.
Adverse effects of the chemicals that are known irritants and sensitizers; do they "set one up" for other health problems?
Systemic effects
Bioaccumulative effects for people as well as the animals with which we share this planet.
Effects of commonly used fragrance chemicals such as the musks, coumarins and phthalates
but not excluding other common chemicals such as Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, et al.
IF the Powers That Be were to look at those of us who have already become chronically ill and/or disabled as Observational Human Studies rather than malingerers or psychosomatic, and IF the PTB looked at data already available on the chemical overload of our modern scented products -- which includes pesticides, which in turn includes disinfectants -- then maybe we'd have cleaner air for all. Cleaner air for all would certainly mean a drop in illness. A goal of cleaner air for all would lead to real and effective Illness and Injury Prevention policies and programs. Cleaner air for all may be the key in steming the rise in cases of "UNEXPLAINED" chronic illnesses and premature deaths. Cleaner air for all in schools, hospitals and workplaces should be mandatory. It is common sense. And, it IS common courtesy! And to top that, it
would be the Precautionary Principle in action. -- barb
Ý PubMed
Final report on the safety assessment of
Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate.
Nair B.
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, Washington, DC 20036, USA.
1: Int J Toxicol. 2001;20 Suppl 3:23-50. PMID: 11766131 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
"... Because of the wide variety of product types in which these ingredients may be used, it is likely that inhalation may be a route of exposure. The available safety tests are not considered sufficient to support the safety of these ingredients in formulations where inhalation is a route of exposure. Inhalation toxicity data are needed to complete the safety assessment of these ingredients where inhalation can occur." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11766131&dopt=Abstract
Sensitization to fragrance materials in Indonesian cosmetics.
Roesyanto-Mahadi ID, Geursen-Reitsma AM, van Joost T, van den Akker TW.
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Erasmus University, Rotterdam,
The Netherlands. ; 1: Contact Dermatitis. 1990 Apr;22(4):212-7.
" ... The use of additional test series in Indonesia to detect allergy to traditional cosmetics and perfumes merits further investigation." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2347175&dopt=Abstract
The industry tells us fragrances don't pose a hazard . . . my body is a non-believer! -- barb
Subchronic inhalation studies of complex fragrance mixtures in
rats and hamsters.
Fukayama MY, Easterday OD, Serafino PA, Renskers KJ, North-Root H, Schrankel KR.
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Union Beach, NJ 07735-3597, USA.
1: Toxicol Lett. 1999 Dec 20;111(1-2):175-87. mark.fukayama@iff.com
" ... Subchronic exposure to all fragrance mixtures resulted in no toxicologically significant effects on animal survival, behavior, body weights or weight gains, organ weights, or in hematology, clinical chemistry, or urinalysis parameters. No gross pathological or histopathological findings related to test material exposures were observed. These studies support the conclusions that the fragrance mixtures would not pose a hazard to product users based on repeated and exaggerated inhalation exposures of animals." But what about a situation like this uninformed guinea pig? Daily, in the workplace, exposures to a wide variety of scents, many heavily applied and reapplied by their users. Along with scented cleaners, including rug shampoo, topped off by monthly sprayings of pesticides -- pyrethroids -- which in and of themselves are bad enough, but they are also scented . . . fragrance chemicals hidden behind the misnomer: INERT. Fragrances left the users' bodies and permeated their modular furniture and chairs, to continue to outgas long after they had left on vacations. What rat could stand that sort of test? Not the rats used by Anderson laboratories. So how is it that IF&F gets data showing that fragrance mixtures would not pose a hazard to product users? Of course, there's no consideration given for the non-user who becomes the unwilling secondhand user. None given by industry, none given by mainstream medical doctors, none given by our government agencies charged with protecting public health (CDC -- which conveniently drops the crucial part of its name in its initials ... Centers for Disease Control and PREVENTION; FDA -- Food and Drug Administration; EPA -- Environmental Protection Agency; ATSDR -- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; CPSC -- Consumer Products
"Coumarin," think FRAGRANCES. Coumarin is an anticoagulant that quickly gets into the body. It's uses include pharmaceuticals, rat poisons, and FRAGRANCES.
For more information on Coumarin, see http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/ehnlinx/c.htm#Coumarin
"Irritants" and "Sensitizers" think FRAGRANCES. It's not just paint, it's not just exhaust, or tobacco smoke, or solvents, ... it IS the innocuous-sounding fragrances, too!
Under EHN's Fragrance Info, you can compare what the industry states with information
provided by reputable researchers. You can learn about the harmful chemicals found in
fragrances and other cosmetic products. You can visit some sites that link some of the fragrance and cosmetic chemicals to cancer. Regardless of what you may hear through industry
advertising hype and public relations campaigns, or through members of the media who seem to have a vested interest to protect the industry's economy, the truth is: The industry is not regulated by any government agency. When there are no real regulations in place, it is exceedingly easy to "meet or exceed the requirement of the Federal Public Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act." And, the truth is, fragrances are not adequately tested --
beyond skin reactions for the PRIMARY user, ignoring all who suffer skin reactions at the secondary and tertiary level of exposures AND ignoring primary and secondary users who suffer from adverse effects due to the sensitizers and irritants (capable of causing, triggering and exacerbating asthma and other pulmonary diseases), neurotoxins (adversely affecting your brain and nervous systems), teratogenic (adversely affecting the developing embryo and fetus), or carcinogens (capable of causing cancer) at primary and secondary levels of exposure.
Sources:
You can also see that major organizations acknowledge fragrances can trigger asthma, migraines and other illnesses by visiting EHN's section, Avoid Fragrances. http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/ehnlinx/a.htm#AVOID
To read "fragrance-free" defined by Ecology House and fragrance-free statements by the
Sierra Club's SF Bay Area Conservation Committee, the University of Minnesota and
Dalhousie University, see Fragrance-free in this section.
The European Commission
"... In the absence of specific regulations for fragrances, IFRA introduced self-regulatory
disciplines for the industry, such as the IFRA list of prohibited fragrance ingredients.
This list, which is based primarily on cutaneous safety concerns, was used as the basis
for a discussion. ..."
Hello! Wake Up! Caveat Emptor! Buyer Beware! Folks, FDA, EPA, CPSC, we've been telling you that the primary testing done for fragrances is for skin reactions of the PRIMARY user. Check out the statement for yourselves. NO WHERE do I see the least concern for the effects of synthetic scents on the brains, lungs, organs of people of all ages, let alone on developing embryos and fetuses. And even with all the concern expressed on behalf of primary users who develop skin allergies, NO WHERE do I see the least concern for all the more people who develop skin reactions from just having to breathe the air into which synthetic fragrance chemicals have outgassed! That, by the bye, is called Airborne Contact Dermatitis. -- barb http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/sc/ssc/out108_en.html
Airborne chemicals affect the body's largest organ, the skin
Skin and reactions to fragrances
Clinician's Photo Guide To Recognizing and Treating Skin Diseases in Women Part 1. Dermatoses Not Linked to Pregnancy
Author: Chee Leok Goh, MD, MRCP, FRCP, FAMS, University of Singapore, National Skin Centre Medscape search - If this URL doesn't work, to to www.medscape.com -- barbhttp://www.medscape.com/home/templates/confirmGeneric.html
Alerts to Pet Owers! Do not use scented products, you will improve your indoor air quality for your pets,
as well as for you and your children. See the FDA Petition to learn more about the chemicals found in commonly used synthetic scents. (http://www.ehnca.org/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm)
Asthmatics¼ reactions to common perfumes
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - press release Scroll down. My solution: Remove the fragrances to eliminate the asthma. Of course, that suggestion
and the one to eliminate pesticides meant I had to take early retirement. -- barb http://www.aaaai.org/media/news_releases/2000/03/000304.html
Assaulted by fragrance How many developing infants are unintentionally assaulted by fragrances?
Halifax, Nova Scotia Includes articles of incidents of scented products causing adverse events in school.
These are old stories, links might not work, but you've got the info to begin research. -- barb http://users.lmi.net/wilworks/ehnlinx/articles.htm#Halifax
Family wants perfume, deodorant banned from schools News-Journal wire services; Thursday, October 03, 2002
and scrolling to the bottom of the page and its form. -- barb
" PIKEVILLE, Ky. -- Kristian Childers cries when she thinks about what she's missing while holed up in her house.
"The 16-year-old hasn't been to school since she reported that a campus bully sprayed her in the face with perfume a year ago, causing a severe asthma attack that landed her in the hospital.
Fragrant fracas: Lawyer asks that perfume be banned from schools MyInky;September 28, 2002
" PIKEVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- The Pike County school board has voted down a
proposal to ban students from bringing cologne, body spray or perfume to
schools in the eastern Kentucky district.
Attorney: Proper steps not taken to protect asthmatic
BY PETER W. ZUBATY, STAFF WRITER; Appalachian News-Express
"A local attorney says the Pike County School Board failed to accommodate a student¼s disability when it voted down a proposed policy prohibiting possession
of cologne, body spray, perfume or other aerosol products by students.
"And that failure to act, said Elkhorn City attorney Tim Belcher, could potentially
land the school board in a lawsuit to force the issue. The vote was 4-1 against, with Ravine Ratliff voting in favor of the policy.
Our views ä on proposed perfume ban at schools
Editorial by David Gross; Appalachian News-Express;Wednesday, October 2, 2002
"Even in the face of threatened litigation, the Pike County Board of Education made the right decision recently when it rejected a proposal to prohibit students from possessing cologne, perfume and other aerosol products while at school.
"While we sympathize with the asthmatic teen-age girl whose mother initiated the proposal, we also understand the majority of school board members¼ concern ã that such a policy likely would be unenforceable. ..." [This was excerpted from his editorial.] Mr. Gross doesn't say one word about the spraying. That's an assault with a deadly weapon, not a prank! And, fragrance-free WORKS! Email: dgross@news-expressky.com-- barb http://www.news-expressky.com/news-expressky/myarticles.asp?H=1&S=547&P=697979&PubID=11623
Now, for all those who want some hope, a middle school in Faribault, MN
has banned fragrances, and there are fragrance-free accommodations working in
Jefferson City, MO. -- barb
Jefferson City, Missouri, Public Schools Section 504 Accommodation Plan
"[A]n example of a progressive school that has implemented a comprehensive plan to
provide a student with severe asthma triggered by perfumes a fragrance free educational environment including:
Fragrance Free school bus
Fragrance Free school
Fragrance Free Basketball team as well as all competing teams,
coaches and officials - the team was 10-0 last season!
Fragrance Free extracurricular activities (dances) including
chaperones and parent volunteers http://immune.best.vwh.net/stephanie/504.html
Assurances by fragrance industry that their products are safe
Some say a popular perfume is a health danger!!
Judith Sanderson, Teacher, Culver City High Write-up following EHN-Cancer Prevention Coalition press release,
"Perfume: Cupid's Arrow or Poison Dart?," Feb. 7, 2000 http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?s=58076
Scented Products Education and Information Association of Canada (SPEIAC)< As you read, consider vested interests . . . you may want a block of salt. Remember as you read about RFIM, that it was their spokesperson, Glenn Roberts, who said in a Feb. 2002 article by Francesca Lyman, Scents and sensitivities ..., "that his industry group has begun the first study to examine fragrance inhalation. 'We¼re spending a lot of money on this,' he says, 'to understand the systemic effects of fragrances on organs and nervous system, what happens when fragrances are inhaled.' " The economic whine is not lost on me. He'd be staggered by the costs to those already chemically injured.
I'd like to see all fragrances analyzed, MSDS checked, an official look at all the chemicals that are used about which not enough is known; a look at the chemicals used about which it is known that they are irritants and sensitizers; and a further look at the chemicals that are known or suspected carcinogens (capable of causing cancer), teratogens (adversely affecting embryo and fetal development), neurotoxins (affecting your brain and nervous systems) and hormone disrupters (affecting males and females of all ages and our wildlife downstream). Yes, fragrances have been used for time out of mind, but not PETROCHEMICALLY derived fragrances. Even those who used to "LOVE THEIR FRAGRANCES" 30 years ago can no longer tolerate being around modern synthetic scents. Let's see some REAL science, and let's see some REAL results of REAL tests. Tests that search beyond what happens to the skin of the primary user. Let's include data on airborne contact dermatitis, effects upon inhalation, effects upon absorption via skin and eye, let's have some REAL studies about adverse effect following long-term exposure, let's learn what systemic effects are, let's explore the neurotoxic effects of fragrances. Then, let us see a real fragrnce fact sheet. It can only help the industry. -- barb
Canada's Food and Drug Act - Cosmetics Notice, that just as in the USA, there is absolutely no concern for those who encounter
adverse health effects and events at secondary and tertiary levels of exposure. Nonetheless,
if the industry cannot prove that coumarin, musks, phthaltes, and all the other 3,000 to 5,000 chemicals in their repertorire are safe for users and nonusers, for developing fetuses and our elderly, for the already chemically injured, aren't the Food and Drug Acts of Canada and the USA being flaunted at best and violated at worst? -- barb 16. "No person shall sell any cosmetic that
(a) has in or on it any substance that may cause injury to the
health of the user when the cosmetic is used,
(i) according to the directions on the label
or accompanying the cosmetic, or
USA's Cosmetic Handbook Where is the concern for those who are harmed at the secondary and tertiary levels of exposure? But also where is the concern for those harmed as primary users? Our public health agencies are supposed to protect public health; prevent illness and injury. Not help industry assure I&I. -- barb
"1. Regulatory Requirements for Marketing Cosmetics in the United States http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-hdb1.html
"A cosmetic is considered adulterated if it contains a substance which may make the
product harmful to consumers under customary conditions of use; ..."
"...A cosmetic is misbranded if its labeling is false or misleading, if it does not bear the
required labeling information, ..."
"The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act prohibits the introduction or delivery
for introduction into interstate commerce of cosmetics that are adulterated or
misbranded (Sec. 301). "A cosmetic may be deemed adulterated (Sec. 601) for
essentially four reasons, namely:
"1. It may be injurious to users under conditions of customary use
because it contains, or its container is composed of, a potentially harmful substance. . . ."
Ad published following the industry-called press conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 20, 2000 .
For more info on the events surrounding the press conference, see: http://www.ehnca.org/ehnlinx/aaprbb.htm
"COMMON SENSE ABOUT SCENTS."
In this ad, you are assured that:
All fragrance ingredients have been tested for safety.
The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials is an international independent body dedicated to evaluating fragrance ingredient safety.
Fragrance ingredients are tested to the same standards that
apply to consumer goods like food.
The composition of perfumes hasn¼t changed much in hundreds
of years. They contain primarily water and alcohol -- of the same
type and purity we drink in beverages -- as well as essential fragrance oils.
Fragrance formulations do not contain toxic ingredients such as carcinogens or neurotoxins.*
Perfumes and scented personal care products are regulated by
Health Canada.
The safety of an ingredient does not depend on whether it is
natural or synthetic. For example, almost half of the ingredients
no longer used in fragrances are naturals that caused skin irritation.
US PANEL FAILS TO PROTECT AMERICANS FROM REPRODUCTIVE TOXIN IN COSMETICS Not Too Pretty's Breaking News November 19, 2002 Industry assures us phthalates are safe in amounts used. What? In just one scented product? How about combo effects from a myriad of scented products, used by multiple people in a
small area and by hundreds encountered everyday? http://www.nottoopretty.org/pa_new_11_18_02.htm
Now let's check a source other than the fragrance industry's ads and
public relations campaigns. Acetaldehyde Chemical Backgrounder
From the National Safety Council Acetaldehyde is just one commonly used flavors and fragrance ingredient
"Health effects:
"Acetaldehyde is a substance which may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen, according to the Seventh Annual Report on Carcinogens, National Toxicology Program, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is also classified in EPA's Toxic
Release Inventory (TRI) to be a known or suspected carcinogen. When ingested or inhaled, acetaldehyde can irritate the eye, nose, and throat; cause conjunctivitis, coughing, central nervous system depression, eye and skin burns, dermatitis, and delayed pulmonary edema." [Emphasis added.] http://www.nsc.org/library/chemical/Acetalde.htm
Scents and sensitivities
What to know before buying a Valentine¼s Day perfume
By Francesca Lyman; Feb. 6, 2002; MSNBC CONTRIBUTOR http://www.msnbc.com/news/702445.asp
Notice the duplicity, as first we learn . . .
"Products are thoroughly tested before being marketed to assure their health
and safety, says Glenn Roberts, spokesperson for the Research Institute for
Fragrance Materials, an industry-sponsored group that does testing of chemicals. "
And then, further along we find:
"In response to the perceived problems of fragrances in the air, Roberts says
that his industry group has begun the first study to examine fragrance inhalation. 'We¼re spending a lot of money on this,' he says, 'to understand the systemic
effects of fragrances on organs and nervous system, what happens when
fragrances are inhaled.' "
Emphasis added . . . and notice the dollars whine! The price the already injured
person has paid is beyond measure.
July 10, 2002: Again, following release of information on phthalates found in fragrances by NotTooPretty.org, the industry assures reporters who in turn assure the public that
fragrance products are safe; phthalates are safe. But, synthetic scents are not safe for me
at secondary and tertiary levels of exposure. . . and I am but one of millions of people adversely
affected by these inadequately- tested-before-marketing products. Remember, the FDA does not require pre-market testing of fragrances! See FDA Authority Over Cosmetics http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-206.html
Following is an excerpt from the latest article in which assurances are given. I don't have
a link to provide to this article.
I wish our mainstream medical and government experts would stop using the word
"UNEXPLAINED" when queried about the skyrocketing rates of chronic illnesses and
premature deaths, and start seriously looking into the toxic chemicals which the public
applies daily to their bodies, and releases into the ambient air for all others to breathe as well.-- barb
July 10, 2002 Groups Seek Ban on the Use Of Phthalates in Cosmetics
By JILL CARROLL
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
"... The cosmetics industry said it believes phthalates in cosmetics pose no
problems. "There is no public-health concern [relating to] its use in
cosmetics," said Gerald McEwen, vice president of science for the Cosmetic,
Toiletry and Fragrance Association. "We think they are safe as we are using
them in our products."
Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures
Committee on the Assessment of Asthma and Indoor Air, Division of Health
Promotion and Disease Prevention, Institute of Medicine
456 pages, 6 x 9, 2000; ISBN: 0-309-06496-1
To read or search online . . . pages 247 and 400 deal with fragrances
Fragrances: http://books.nap.edu/books/0309064961/html/247.html#pagetop
Contact Dermatitis: Solutions to Rash Mysteries
by Evelyn Zamula; FDA, May 1990 NOTE: This page does not give a clue about airborne contaminants such as those from the fragrances worn and used by others in personal care and cleaning/maintenance products. -- barb http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fdacderm.html
Cosmetic Packaging Mass Fragrance Struggles at Retail
By Janet Herligh, Editor, Winter 2001 What about that KILLING THE GOOSE THAT LAYS THE GOLDEN EGG factor?
Too many people made too sick whether or not they use scented products!-- barb http://www.cosmeticpackaginganddesign.com/features/featurewinter013.htm
So You Smell Good Using Perfumes and Colognes
However... You Could Be Giving Yourself Cancer and God Knows What Else! 7-24-99 http://www.dldewey.com/chealth.htm
Earth Talk: Fragrances by Rachel Naba
The Earth Center - A non-profit organization promoting traditional African culture
and spirituality. Learn about M'TAM, our philosophy, membership details, and
teachings from The Earth Center. READ this! Then, write to the FDA in support of Docket Number 99P- 1340 AND ask your representative to support HR 1947, SNIFF. -- barb http://www.theearthcenter.com/frag.html
The Ecologist Home sickness.
(health hazards of everyday life in the modern world)
(Statistical Data Included)
Author/s: Martin J Walker
Available through Find Articles . . . references the FDA Petition's findings! http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m2465/4_31/74583523/print.jhtml
Provocations with perfume in the eyes induce airway symptoms
in patients with sensory hyperreactivity.
Allergy 1999 May;54(5):495-9 (ISSN: 0105-4538) MEDLINE Search Result on Medscape. Use their search engine; register first. -- barb http://www.medscape.com/
Placebo-controlled challenges with perfume in patients with asthma-like symptoms.
Allergy 1996 Jun;51(6):434-9 (ISSN: 0105-4538) MEDLINE Search Result on Medscape. Use their search engine; register first. -- barb http://www.medscape.com/
Fragrance allergy - a major problem
Why are consumers (including children) not protected?
By Heidi Soested, The Danish Consumer Council Chemical Awareness Includes some fragrance allergy stats from late '80s and early to mid '90s. -- barb http://www.fbr.dk/chemaware/newslet/issue02/article8.html
Folks, here is just a VERY LITTLE information regarding the 4,000 some odd inadequately
tested chemicals used in the manufacture of petrochemical-derived fragrances. Fragrances
are not "thoroughly tested" for safety before marketing, IF you expect that testing to be for inhalation and systemic effects. In 2002, the industry claimed to have just begun testing for effects upon inhalation and for systemic effects. (Source: Francesca Lyman's "Scents and sensitivities ...," mirrored by gracious permission at http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/FDApetition/flscents.htm.
Folks do you ever wonder just how LITTLE our government agencies know about the
chemicals used to produce our commonly used petrochemical dervied scents? You'll get a
clue if you peruse this section and also visit FDA Petition 99P-1340. http://www.ehnca.org/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm.
And, one more question: Do you know that if you are using a product that is sold as GREEEN,
and it has the word "Fragrance" on the label that it is NOT GREEN. "Fragrance" is all the
industry is required to have on its label if it contains petrochemically derived scents. A GREEN product must NOT contain petrochemical-dervied fragrance. See, DOI's list of dos and
don'ts in their document, "Traditional Versus 'Green' Cleaning Products." -- barb
http://www.doi.gov/greening/sustain/trad.html
MSDS from Comchem
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Health Hazard Data:
" Eyes : flush with water ; Skin : wash with water and mild soap ; Inhalation : remove
person to fresh air; Ingestion : induce vomiting Refer to a physician in severe cases http://www.comchem.com.cn/DEM-1.htm
MSDS from Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc.; Canada
"WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO
SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/d3560.htm
Musk T Supra; Aroma Chemical Compendium Chemical: Ethylene brassylate -- barb
"Odor Description: Musky, fatty, floral, amber
"Occurrence in Nature: Not found in nature.
"Application Information: Useful in functional fragrance where a musk accord is
desirable. Works well in household fragrances, where enhanced odor performance
and product stability are issues. ..." http://www.takasago.com/orchid/aboutus/business/aromachem/detail.asp?id=144
EPA: A few fragrance chemicals found on the EPA's site . . . Note: Even though there is plenty of information on Xylenes as commonly used fragrance materials, the EPA does not include fragrances in its info on Xylenes. However, I've included the link to their page on Xylenes, so you can see the adverse health effects. -- barb
Acetonitrile - 75-05-8 - Hazard Summary
Acetonitrile has many uses, including as a solvent, for spinning fibers, and in lithium batteries. It is primarily found in air from automobile exhaust and manufacturing facilities. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure results in irritation of mucous membranes. Chronic (long-term) exposure results in central nervous system effects, such as headaches, numbness, and tremors. No data are available on its carcinogenic effects
in humans; EPA has classified it as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.
Acetophenone
EPA's Acetophenone 98-86-2 - Hazard Summary
"Acetophenone is used for fragrance in soaps and perfumes, as a flavoring agent in foods, and as a solvent for plastics and resins. Acute (short-term) exposure to acetophenone vapor may produce skin irritation and transient corneal injury in humans. No information is available on the chronic (long-term), reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of acetophenone in humans. EPA has classified acetophenone as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. "
http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/hlthef/acetophe.html
Cresol/Cresylic Acid
CRESOL/CRESYLIC ACID (A) | o-CRESOL | m-CRESOL | p-CRESOL
CAS #s: 1319-77-3, 95-48-7, 108-39-4, 106-44-5
"Hazard Summary
" Ambient air contains low levels of cresols from automobile exhaust, power plants, and oil refineries. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure by humans to mixed cresols results in respiratory tract irritation, with symptoms such as dryness, nasal constriction, and throat irritation. Mixed cresols are also strong dermal irritants. No information is available on the chronic (long-term) effects of mixed cresols in humans, while animal studies have reported effects on the blood, liver, kidney, and central nervous system (CNS), and reduced body weight, from oral and inhalation exposure to mixed cresols. Several animal studies suggest that o-cresol, m-cresol, and p-cresol may act as tumor promotors. EPA has classified o-cresol, m-cresol, and p-cresol as Group C, possible human carcinogens. ..." [Emphasis added.]
"... p-Cresol is used largely in the formulation of antioxidants and in the fragrance and dye industries. (1) ..." http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/hlthef/cresols.html
Styrene oxide - 96-09-3
" Hazard Summary
" Styrene oxide is used as a reactive plasticizer or diluent for epoxy resins and in the production of phenethyl alcohol and styrene glycol and its derivatives. Acute (short-term) exposure to styrene oxide causes skin and eye irritation in humans. Corneal injury, liver, and neurological effects have been reported in acutely exposed animals. No information is available on the chronic (long-term), reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of styrene oxide in humans. Maternal toxicity and increased fetal mortality have been observed in rats and rabbits exposed to styrene oxide by inhalation. Several studies have reported an increased incidence of forestomach tumors in rats and mice exposed via gavage (experimentally placing the chemical in the stomach). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified styrene oxide as a Group 2A, a probable human carcinogen. ...
"Uses:
"Styrene oxide is used as a reactive plasticizer or diluent for epoxy resins; in the production of styrene glycol and its derivatives; as a raw material for the production of phenethyl alcohol used in perfumes; as a chemical intermediate for cosmetics, surface coatings, and agricultural and biological chemicals; and in the treatment of fibers and textiles. (1,2,4) http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/hlthef/styreneo.html
Xylenes(A) (Mixed Isomers) | o-XYLENE | m-XYLENE | p-XYLENE
CAS #s: 1330-20-7, 95-47-6, 108-38-3, 106-42-3 Do look at this page for the health information. While EPA does not list fragrances as commonly containing Xylenes, they do. You have a right to know this information. -- barb
"Hazard Summary
"Commercial or mixed xylene usually contains about 40-65% m-xylene and up to 20% each of o-xylene and p-xylene and ethylbenzene. Xylenes are released into the atmosphere as fugitive emissions from industrial sources, from auto exhaust, and through volatilization from their use as solvents. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to mixed xylenes in humans results in irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, gastrointestinal effects, eye irritation, and neurological effects. Chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure of humans to mixed xylenes results primarily in central nervous system (CNS) effects, such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, tremors, and incoordination; respiratory, cardiovascular, and kidney effects have also been reported. EPA has classified mixed xylenes as a Group D, not classifiable as to
human carcinogenicity. ... " http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/hlthef/xylenes.html
Fragrance Materials
by Betty Bridges, RN
Information fromStephen Herman, Natural perfumes. Drug & Cosmetic Industry, May 1996 v158 n5 p76(4).
"The nine major starting chemicals for synthesis of aroma chemicals are:
HuangYan Perfumery Factory(HPF) founded in 1957,is a well-established
manufacture in line of aromatics and essential oils with the famous registered trade mark of White Cat. http://www.chinawhitecat.com/muskt-e.htm
Fragrance Deaths I believe that all doctors, medical examiners, et al., should begin looking at the cause behind the cause of death by asthma, anaphlactic shock, cancer, pneumonia, etc. How often would we see fragrances and pesticides listed as the underlying cause? -- barb
Obituary in Washington Post I have always expressed my wish that should I die from a reaction to a scented product, that be so noted in any obit there may be. I commend Samantha Snyder Turner for taking that action. -- barb
Washington Post
Obituaries
Saturday, March 16, 2002; Page B
Samantha Snyder Turner
Nurse Practitioner
Samantha Turner, 52, a nurse practitioner who specialized in obstetrics and
gynecology for the Kaiser Permanente HMO in Reston, died Feb. 28 at Inova
Fairfax Hospital. She died of complications from an allergic reaction to perfume.
Fragrance Foundation EXPANDING THE APPRECIATION, USE AND SALES OF FRAGRANCES GLOBALLY
Home of the "Scent Circle," absurd as that concept may be with our modern scents,
crafted to waft further and last longer on the ambient air. -- barb http://fragrance.org/
"Annette Green, [former] executive director of the Fragrance Foundation in New York, has said the [fragrance] restrictions are much ado about nothing, arguing perfume does not pollute the air and does not contain carcinogens, as cigarettes do." [Emphasis added.]
See: "Scent-Sensitive Nurse Sues LDS"
BY MICHAEL VIGH
THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, Tuesday, October 15, 2002 http://www.sltrib.com/2002/oct/10152002/utah/7273.htm
See Common Indoor Air Pollutants
by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Under VOCs you'll find fragrance products and pesticides! -- barb http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/faq/indoor.htm
Fragrance Foundation and Analysts Outline Lasting Growth Strategies
.(Statistical Data Included)
Author/s: Peter Landau; Chemical Market Reporter; Nov 29, 1999
Available thanks to FindArticles.com.
"Annette Green, president of the Fragrance Foundation, opened the meeting with highlights from the foundation's report. She noted that personal identity and well-being will continue to drive demand for personal usage fragrances, and "Action fragrances that do something for you ..." Excuse me, but aren't we entering the realm of pharmaceuticals with this concept? Where oh, where is FDA regulation? The FDA has no real authority over the fragrance industry, so how will that play out when they start realizing that these chemicals enter the body through the skin, eyes, respiratory system and direct pathways to the brain? And will "do something for you"? See Addicted? -- barb
"... Ms. Green foresees "smart homes with fragrance integrated into the construction or heating and air systems" and says that air fresheners will enjoy exponential growth. The candle market will be especially strong, underlining the demand for environmental fragrances. ...
"Fragrances will travel, with hotels offering aromatherapeutic-themed rooms. Fragrant cars and planes will become popular, and there will also be a growing demand for aromatherapy-associated travel products to relieve illnesses such as jet lag.
"The workplace and public settings are also positioned for strong growth as environmental scents become the norm. Fragrance patches, or office supplies infused with fragrances, will enhance performance and mood, and built-in scent dispensers in bathrooms will provide antibacterial properties. ..." Or, it's the killing of the goose (consumer) that laid the golden eggs (purchased and used the plethora of scented products, making those volatile organic compounds ubiquitous, which has made consumers and untold others around them suffer chronic adverse health events). -- barb http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0FVP/22_256/57887294/print.jhtml
Fragrance Tips (submenue under Features) The industry suggests layering and then has the effrontery to state that everyone has a
" 'scent circle,' approximately an arm's length from the body." The industry makes these toxic chemical preparations to be smelled at great distances -- the concoctions are formulated to waft further and last longer, and THEN the industry states the user should observe the "scent circle." LUDICROUS! -- barb http://www.fragrance.org/feature_tip_content.html
Remind YOU of . . . maybe, er, ah . . . the Tobacco Industry? Just curious. -- barb
African-American Women
Business & Industry Database
"Study finds African-American women as a group are more than twice as likely as
women of other races to buy fragrances Original Title: Ethnic Fragrance Market
Source: Chemical Marketing Reporter, VOL:251, ISS:22, PG:25, June 02, 1997. ISSN: 0090-0907 http://chemweb.com/
Children
12/2/00 -- Now there's proof positive that our children are being targeted by the fragrance industry. See Fragrance Foundation's Events for 2000-2001. Scroll down to March 2001.
This site is set up in frames. It is likely to beam up on, "Holiday '99: Malicious Lies & Tantalizing Truths - The Fragrance Foundation and the New York Times invite you to the first meeting of the New Millennium," so click on "Back to Events" and then click on "Fragrance Foundation's Events for 2000-2001."
By the way, if you ever have wondered why the truth about the toxicity of fragrances is not
readily available through the mainstream media, this should give you a clue: TheNY Times joined The Fragrance Foundation in hosting "Malicious Lies..."
"Malicious Lies:" Are they referring to the advertising? The REAL truth is far from tantalizing. For the REAL TRUTH, visit the Citizens' Petition currently before the US FDA at http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm
The Fragrance Foundation writes, in its Think Tank 2000 Series:
"The first Think Tank of the series, „Getting/Keeping the Teen Market," was held on
September 29 at the new Conference Centre at The Fragrance Foundation. . . ."
The Spring/Summer 2001 Trends Forecast
NEW YORK ‚ „If a guy tells you, you smell good ‚ you are definitely going to wear
that fragrance again¾ said Sarah, a New York City teenager and one of the teen
panelists. Sarah was one of 5 teenage panelists to share quite candid remarks
about fragrance, their preferences, and how it is marketed to them at The
Fragrance Foundation¼s bi-annual Spring/Summer 2001 Trends Forecast Seminar. http://www.fragrance.org/cgi/fetch_outer_events.cgi?thing=1831359
The Cosmetics Category: Talking to Teens
Reprinted from American Demographics magazine,November, 1995 Copyright 1995. Courtesy of Intertec Publishing Corp., Stamford Connecticut.All Rights Reserved.
by Peter Zollo
1. Teens Have Real Spending Power.
2. Teens Spend Family Money.
3. Teens influence Household Spending.
4. Teens Are Trendsetters.
5. Teens Are Future Spenders.
6. Teens Are a Growing Market. http://www.ecrm-epps.com/Expose/V3_3/V3_3_A8.asp
Hispanic Women
"Business & Industry Database
"Survey finds US Hispanic women spend 43% more on fragrance products and 27% more on makeup than the average American woman Original Title: COSMETICS MAKERS TARGETING HISPANIC MARKET Source: Miami Herald (FL), PG:N/A, March 03, 1997. ISSN: 0898-865X Document Type: Regional NewspaperPublication Country: United States Language: EnglishRecord Type: Fulltext, Abstract Word Count: 849 http://chemweb.com/
Fragrance Facts
By Betty Bridges, RN
"There are over 5000 chemicals used in the fragrance industry.
Over 80-90% of all fragrance chemicals are synthesized, most from petroleum products.
Even 'unscented' and 'fragrance free' products may contain fragrance chemicals."
It is only intelligent to want to protect oneself and others from harm. And that, folks, is what fragrance-free policies are all about. It breaks down to a simple concept:
Cleaner air for all and ACCESS for the already fragrance-sensitized individual.
If your workplace, healthcare facility, school, place of worship, city, etc. has developed a fragrance-free policy that they stand behind, please let me know. I'd like to build a list so others entities may follow suit. Workplaces set all sorts of standards, including
dress codes, so surely they can request that employees leave their scents home to enjoy
in the comfort of their own home (among consenting, non-pregnant adults as these volatilizing chemicals cannot be good for infants and children to inhale).
For those who are interested in reducing their carbon footprint, please read the following,
then start efforts toward making your areas free of petrochemical-derived fragrances. -- barb
1999 joint meeting including ATSDR & CDC The Health Impact of Chemical Exposures During the Gulf War:
A research Planning Conference
They say, "A picture is worth a thousand words."
I say, Thank you, Peggy D. March 1999
Folks, that's the ATSDR, which is the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry AND the CDC -- the agency that always leaves out its most important initial, P -- CDC really stands for the Centers for Disease Control and PREVENTION. These are a couple of our government agencies who, in my personal opinion, have done their level best to really screw up the lives of those living with MCS . . . the disability that cannot say its name out loud. -- barb
Green Cleaning, anyone? Read this guide . . . DOI's Traditional Versus 'Green' Cleaning Products "Must not contain petrochemical-derived fragrances." http://www.doi.gov/greening/sustain/trad.html
NOTE: A really great reason to go "fragrance-free" is because fragrances are toxic concoctions! If synthetic fragrances can blister paint, just think what they can do to your body! See The Fragrant Door - A classroom door sprayed with perfume -- Blistered! http://www.ehnca.org/ehnhompg/doorjudy.htm
Are you worried about phthalates? They are commonly used in perfumes, too. Demand safe
products, proved safe BEFORE marketing. Write to your FDA. Just reference Docket Number: 99P-1340/CP 1.
Also, for the makings of a brochure, see Perfumes and Asthma Don't Mix This is set up to help you create this brochure for printout and distribution. -- barb http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/ehnlinx/donmix.htm
Fragrance FREE products . . . Suggestions. Of course, your body is YOUR guide.
One must be careful in choosing products to purchase because the FDA does not regulate the industry. Fragrances can be -- and are! -- added to products clearly marked "Fragrance-free" or "Unscented." My method is to stay away from the major brands . . . and hope like the very Dickens that major brands don't buy out our safer, smaller companies and then ruin those products for everyone.
In the meantime, EHN's Events Director, Louise Yost, suggests some safer products:
Earth Science Pure Essentials unscented shampoo & creme rinse
Magik Botanicals unscented shampoo & conditioner
Nature's Gate Crystal unscented deodorant
Alvera Aloe unscented deodorant
Clearly Natural unscented glycerin bar soap
Trader Joe's unscented bar soap
Trader Joe's Next to Godliness unscented laundry soap
Louise adds, that if your clothes are nearly scent-free -- perhaps your clothes have picked up
scent from that used and worn by others -- you may . . .
" wash them in 3 cups of baking soda 2-3 times just to be extra careful. I'd appreciate it!
Still worried about phthalates because the FDA has continued to ignore EHN's petition
entered in May 1999? Visit Not Too Pretty and read through their reports. 07/10/02. -- barb
NotTooPretty.org Folks you've heard it first from FPIN and EHN through the FDA Petition, Docket Number
99P - 1340. Now you hear it from Coming Clean, Environmental Working Group and Health Care Without Harm: Fragrances contain phthalates. . . and a whole lot more worrisome chemicals. -- barb http://www.NotTooPretty.org
Additional information on harmful effects of fragrances avaialble through
"Hospitalization for the Chemically Sensitive Patient"
by Selene Anema, RN Those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or Environmental Illness Build New Lives http://www.citlink.net/~bhima/hospital.htm
OHS Canada - Canada's Occupational Health and Safety Magazine "No Scents Is Good Sense"
Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII HSC) in Halifax, N.S
From the January/February, 1998, issue of OHS Canada
By Brenda Marsh This is a HOW - TO that is worth reading. -- barb http://www.ohscanada.com/virtual-issue/artucle/health.html
Information to use in creating your own fragrance-free programs/policies.
Help spread the word. Everybody will benefit from healthier hospital air. -- barb Citizens for A Safe Learning Environment
Many examples of fragrance-free environment, including for health centers and hospitals. http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Education/CASLE/examples.html
Halton Healthcare Services
"[HHS] has recently implemented a Fragrance Free Policy to safeguard the health of its patients, visitors, employees and volunteers. Everyone is requested to refrain from the use of scented products wherever and whenever possible. " http://www.haltonhealthcare.com/downloads/pressbox_oakville_beaverpulse_1002.pdf
Fragrance-free Schools
IF this message is important for a meeting including the CDC and ATSDR, why isn't such a message important to your school?
1999 joint meeting including ATSDR & CDC The Health Impact of Chemical Exposures During the Gulf War:
A research Planning Conference
They say, "A picture is worth a thousand words."
I say, Thank you, Peggy D. March 1999
Folks, that's the ATSDR, which is the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry AND the CDC -- the agency that always leaves out its most important initial, P -- CDC really stands for the Centers for Disease Control and PREVENTION. These are a couple of our government agencies who, in my personal opinion, have done their level best to really screw up the lives of those living with MCS . . . the disability that cannot say its name out loud. -- barb
Fragrance-FREE schools do exist . . . and for excellent reasons. Fragrance-free is the way to be! Why would you want your children's health -- mental and physical -- impaired due to the petrochemical products known as fragrances? That smell is petrochemicals outgasing!
Additionally, it is important that you learn that fragrances help create smog. Read the report based on research by the southern California Air Quality district. Air that is polluted by a variety of perfumed products, is not QUALITY air. Please read:
Fragrance-sensitized Teachers and Students need Fragrance-FREE schools.
Those not yet recognizing symptoms of fragrance sensitization need them too.
For an even larger list of schools with fragrance-free policies, visit EHN's Take Heart!
ASB School Board News Bulletin, January, 2003
"Decatur District 61 allows schools to ban the use of spray deodorant, cologne, and hair spray by students and staff if the scents cause major allergy problems. (December 28, Peoria Journal-Star) ... " http://www.iasb.com/files/nb0103.htm
Safer Schools - June 2001 Portable classroom makers will switch to less-toxic materials to protect kids' health How about less-toxic building materials for schools, hospitals, buildings for folks of all ages? Before industry cries, "Too expensive!," THINK! The cost of ill health can be measured in dollars by industry . . . but it is beyond measuring by those debilitated, disabled, or dead. -- barb http://www.ewg.org/pressreleases/pr06212001.html
Jefferson City, Missouri, Public Schools Section 504 Accommodation Plan
"[A]n example of a progressive school that has implemented a comprehensive plan to provide a student with severe asthma triggered by perfumes a fragrance free educational environment including:
Fragrance Free school bus
Fragrance Free school
Fragrance Free Basketball team as well as all competing teams,
coaches and officials - the team was 10-0 last season!
Fragrance Free extracurricular activities (dances) including
chaperones and parent volunteers
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Asthma Education and Prevention Program
School Asthma Education Subcommittee How Asthma-Friendly Is Your School?
"... 2. Does the school maintain good indoor air quality? Does it reduce or eliminate allergen sand irritants that can make asthma worse? Allergens and irritants include pets with fur or feathers, mold, dust mites (for example, in carpets and upholstery), cockroaches, and strong odors or fumes from such products as pesticides, paint, perfumes, and cleaning chemicals...." [Emphasis added.} http://www.neahin.org/programs/environmental/asthmafriendly.htm
Open Letter: Perfumes Contaminate Our Classrooms
By Irene Wilkenfeld, Safe Schools Dr. James Cone has moved to work in New York City, their great gain, our great loss. -- barb http://www.head-gear.com/SafeSchools/perfclasslet.html
Fragrance-free meeting statement
" SMOKE-FREE AND FRAGRANCE-FREE MEETINGS -- Attendees at public meetings
are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various odors, whether natural or manufactured, in products and materials. Please help the City respect these needs. http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/disability/disabilitydocs/bcdisho.html
GENERAL RULES FOR THE PUBLIC
"For the safety of all persons present, attendance in the Council Chambers is limited to the posted seating capacity (123). Smoking is not allowed, and the Council has asked for people to refrain from wearing scented products to the meetings." http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/#General Rules
Public Art Forum and Workshop for Bay Area Artists
City to assist local artists in applying for public art projects
(BERKELEY, CA) ‚ Thursday, May 27, 1999 -- fragrance-free event http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/news/99may/052799pubart.html
City Access Policies -- See EHN's Access/Cities Note - Most access policies ever so gently request that people refrain from wearing
their scented products. All the hoopla raised by the industry flacks about personal rights
being threatened is just so much hooey. If we wish to talk personal rights, how about the
personal right of breathing air unpolluted by superfluous toxins. And you may be sure
to wear and/or breathe synthetic scents is to breathe superfluous toxins. Want a clue? See the
FDA Petition with Analyses (http://www.ehnca.org/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm). -- barb http://www.ehnca.org/ehnhompg/takheart.htm#Cities
Fragrances set off alarms! During the early 90s, fire alarms at Clorox headquarters in Oakland, California were most likely set off by perfumes, colognes and aftershaves. Building engineers were having to track down the reason for false alarms, and upon exiting an elevator, exclaimed about the strong odor of perfumes. Shortly thereafter, it was quite noticable that the use of heavy scents, heavily applied, decreased . . . and so did the false alarms. -- barb
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION AVOIDANCE
HEADQUARTERS; DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY; Washington, DC, 16 November 1992
Chapter 3 - Chemical Agents Chemical Agent Monitor
"Aromatic vapors. Included in this category are groups of materials such as perfumes and food flavorings. Some brands of after shave and perfume can give a response in G mode when CAM is held close to the skin, for example as in casualty handling procedures. Some sweets such as peppermints and cough lozenges and menthol cigarettes can cause a response in G mode if the breath is exhaled directly into the CAM inlet.
"Cleaning compounds. Some cleaning compounds and disinfectants contain additives which give them a pleasant smell. Some of these additives such as menthol and methyl saticylate (MS) can give false responses in the H mode. Ammonia gives a false response in the G-mode. Cleaning materials are, by nature, spread over large surface areas and, therefore, provide a considerable vapor source, particularly in enclosed spaces. ..." http://www.adtdl.army.mil/cgi-bin/atdl.dll/fm/3-3/fm3-3_5.htm
Frontline Chemical Alarms
"...The Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM) was used to find blister agent on the surfaces
of vehicles and buildings. Interferences that give false positives include: after-shave,
perfume, liquid cleaning solvents, signal smoke and burning fuels. ..." Let me assure all doubters of chemical injury, these toxic chemicals also set off our bodies. -- barb http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/syndrome/closer/alarms.html
Ministry of Defence British Chemical Warfare Defence During the Gulf Conflict False Alarms ... Chemical Agent Monitor ...
"Chemical Agent Monitor
" ... 93. In 1990/91 a number of harmless substances were known to give a false response on CAM. These included aromatic vapours, such as some brands of aftershave and perfume, and breath tainted by peppermints and cough lozenges; cleaning compounds; and fumes from the Challenger Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS) round or ammunition for the Mark VIII Naval 4.5 inch gun. ..." http://www.mod.uk/index.php3?page=993
New Hope in the Minefields
By Philip Morrison and Kosta Tsipis An interesting bit of info in this story: "... Arrays of sensors, each with some specificity to a particular molecule or compound, are quite commonly used in the food and perfume industries to identify products' constituent compounds. ..." Seems to me, if they are manufacturing, they KNOW the "onstituent compounds." Sooooo, I'm wondering if they check competitors' products, and if so, why is the industry protected by TRADE SECRET LAWS? We've always known that trade secret status does not protect the industry from "rip-off" scents being manufactured AND sold, but they do a mighty fine job of protecting the industry from an INFORMED consumership. --barb http://209.58.177.220/articles/oct97/tsipis.html
Work-Site Accommodation Ideas for Individuals
Who Experience Limitations Due to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
(MCS)-Environmental Illness http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/MCS.html
Properties of Raw Fragrance Materials
"These are the characteristics of materials used in the formulation of fragranced products and flavors and not necessarily that of finished products. "
By Betty Bridges http://www.ameliaww.com/fpin/FragMatTox.htm
Fragrance-free Personal Care and Household Products
(Suggestions only! EHN does not recommend, nor endorse any product or service.
LISTEN to YOUR body. -- barb)
I use the following in this particular list. These are merely suggestions.
Other folks swear by other products. Work with your own body! -- barb
Baking soda: clean teeth, as an underarm deodorant ... plus clean stove,
refrigerator, laundry, freshen furniture and carpets, use as a REAL air freshener! (Ecology House has a washer that is designated BAKING SODA ONLY.)
Bon Ami cleanser -- use chlorine, perfume and dye free for cleaning sinks, toilets ...
Borax: Use to freshen furniture, rugs, for laundry.
Drain Cleaner: Frees up clogged drains too, once you bail the sink of standing water -- I pour about half a cup of baking soda down drain, add about a cup of vinegar and let sit. I was able to clear a clogged drain that my mother-in-law's management could not clear. The only problem was she didn't have regular vinegar and she sniffed (from her living room) the fact that I had been into her balsamic vinegar. But she was quick to forgive when she saw her sink working again. She was about 93 at the time and never had another problem with that sink -- she moved to a retirement home when she was 95. I followed up the "cure" by giving her sink weekly treatments of baking soda and white vinegar.
Floors: vinegar (wood and linoleum -- but our kitchen flooring is ancient; I've no idea if vinegar is also good on modern finished surfaces; check with your dealer)
Fleas? (We used to have one of our granddogs visit us.) Get plug-in light with sticky pad, fleas are attracted and stick around. Sprinkle furniture, rugs with Borax. Let sit 45 minutes and then vacuum
Furniture Polish: Folks, I've used this for years ... indoors and on the
outside of our front door, which is protected by a porch ... juice of one lemon (or
equivalent from processed lemon juice if you cannot cut and squeeze lemons)
in one-half cup olive oil. Beat with fork until it becomes an emulsion. Spread on and wipe in vigorously with clean cloth. You could also use a couple tablespoons of vinegar in place of the lemon juice.
Hair: Granny's, Magick Botanicals FRAGRANCE-FREE, or
Pure Essentials FRAGRANCE-FREE shampoos and conditioners
Laundry: Borax; vinegar for rinse (ALL Free and Clear has been used successfully by some folks, but I prefer the "old standbys.")
Rug, Furniture: sprinkle w/Borax, let sit 45 minutes, vaccum.
Skin: Tom's of Maine, natural deodorant soap with sage and lemongrass, UNSCENTED. Also, fragrance-free glycerine soaps.
Woodwork/furniture wood: 1/2 combine olive oil and lemon juice, whip with fork
into an emulsion; rub in, rub off. As my mother used to say, "Use a little elbow grease."
Companies with fragrance-free products
Offered only as suggestions. I have not personally tried all these products.
EHN does NOT endorse any product, service, or therapy, nor is such intended or implied. -- barb
-- end Fragrance-free section, Fragrance Info continues --
Chemicals and People -- Adverse Effects
Perfume is included in a list of chemicals that create serious adverse effects. -- barb http://www.neuro-test.com/people.htm
Fragrance industry, a looksee (Links to fragrance companies are not given to advertise fragrances, but to
assist you in learning more about these ubiquitious chemical products. --barb)
The American Society of Perfumers
The American Society of Perfumers in collaboration with
The Fragrance Materials Association present: "How to Be Creative in Today's Regulatory World"
" a workshop/luncheon on Wednesday, October 4, 2000
It is a most important meeting where we will deal with all the actual
regulatory problems, Fragrance Ingredients Labeling issues, Allergens and
MCS and more. "
http://www.perfumers.org/
Questions & Answers
"What is in a perfume?
"A perfume is composed of odoriferous materials of synthetic and/or natural origin.
In modern perfumery, the Perfumer has access to a vast repertory of specialty materials synthesized in the laboratory. These materials may or may not occur in nature. Among the naturals, a perfume may contain plant extracts, resins, concretes, absolutes, or essential oils."
http://www.perfumers.org/faq.html
To see the percentages of natural and synthetic materials, visit Perfumers World Materials of Perfumery
Table subheads: "Essential Oils & Extracts 0-30%; Animal Products 0-0.1%; Aroma Chemicals 70-100%"
Info under Aroma Chemicals includes:
"CrudeOil Isolates - Chemicals separated from oil go through a series of reactions"
"Benzene: P.E.A, Galaxolide; Toluene: Benzyl, Acetate; Napthelene: Methyl, Anthranilate; Phenol: Eugenol, Evernyl; Xylene: Musk Xylol, Musk Ketone" http://www.perfumersworld.com/chems/material.htm
AOL Signs Deal With The Fragrance Counter
By Steven Vonder Haar; Inter@ctive WeekJune 3, 1998; 11:00 AM EDT
" ... a subsidiary of Allou Health & Beauty Care Inc. that started selling its
wares on AOL in 1995." http://www.zdnet.com/intweek/daily/980603c.html
AOL and Democracy on the Internet
"... AOL has shown the way to making money on the Internet by charging enormous
fees to firms that want to do commerce with AOL. McChesney cites one deal in which
AOL will receive $12 million plus a share of revenues over four years for giving the
Fragrance Centre a prominent display on AOL's site. One Wall Street analyst expects
AOL to have one-half of the projected 55 million U.S. online households in 2003. ..." http://cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/columns/rebick/rebick000113.html
The following was put together in response to a request for info on fragrance and air pollution.
Before we get started, what I think is most important to keep in mind is that the fragrance industry is self-regulated. In essence (pun intended), they tell the world that the fox CAN guard the hen house. The industry assures the consumers with comments such as: it thoroughly tests its products before marketing, that the chemicals it uses are safe in the quantities in which they are used and that it meets or exceeds the regulations of the FDA -- which is an extraordinarily easy accomplishment when virtually there are no regulations to meet.
As Lynn Lawson informs us in her book, "Staying Well in a Toxic World: Understanding Environmental Illness, Chemical Sensitivities, Chemical Injuries, and Sick Building Syndrome," Ralph Nader had commented,
Due to some adroit lobbying years ago by the cosmetic industry, the
FDA has to beg for safety, rather than demand it." (Copyright 1993;
Noble Press; Page 287.)
The FDA cannot require pre-market testing and it does not test. Any
word from industry to FDA about related injuries from fragrance/
cosmetic products is strictly voluntarily released information. The
industry voluntarily recalls harmful products . . . the FDA is forbidden to institute recalls, without first proving cause in a court of law. The FDA
can do one thing toward informing the public, yet it does NOT do it. The
FDA has a requirement for a warning message on labels of products released to market without adequate testing, but it does not enforce
its own regulation. That alert would read: "WARNING: The safety of this
product has not been determined." See FDA Authority Over Cosmetics http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-206.html
Because the FDA does not require its warning on these products where
the individual ingredients have been shown to be inadequately tested, and the most testing done on the chemical combos that make up a scent is for dermatological reaction for the PRIMARY user, and this is for products made to be inhaled (smelled), it seems the FDA should have its warning message required on all fragrances. And the fact that the FDA does not, gave birth to FDA Citizens' Petition 99p-1340, which was filed by EHN in May 1999.
The petition is replete with accompanying analyses, contact info and complementary information. This document indicates just how LITTLE is really known about individual chemicals used to concoct fragrances. Even less is known about chemicals used in combination to make any one scent. Imagine what all we don't know about all of the chemicals volatilizing from
all of the scented products used by all of the people in any given area.
FDA Petition, 99P-1340
While appearing to be not directly related to the topic of fragrances and
air pollution information, this petition allows a look at the chemicals found
in six popular scents. The first lab was so intrigued with the findings in our request -- two scents -- that it did its analysis on our two plus four more, and returned our money so that it could present its findings in a paper/poster. We then hired a second analysis on just one scent, so we had a scent
identified for the petition. The work of both labs is included in the petition, but only the work of the second lab is broken out in table format with comments found from the available MSDS regarding each chemical discovered. I then searched the TSCA and RTECS by CAS number and included that info if found.
Now for the really outrageous statement from the FDA on its Answers to Stakeholders' Questions food page . . . buried
at the bottom. (Thanks to supersleuth, Betty Bridges for this find.)
Q. Inhalation of fragranced products is known to trigger asthma and migraine headaches in some individuals. The EPA names "the use of chemically formulated personal care products" along with pesticides and household cleaners as contributors to indoor air pollution. How do you propose to raise public awareness of possible health risks from use of these products?
A. FDA has little or no information that would support actions to raise public awareness of possible health risks associated with the use of fragranced products. Current regulations do require that products that contain added fragrance ingredients must be labeled in the product ingredient statement as containing "fragrance." FDA is aware of concern about this issue and encourages continued participation by its stakeholders in gathering data to address the possible health risks associated with the use of fragranced products. FDA is committed to fostering such participation by its continued sponsorship of stakeholder outreach initiatives, e.g. public meetings. These public forums not only provide interested persons with an opportunity to comment on the potential health risks associated with fragranced products, but also help identify possible solutions to address these risks. http://www.fda.gov/oc/fdama/fdamawebcast/stakeholdersquestions/foods.html
There is quite a bit of information on EHN's website (this site) -- HomePage: http://www.ehnca.org
Analysis summary (table) for FDA Citizens' Petition 99P-1340
Notice the number of the fragrance chemicals found through analysis that carry the message: "The chemical, physical, and toxicological properties have not been thoroughly investigated." Also notice the chemicals that appear on EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Inventory Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS). I hope the EPA will eventually take notice. Goodness knows, I've written to them enough times. http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/FDApetition/analysis.htm
Perfumes and Asthma Don't Mix
Trifold brochure developed by barb, based on collaborative effort
led by Julius Anderson, MD,PhD This version has been approved by Dr. Anderson. -- barb http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/ehnlinx/donmix.htm
The following is from their newsletter . . . brought to use in the spirit of
Fair Use conditions
OCTOBER 2002
This digest is brought to you by the American Lung Association(R), engaged in
a mission to prevent lung disease and promote lung health for close to 100 years.
... New on www.lungusa.org
"PERFUMES MAY BE COMPROMISING LUNG HEALTH, ESPECIALLY FOR
PEOPLE WITH ASTHMA-Ý
"The October 28, 2002 MSNBC.com website featured an article that described how perfumes and fragrances present in soaps and other personal hygiene products may trigger allergies and irritation, especially for those who suffer from asthma, rhinitis, and dermatitis. The article cites allergy, dermatology, and pulmonary experts who asset that a growing number of patients are suffering from such sensitivities to fragrances. In light of this, the New York Committee on Occupational Health and Safety (NYCOSH)
has stated that wearing perfume at the workplace or in closed in spaces may pose health problems for the wearer and those around them.
"According to the article, the fragrance industry is responding to these concerns by implementing more stringent testing of their products before they are marketed to the public. The article also points out that whereas perfumes were once distilled from flower essences, many of those now being manufactured are complex mixtures of botanical- or animal-derived materials and synthetic chemicals. In addition, about 90% of perfume ingredients are not composed of flower essences or natural products, but are synthesized from petrochemicals, which emit volatile organic compounds or "VOCs." According to the EPA, VOCs may produce eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, loss of coordination, damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and some are believed to be carcinogen.
"The article points out that the incidence of respiratory sensitivity to fragrances is on the rise, which raises health concerns for people with respiratory illnesses, especially asthma. Although it asserts that most perfumes do not pose immediate danger for people with asthma, some ingredients may trigger asthma attacks since perfumes contain many potentially allergenic ingredients that can add to other irritants, such as tobacco smoke or exhaust fumes. The article reports that the Environmental Health Network, and advocacy group based in California, has petitioned the government to require that products which have not been adequately tested carry warning labels. Since the petition was filed, more than one thousand consumers with health problems associated with exposure to fragrances have written to the FDA in support of the petition; however, to date, the FDA has not put forth a public response. For the entire
article [Scent and sensitivities by Francesca Lyman]: " http://www.msnbc.com/news/702445.asp?cp1=1.
Tips for creating a healthier home
"Refrain from using harsh-smelling products such as perfumes,
room deodorizers, cleaning agents, paint and even talcum powder.
These can trigger allergic reactions." http://www.lungusa.org/press/association/asn_3m_healthier.html
ASEHA (Allergy, Sensitivity & Environmental Health Association Qld Inc)
"ASEHA is a voluntary organisation, it is a self-help support group for people with allergy, food intolerance, multiple chemical sensitivity, chronic fatigue syndrome, hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder. ASEHA was formed in1984 to bring allergy sufferers together to share information, for encouragement and mutual support. Only another allergy sufferer can
truly understand the social consequences and the misery of allergy.
2. Perfume sensitivity, Indoor Air Pollution and SBS:
"Highlights the problems associated with solvents and other chemicals
when used in common everyday substances such as perfumes & perfumed products. Demonstrates that indoor air pollution is a major health problem and how it is contributing to SBS. There is also reference to the relationship between SBS and MCS." "2nd Draft 8th February 2000
Prepared by Dorothy M. Bowes, President, ASEHA Qld Inc
Reviewed by Dr Sharyn Martin, Cert.Appl.Sc., B.Sc., PhD.
Abstract and conclusion by Dr Sharyn Martin" http://www.asehaqld.org.au/chemical_injury_issues_paper.htm
Is Your Office Killing You?
This doesn't include fragrances, but it includes VOCs and mentions pesticides, which are scented products and fragrances ARE volatile organic compounds.
But this was written in June 2000 and not much yet was coming out on the hazardous chemical cocktails known as fragrance. (Despite the fact that EHN's petition was already over one-year old.) You have to go out to Forums and search for fragrances to see
something about fragrances . . . -- barb http://www.businessweek.com/common_frames/bws.htm?http://www.businessweek.com/2000/00_23/b3684001.htm
Enjoy Healthy Holidays
by Pamela Lundquist
"To perfume the air with a holiday fragrance, simmer spices such as cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Special scents create a festive holiday mood. However, scented candles,
incense, air fresheners and other fragrance products are filled with chemical cocktails that can pollute indoor air, causing headaches, fatigue and other symptoms. http://www.checnet.org/healthehouse/education/top10-detail.asp?Top10_Cat_ID=29
NOSING OUT THE TRUTH ABOUT FRAGRANCE
by Pamela Lundquist
The holidays are linked to wonderful aromas. But before you light
your pine-scented candles or put out the spicy potpourri, consider
this: Most fragrances are chemical cocktails that are not regulated
by the government. The 3000 ingredients that can be used in
fragrances can add up to one big headache! Other acute symptoms
can include breathing difficulty, sinus headaches, allergy symptoms
and skin irritation. http://www.checnet.org/healthehouse/education/articles-detail.asp?Main_ID=508
1991: Identification of Polar Volatile Organic Compounds in
Consumer Products and Common Microenvironments Thanks to Jacki Barineau http://www.ourlittleplace.com/epa.html
Health Promotion Board, Singapore
This site spells it out for folks and lists some common VOCs and the types of products
http://app.hpb.gov.sg/haz/haz02015.asp
National Academy of Sciences, Institute of MedicineStudy Finds Strong Evidence That Exposure to Some Indoor Substances
Can Lead to or Worsen Asthma
"... For biologic or chemical contaminants that could worsen asthma symptoms,
limited or suggestive evidence exists regarding exposure to material shed by domestic
birds; certain types of pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); secondhand
tobacco smoke in older children and adults; formaldehyde fumes from furniture and
building materials; and fragrances in personal care and household products. http://www4.nationalacademies.org/news.nsf/isbn/0309064961?OpenDocument
Norwegian study that shows fragrance chemicals in remote areas --
Kallenborn, R. Gatermann, S. Planting, G.G. Rimkus, M Lund, M. Schlabach, and I.C. Burkow: Gas chromatographic determination of synthetic musk compounds in Norwegian air samples. J. Chromatogr., 1999, in press
From
Dr. Robert Gatermann
University of Hamburg
Institute of Organic Chemistry
AK Francke
Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6
20146 Hamburg
Tel: +49-40-42838-0
eMail: gaterman@chemie.uni-hamburg.de http://www.chemie.uni-hamburg.de/oc/hfuss/robert.html
Not Too Pretty
A report on phthalates in cosmetics and fragrances, released by three USA environmental groups July 10, 2002. It has caused quite a stir in this country, but not as much of a
stir as in Europe and some Asian countries. http://www.nottoopretty.org
Ottawa Environmental Health Clinic
Dr. Jennifer Armstrong's Fact Sheets http://oehc.ca/facts.htm
Scents and sensitivities
What to know before buying a Valentine¼s Day perfume
By Francesca Lyman; Feb. 6, 2002; MSNBC CONTRIBUTOR
[Re-released October 2002 by MSNBC] http://www.msnbc.com/news/702445.asp
ZERO Air Pollution Los Angeles General Physical Reactions and Discomfort
" ... 11.8 million people in America are affected by allergies that
result in symptoms, which may be severe enough to disrupt life.
They make it difficult to concentrate and to work. Allergies tend
to run in families, and one in five children who visit pediatricians
has a major allergic disorder.
"People who have never been allergic may still develop symptoms
after their own, individual tolerance level for a particular allergen
(commonly dust, mold, animal dander or bee stings) or fumes such
as perfume, has been exceeded at some point in their life.
" (Note: Reactions to fumes such as perfume may be considered as
a „sensitivity¾ rather than a true „allergic¾ body response.)
"Type 2 allergies cause cerebral and behavioral reactions, and can
be caused by foods and odors from inhalants or chemicals
(including perfume, car exhaust, smoke), which can cause or
intensify brain malfunctions. An excess of exposure can cause
dizziness, confusion, irritability, frustration, fatigue, anger,
indifference, decreased concentration, lack of motivation,
memory loss, unusual sensitivity to sounds and odors, a feeling
of spaciness, slurred speech, difficulty in concentration, and
minor personality changes.¾ Or more extreme reactions such as
„Depression, paranoia, extreme fatigue, hyperactivity,
delusions, hallucinations, panic, amnesia, blackouts, manic,
phobic and violent responses.¾ (Allergy Relief Program p.64)
and (Nasal Allergies) ..." http://www.zapla.org/health/h1.html
An article you may find interesting regarding the aspects of fragrance
chemicals polluting downstream:
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Agents of Subtle Change?
Christian G. Daughton1 and Thomas A. Ternes2
1Environmental Sciences Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/NERL, Las Vegas, Nevada USA; 2ESWE-Institute for Water Research and Water Technology, Wiesbaden-Schierstein, Germany
Abstract: http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/1999/suppl-6/907-938daughton/abstract.html
"MCS Would Be Bad Enough Without Derisive Attacks From Skeptical Ignorami"
by Charles W. Moore. His story and my own have a lot of similarities, but then, that is true for millions upon
millions of us. We are known as the folks with the disability that cannot say its name out loud.
I laughed out loud when I read, "Death before one's time is romantic; lingering in poor health for years as a graphic reminder of everyone's morbid fears is bad form." There's lots more where that came from! -- barb http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/june01attack.html
Oh, yes, Mr. Moore also refers to "A 1991 Chemical Manufacturer's Association briefing
paper stated that "The primary impact on society would be the huge cost associated with
legitimization of environmental illness." It was actually published in 1990 by The Reactor
(EHN's newsletter) and it is available . . . through EHN's site's Stuff Happens! http://users.lmi.net/wilworks/ehnhompg/stufhaps.htmÝ
And there you have a start in your search for fragrances and their effect on air pollution -- INdoors and OUTdoors. I don't know about the Consumer Products Safety Commission, but
EHN gets a lot of complaints about fabric softeners, and also scent strips, which leak in newspapers and the mail. I suggest folks contact CPSC as I am powerless to do a damn thing about any fragrance pollution . . . I could not even keep the air cleaner in my former workplace. So folks, think of yourself as an activist and get busy. If the millions of us who are living with debilitating and disabling symptoms of fragrance sensitization start informing the FDA, the EPA and the CPSC, sooner or later, they will have to act. For to ignore us is to see the cost of our illnesses affect the budget. Where's compassion? Down the tubes! But money talks . . . and as soon as it gets too expensive to deal with unnecessary disabilities because of synthetically scented products, action will be taken. As always, if you find something that you think should be included here, please let me know. -- barb
FRAGRANCES
" Contact Dermatitis Information - Information for patients allergic to FRAGRANCES. What causes Fragrance allergy?" Again, folks, information is from dermatology branch of the medical industry, but sadly,
even the dermatologist do not naturally think of AIRBORNE contact dermatitis. This page, does give a clue with, "Face, eyelids: Airborne musk ambrette in burned incense. But synthetic
scents in perfumes and other personal care, as well as cleaning and maintenance products can
cause adult onset acne, eczema, rashes, hives, flushing.-- barb http://archive.uwcm.ac.uk/uwcm/dm/contact/fragranc.html
BF Goodrich Kalama, Inc
KALAMA PRODUCTS AND THEIR USES Be sure to click on their button for MSDSs. -- barb http://kci-freedom.com/kciprod.htm
A look at other Material Safety Data Sheets
for chemicals listed by BF Goodrich's Kalama Products other
Cancer Support Program Gives Women's Self-Image A Boost
Helping women cope with the side effects of chemotherapy & radiation, Look Good Feel Better offers FREE workshops, literature & information on skin care, make up,
hair loss & nail care. This public service program is an initiative of the member companies of the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association. Since 1992, Look
Good Feel Better has provided assistance to 190,000 Canadian women living with cancer. (I'll leave it to all of you to see the irony in this ... please also visit Cancer Prevention Coalition
and read Safe Shopper's Bible for another view of fragrance products-- barb)
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
"The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) was established in 1976 by the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA). CIR is a unique endeavor by the industry to have the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics thoroughly reviewed and assessed in an unbiased and expert manner. Although funded by CTFA, CIR and the review process are distinctly separate from CTFA and the cosmetic industry.
"The heart of the CIR program is the independent Expert Panel consisting of world-renowned physicians and scientists who review the available data. Expert Panel members must be free of any conflicts of interest, and must meet the same conflict of interest requirements as outside experts to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, contact CIR. " http://www.cir-safety.org/
CTFA - The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association
"... is the leading U.S. trade association for the personal care products industry,
with more than 500 member companies. Founded in 1894, CTFA works to protect the
freedom of the industry to compete in a fair and responsible marketplace." http://www.ctfa.org/
Fragrance TipsOr, did you ever wonder why someone reeks? The industry suggest a "scent circle"
not to exceed an arm's length and yet formulates products which become one with the
air we all breathe. These chemicals do not know the bounds of a scent circle! -- barb
Florachem
"Your Raw Material Supply Partner! [As of 9/2000]
"The citrus market has firmed up considerably since November. Price quotes from Brazil are currently in the $1000 to $1200 per MT FOB Brazil. While this has had an effect on the market in the USA, the Florida production has been strong and has had a stabilizing effect on the US market. We have basically seen the price of d-limonene double since December, 1999. While this may seem dramatic, d-limonene prices were at a historical low for the past year. Current pricing is at a level that, we believe, is profitable for both the manufacturer and the end user.
"We do believe that there will be some additional firming of the market come July as we will have to rely upon the Brazilian production once again."
Folks, the FDA doesn't abide by its own regulations, hence the Citizens' Petition, docket number 99P/1340. Join us in writing to the FDA about your adverse reactions. Please see EHN's FDA Petition with analyses well known fragrances. --barb http://www.ehnca.org/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm
"Everyone has a personal 'scent circle': approximately an arm's length from the body.
No one should be aware of your fragrance unless he or she steps inside your "circle." Fragrance should be one of the most subtle, personal messages you send to those with whom you come in contact."
First, is anyone granted an "arm's length" of space in a theater? In some restaurants? In a
medical facility?
But, given that the industry is suggesting people refrain from loading up on fragrances, they are giving a mixed message ... at best. The tips go on to tell people to "layer" scents and to apply them throughout the day. Layering scents and applying throughout the day makes it virtually impossible to have a "scent circle" that only extends "approximately an arm's length from the body."
Lest you think I'm kidding, from their Fragrance Dos and Don'ts page:
(http://www.fragrance.org/dodont.html)
" DO ...use fragrance throughout every day. It will increase your feelings of well
being...add a special degree of graciousness to daily living...make life for
you and those around you infinitely more pleasurable and enjoyable."
No wonder the chemically sensitive are driven from gainful employment, from
enjoying the theater, the opera, the movies, a dinner out. . . And folks, these are toxic
chemicals that in 1986 were identified by the National Academy of Science for
neurotoxicty testing. The industry is still unregulated and does not have to disclose
any information as it is protected by trade secret laws.
-- barb
EHN's Citizens Petition, Docket Number 99P-1340/CP 1
See Analysis Summary
The Science and Environmental Health Network Article II. Phthalates: Asking The Right Questions
By Nancy Myers
" ... [Dr. Ted] Schettler's informed guess is that the gravest new concern may be about
phthalates used in cosmetics, personal care products, and fragrances." http://www.sehn.org/Volume_5-4_2.html
Click on Safety Page in their left column, it doesn't have its own URL. -- barb
Safety Information
"... Just a note, personally, if someone is pregnant, we
would not use any Fragrance, Essential Oil or Aromatherapy items. ..."
"... Do not consider anything as safe, KEEP AWAY FROM EXTREME HEAT
AND OPEN FLAMES, KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND ALL PETS! ..."
"...Please be kind to the people around you when you use perfumes.
Many perfumes can be irritating and toxic to people with allergies.
Excess or strong perfume would not be healthy for anyone. I do not
even smell perfumes at these concentrations in my daily work!" http://www.thegoodscentscompany.com/
Huber, The Nose (The science behind your sense of smell ... which is part of your food enjoyment!
So why load up on fragrances when dining out? Or Wine tasting? Or ever? -- barb) http://www.huber-research.com/science.htm
Procedures for supplying fragrance information promptly
to dermatologists
"The following procedure has been approved by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), including all its regional and national associations (e.g. in
Europe, Japan, North and South America) and has been shared with COLIPA
(The European Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association), CTFA (Cosmetics, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, US) and JCIA (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association). ..." This file, as a Word document, carries this date reference . . . "FinalProcedureDermatReqContactDermatitis 05.08.2002"
Interestingly, the date doesn't appear on the document one can get
as HTML through Google.
These procedures were put in place nearly three years to the day after EHN filed its Citizens' Petition with the US Food and Drug Administration -- 99P-1340. Is there any connection?
Who knows? And are there procedures pertaining to the neurotoxic effects of fragrance chemicals, or their possible carcinogenic, teratogenic, respiratory effects, ...? I don't know as I've yet to find any formal recognition by the industry that there's any problem with breathing fragrances at primary, secondary or even tertiary levels of exposure. Mind you, the information may be available, but I have yet to find it. The most I've come to learn is through the article by Francesca Lyman, published in February 2002 and re-released October 2002, Scents and sensitivities, in which it was stated: "In response to the perceived problems of fragrances in the air, ['Glenn Roberts, spokesperson for the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, an industry-sponsored group that does testing of chemicals"] Roberts says that his industry group has begun the first study to examine fragrance inhalation. 'We¼re spending a lot of money on this,' he says, 'to understand the systemic effects of fragrances on organs and nervous system, what happens when fragrances are inhaled.' " -- barb
7.1. Introduction
"Introduction: Fragrances are complex mixtures of natural and synthetic raw materials. ..." But the preponderance of the chemicals are synthetic, made from petrochemicals. -- barb
7.2. Unavailability of Patent or Copyright Protection
7.3. Trade Secret Protection
"Confidentiality of a fragrance formula thus preserves the uniqueness of the fragrance" Except now in the modern era of synthetic scents when "rip-off" products can easily be created. -- barb
7.4. Customer Requests for Fragrance Composition Data
7.5. Fragrance Industry Respose to Customer Requests
7.6. Fragrance Manufacturer Disclosures to Governments and for Medical Reasons
8. Annex 1: Safety Standards for Fragrance Ingredients
"Fragrance ingredients must always conform to the requirements of relevant legislation and
regulations in countries in which they are to be used.
"Fragrance ingredients should be used only after satisfactory evaluation. ..."
"....In evaluating a fragrance ingredient, consideration should be given to possible effects on the skin, including skin irritation and sensitization with special attention paid to the effect of sunlight should the ingredient absorb ultra-violet radiation.
"Systemic toxicity should be considered in relation to the quantities used and likely to
enter the body.
"Possible environmental effects should be considered in relation to the quantities used and released into the environment. " Excuse me! But what about effects suffered through inhalation? Products made to be smelled, are naturally made to be inhaled and toxicological testing should be done for respiratory effects. Secondly, once inhaled or absorbed, what about neurotoxic effects, carcinogenic effects,
teratogenic effects? And to carry my query further, what about all of the people suffering
adverse events from secondary and tertiary levels of exposure? If all the industry does is study
dermatological effects of fragrances upon the primary user, they've a lot of explaining to do to
the millions of people who are now disabled -- who cannot work, attend school, etc. -- due to fragrance sensitization. -- barb http://www.ifraorg.org/GuideLinesMain.asp?Print=0&ChapterID=1&Type=D&ID=175
The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients Note: You can find -- The inventory of ingredients used in cosmetic products other than fragrances; The inventory of fragrance ingredients (perfume and aromatic raw materials); Combined indexes on chemicals name, CAS number or EINECS number, as available, to
ingredients (fragrances and non fragrances); and more. -- barb http://www.cosmetic-world.com/inci/ Materials of Perfumery
Table subheads: "Essential Oils & Extracts 0-30%; Animal Products 0-0.1%; Aroma Chemicals 70-100%"
Info under Aroma Chemicals includes:
"CrudeOil Isolates - Chemicals seperated from oil go through a series of reactions"
"Benzene: P.E.A, Galaxolide; Toluene: Benzyl, Acetate;Napthelene: Methyl, Anthranilate; Phenol: Eugenol ,Evernyl; Xylene: Musk Xylol, Musk Ketone"
http://www.perfumersworld.com/chems/material.htm
Neurotoxin Concerns, Controversy Escalate
By Elizabeth Pennisi The Scientist 4[3]:1, Feb. 05, 1990
"Scientists are realizing that substances in the environment
can have devastating effects on the human nervous system"
"... Those substances are everywhere: organic solvents
in the workplace, chemicals in perfumes, pesticides used on
lawns, natural and added chemicals in foods, or prescribed or
illegal drugs. The brain is the body's kingpyn organ; yet,
once damaged or destroyed, nerve cells cannot be replaced.
Already, the congressional Office of Technology Assessment
(OTA) estimates that the care and treatment of neurological
disorders and accompanying loss of productivity can cost the
U.S. as much as $300 billion a year. No one knows how much
neurotoxins contribute to that cost. The longer we live, the
more evident the damage, and the more burdened the health care
system will become to people with behavioral, mental, and
neurological problems. "The measure of the problem is huge,"
says Spencer. {Peter Spencer, director and senior scientist at
the Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental
Toxicology at the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland} ..." http://www.the-scientist.com/yr1990/feb/pennisi_p1_900205.html
Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace
(Report by the Committee on Science and Technology.
U.S. House of Representatives, Sept. 16, 1986) [Report 99-827] From Julia Kendall's "Making Sense of Scents http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/ehnmsofs.htm
"In 1986, the National Academy of Sciences targeted fragrances as one of the six categories of chemicals that should be given high priority for neurotoxicity testing. The other groups include insecticides, heavy metals, solvents, food additives and certain air pollutants. The report states that 95 percent of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and many other known toxics and sensitizers, which are capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. "
Update: November 14, 2000, New York ‚ Olfactory Research Fund To Become
Sense Of Smell Institute
"Our unique mission is to explore the importance of the sense of smell
and human response to odors in enhancing the quality of life." http://www.olfactory.org/
Press Releases: "The 2000 Tova Fellowship Awarded to Promote the Study of Odor and Memory"
"... The $10,000 award will be applied to Ms. Cohen¼s work towards her Masters Dissertation on the beneficial effects of fragrance in the workplace. ..."
http://www.olfactory.org/
The Seventh Annual National Sense of Smell Day on April 29, 2000
Press Release http://www.olfactory.org/
OsMoz
Baby Steps... into Scents
And who might all these clean-smelling fragrances in their pretty little pastel bottles
be for? Thanks to Moms and the inventiveness of certain perfume creators, infants
can enter the refined world of perfume without leaving their cradles!
By Muriel Picard Information presented that leads me to wonder WHY put any synthetic fragrance on precious baby? -- barb http://www.osmoz.com/mag/fiche_reportage1.asp?ID=118&CATEGORIE=REPORT&LANGUE=en
Fragrant pregnancy
Pregnant women notice changes in their bodies as well as their skin. Their sense of smell may become more sensitive. Because of hormonal changes, some women can no longer take the smell of their usual perfume, or they may simply wish to find a new fragrance to accompany this turning point in their lives. "Morning sickness can trigger a longing for freshness and lightness," explains gynecologist Anne Baude-Main.
by Bettina Aykroyd Fragrance chemicals don't just stay with the mother . . . some can cross the blood-placental barrier. -- barb http://www.osmoz.com/mag/fiche_reportage1.asp?ID=188&CATEGORIE=REPORT&LANGUE=en
The Other Side of Fragrance
"Fragrance plays a key role in consumer acceptance and efficacy of consumer products. A Shaw Mudge director offers insights on developing an effective scent for chemical specialty products.
By Allan L. Streit; Shaw Mudge & Company; Reprinted from Happi Magazine January 1999
"According to a recent survey of 30,000 women in 43 countries1, consumers use
fragrances because it makes them feel clean, fresh and confident and allows them to express their own personal style. Of course, marketers add fragrance to consumer products for many other reasons. " http://www.shawmudge.com/smarticle.htm
PerfumersWorld - AN INTRODUCTION TO PERFUMERY
"What is perfume ?
" The most accurate answer is a nice smell but what is perfume made from:
1.Essential Oils - from natural plant materials such as distilled or extracted from flowers, leaves, woods or grasses. (eg. Lavender Oil, Jasmin Absolute)
2.Aroma chemicals - (chemicals with smells) either seperated from essential oils or from chemical sources such as the crude oil industry (eg. pinene,benzene)
Legislation
The chemical industry is being progressively regulated with legislation now firmly
in place controlling the use of new chemicals, the classification and preparations,
control of chemicals in the work place, the safety of cosmetics, the environmental impact of substances. These pieces of legislation together with the increased number of
people wishing to take legal action for alleged injury following exposure to chemicals
either at work or in the home makes the role of the toxicologist an important one. http://members.aol.com/acolli3210/page6.htm
Safety of Cosmetics - Commission Directive 93/35/EEC 6th Amendment Enacted into The Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 1996 SI 1996 No 2925 "
New Article 2. A cosmetic product put on the market within the Community must not
cause damage to human health when applied under normal or foreseeable conditions of use, taking into account, in particular, of the product's presentation, its labelling, any instructions or information provided by the manufacturer or his authorized agent or by any other person responsible for placing the product on the Community market." http://members.aol.com/acolli3210/page12.htm
Senselessness about Scents or
A Wilkie by any other spelling
a rebuttal to Michael Fumento's slopped together April Fool's article... by barb wilkie http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/ehnhompg/wilke.htm
Properties of Raw Fragrance Materials
These are the characteristics of materials used in the formulation of fragranced products and flavors and not necessarily that of finished products.
By Betty Bridges, RN http://www.ameliaww.com/fpin/FragMatTox.htm
Ralph Lauren's ROMANCE How can workplaces that post against sexual harassment possibly side with
the wearing of scented products in the workplace? Look at this page . . . -- barb http://www.polo.com/fragrances/romance/
NOTE: a Ralph Lauren's ROMANCE scent strip in a catalog from
Bloomingdales poisoned my mail in early November 2000. I had not requested that catalog. I have complained to Bloomingdales, to the US Post Office -- ALWAYS useless, but it shouldn't be -- and to the Consumer Products Safety Commission at
Regulation of the Fragrance Industry
"The fragrance industry is basically a self regulated one. FDA regulations covers fragranced personal care products, perfumes, and cosmetics. Since fragrances are
protected as "trade secrets" the actual impact of FDA regulation is limited. The CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION regulates household products
and other consumer items. The THE US POSTAL SERVICE regulates the mailing of fragrance samples."
http://pw1.netcom.com/~bcb56/RegFraIn.htm
Sense of Smell Institute
"Olfactory Research Fund To Become Sense Of Smell Institute
"Olfactory Research Fund Continues Exploration of the Effect of Odors on Fitness"
http://senseofsmell.org/
8th Annual National Sense of Smell Day - April 28, 2001 I couldn't find any info except this press release. If you want to learn if this program is
coming to your area, contact Terry Molnar 212 725-2755 . -- barb http://www.olfactory.org/cgi/fetch_news.cgi?thing=3454589
This series of tables is an impressive work in progress -- it will have extensive
links to better serve your needs for gathering pertinent information. However,
for some of us, that means it can take a long time to load. If you just want a look
at the 1,560 chemicals, go into EHN's site, given below.-
Fragrance Labeling
H.R. 5238, introduced by Rep Jan Schakowsky (IL) and co-sponsored by Rep Shelley Berkley (NV)
"Title: To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that fragrances
containing known toxic substances or allergens be labeled accordingly. " NOTE: Clicking on the URL below will take you to Thomas Legislative Information
on the Internet. Enter hr 5238 in the box, "By Bill Number and click the search button. -- barb http://thomas.loc.gov
Fragrance Marketing
African-American Women
Business & Industry Database
"Study finds African-American women as a group are more than twice as likely as
women of other races to buy fragrances Original Title: Ethnic Fragrance Market
Source: Chemical Marketing Reporter, VOL:251, ISS:22, PG:25, June 02, 1997. ISSN: 0090-0907 http://chemweb.com/
Hispanic Women
"Business & Industry Database
"Survey finds US Hispanic women spend 43% more on fragrance products and 27% more on makeup than the average American woman Original Title: COSMETICS MAKERS TARGETING HISPANIC MARKET Source: Miami Herald (FL), PG:N/A, March 03, 1997. ISSN: 0898-865X Document Type: Regional NewspaperPublication Country: United States Language: EnglishRecord Type: Fulltext, Abstract Word Count: 849 http://chemweb.com/
Spanish Market for Personal Care Products:
bath and shower products, face care and colour cosmetics, fragrances and
deodorants, body care and hair treatment plus depilatory and sun care products http://www.pangaea.net/ign/clrk0596.htm#5
Avoid contact with known allergens. Use protective gloves or other barriers if contact with substances is likely or unavoidable. Wash skin surfaces thoroughly after contact with substances. Avoid over-treating skin disorders. Now, what you are not told is that you do not have to use perfume or other products with fragrance in them to suffer contact dermatitis . . . you can suffer airborne contact dermatitis. Adult onset acne, eczema, rashes, hives, flushing of skin ... can all be caused by synthetic scents used by others! Synthetic scents are largely petrochemical products and they volatilize to become one with the air we all must breathe. Your skin is your body's largest organ. "Hear" it http://users.lmi.net/wilworks/ehnhompg/takheart.htm -- barb
Fragrance Facts Fan Flames
UPdate Fall 2002 About the article written by Betty Bridges, appearing in the Flavour and Fragrance Journal. -- barb http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/fall02fan.html
breathing difficulty (breathing may be rapid and shallow)
stop breathing
eyes, ears, nose, and throat
blurred vision
dilation of the pupils
skin
bluish skin, lips or fingernails
gastrointestinal
nausea and vomiting
heart and blood vessels
low blood pressure
nervous system
coma
fatigue
headache
dizziness
Although they don't include their disclaimer, " Note: This list may not be all inclusive,"
trust me, this list is NOT all inclusive. One thing that leaps off the page at me is they don't include high blood pressure and the subsequent enlarged and thickened left ventricle. Also, some folks have mitral valve problems as a result of fragrance exposures. Under "Skin" they don't list "adult onset acne," nor do they list eczema. I could go on and on, but to get a better idea, why not view a poster at http://users.lmi.net/~wilworks/ehnhompg/kendallb.htm
What is extremely important to keep in mind is reactions don't happen only at the primary level of usage, they happen at secondary and tertiary levels too. These synthetic chemial products are volatile organic compounds, and as such, become one with the air we all must breathe
regardless of underlying health conditions ... including pregnancy! -- barb
Leaking scent strips and the US Mail
"492.22 Restricted or Improperly Prepared Items
"Other types of unsolicited samples may be nonmailable for other reasons, including the following:
"... c. The sample is a pesticide subject to the restrictions in DMM C024.14.0 or a fragrance advertising sample subject to the restrictions in DMM C024.15.0. ..." Now, what I'd like to know is, has the US Postal Service ever sent back a bunch of mail with leaking scent strips? If publishers had to pay through the nose on this one, I'll bet our mail would not be contaminated as frequently as it is! -- barb http://new.usps.com/cgi-bin/uspsbv/scripts/content.jsp?D=24845
DMM C024.15.0. 15.0 Fragrance Advertising Sample
"A fragrance advertising sample (39 USC 3001(g)), i.e., any matter normally acceptable in the mail but containing a fragrance advertising sample, is permitted in the mail only if it is sealed, wrapped, treated, or otherwise prepared in a manner reasonably designed to prevent individuals from being unknowingly or involuntarily exposed to the sample. A sample meets this requirement if it uses paper stocks with a maximum porosity of 20 Sheffield units or 172 Gurley-Hill units treated exclusively with microencapsulated oils, and if the sample is produced so that it cannot be activated except by opening a glued flap or binder or by removing an overlying ply of paper." http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm/c024.htm#R02425168
39 USC 3001(g)
(1) Matter otherwise legally acceptable in the mails which contains or includes a fragrance advertising sample is nonmailable matter, shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed of as the Postal Service directs, unless the sample is sealed, wrapped, treated, or otherwise prepared in a manner reasonably designed to prevent individuals from being unknowingly or involuntarily exposed to the sample.
(2) The Postal Service shall by regulation establish the standards or requirements which a fragrance advertising sample must satisfy in order for the mail matter involved not to be considered nonmailable under this subsection. http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/39/3001.html
OHS Canada - Canada's Occupational Health and Safety Magazine "No Scents Is Good Sense"
Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII HSC) in Halifax, N.S
From the January/February, 1998, issue of OHS Canada
By Brenda Marsh This is a HOW - TO that is worth reading. -- barb http://www.ohscanada.com/virtual-issue/artucle/health.html
Perfume World - Raw Materials of Perfumery Just check out that right-hand column! And remember, we are the guinea pigs . . . even if we are not the primary user of these synthetic scents, we "use" them on the secondary and tertiary levels.-- barb http://www.perfumersworld.com/chems/material.htm
I dare say, more attention should be paid by all doctors in all specialties to the fact that
one does NOT have to use synthetic scents in personal care or household and janitorial cleaning and maintenance products to be adversely affected by them. Synthetic scents can and do cause harm at the secondary and tertiary levels. Mainstream medical doctors, industry
representatives and government experts should not stultify those who are already sensitized to synthetically scented products. To say: "It's all in your head!" does not eliminate adverse
reactions, nor does it keep the numbers of chemically injured from escalating. We are NOT
suffering so-called "mass hysteria." Even pets are suffering due to the superfluous toxins in synthetic scents. For more info on toxins, see EHN's FDA Petition http://www.ehnca.org/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm
Allergic contact dermatitis to fragrance: a review.
Scheinman PL.; Department of Dermatology, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
"BACKGROUND: Allergy to fragrance is the most common cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis and therefore constitutes a significant clinical problem. The widespread use of fragranced materials in skin care and household products is probably the most important reason for the high incidence of fragrance sensitization. . . . Additionally, more cooperation is necessary between industry and dermatologists in assisting patients to avoid proven allergens. [emphasis added]
[Asthma-like symptoms:] Placebo-controlled challenges with perfume in patients with asthma-like symptoms.
Millqvist E, Lowhagen O
Asthma and Allergy Centre, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
" ...The same patients were also subjected to perfume provocation with or without a carbon filter mask to ascertain whether breathing through a filter with active carbon could prevent the symptoms. The patients breathed through the mouth during the provocations, as they used a nasal clamp to prevent any smell of perfume. We found that the patients' earlier symptoms could be verified by perfume provocation. Breathing through the carbon filter had no protective effect. The conclusion is that symptoms suggesting hyperreactivity of the respiratory tract and asthma can be provoked by perfume without the presence of bronchial obstruction, and that using a carbon filter mask has no preventive effect. ..."
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=8837670&form=6&db=m&Dopt=r
Contact allergy to oxidized d-limonene among dermatitis patients.
Karlberg AT, Dooms-Goossens A
Department of Occupational Health, National Institute for Working Life, Solna, Sweden.
" d-Limonene, obtained as a by-product from the citrus juice industry..." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9165203&form=6&db=m&Dopt=r
Genetic and environmental factors associated with asthma.
Bener A, Abdulrazzaq YM, Al-Mutawwa J, Debuse P
Department of Community Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain.
" ... The logistic regression analysis showed that parental asthma, plants, perfume, dust storm, humidity, and pets were the only significant predictors after adjusting for sex and other confounding covariates in the model. In conclusion, risk factors for asthma identified by our study are similar to those found in other community-based studies...." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=8935321&form=6&db=m&Dopt=r
[Musk: ]Gas chromatographic method using electron-capture detection for the determination of musk xylene in human blood samples. Biological monitoring of the general population.
Angerer J, Kafferlein HU;
Institute and Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Erlangen, Germany.
"Musk xylene (2,4,6-trinitro-1,3-dimethyl-5-tert.-butylbenzene, MX), a synthetic musk often used in different fragrances and soaps to substitute the natural musk, is a potential contaminant of humans. In this publication, a specific and sensitive detection method for the determination of musk xylene in human blood samples is described. ..." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9200520&form=6&db=m&Dopt=r
[Musk: ] Occurrence of nitro and non-nitro benzenoid musk compounds in human adipose tissue.
Muller S, Schmid P, Schlatter C
Institute of Toxicology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland.
" Nitro benzenoid musk compounds (Musk tibetene [CAS no. 145-39-1], Musk ambrette [83-66-9], Musk moskene [116-66-5], Musk ketone [81-14-1] and Musk xylene [81-15-2]) and non-nitro benzenoid musks (Celestolide [13171-00-1], Galaxolide [1222-05-5]) and Fixolide [1506-02-1] [21445-77-7] were analysed in 15 human adipose tissue samples from Switzerland by gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry. "
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=8680828&form=6&db=m&Dopt=r
Synthetic musk linked to environmental risks
BY MICHAEL WOODS, BLADE SCIENCE EDITOR; Toledo Blade, March 24, 1999 Note: This article was pulled by the Blade, even though they left up other articles at that
time that were even older. They would not reload it to their website, either. The opening two paragraphs:
"ANAHEIM, Calif. - Synthetic fragrances used in perfumes, soaps, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, cosmetics, and scores of other consumer products have become a new and unexpected group of environmental contaminants, scientists said.
"The chemicals are accumulating in human fat tissue, blood, breast milk, drinking water supplies, lakes and streams, fish and wildlife, and elsewhere in the environment, according to scientists interviewed here. They are presenting scientific reports at a national meeting of the American Chemical Society. ..."
See if YOU can persuade the Blade to reload this very informative article. I could not; but then, I am but one individual. On the other hand, none of us are the fragrance industry ... you
don't think they possibly could have ... ????? Oh, no. Remember, the flavors and fragrance
industry has nothing to hide and their products are safe. Right? Sure! And pigs fly!! -- barb
Used to be available at: http://www.toledoblade.com/editorial/health/9c24musk.htm
Percutaneous absorption and metabolism of Coumarin in human and rat skin. Yourick JJ, Bronaugh RL
Cosmetics Toxicology Branch, US Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708, USA. "Coumarin is widely used as a fragrance in cosmetics, perfumes and soaps. ..." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=9250536&form=6&db=m&Dopt=r
Pharmacokinetic studies of the fragrance compound 1,8-cineol in humans during inhalation.
Jager W, Nasel B, Nasel C, Binder R, Stimpfl T, Vycudilik W, Buchbauer G
Department of Radiology, University of Vienna, Austria.
"The present study was undertaken to investigate the pharmacokinetics of 1,8-cineol in human subjects during prolonged inhalation. The results showed that 1,8-cineol is well absorbed from breathing air, with a peak plasma concentration after approximately 18 min. ..." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/htbin-post/Entrez/query?uid=8866111&form=6&db=m&Dopt=r
Skin and reactions to fragrances
Clinician's Photo Guide To Recognizing and Treating Skin Diseases in Women
Part 1. Dermatoses Not Linked to Pregnancy
Author: Chee Leok Goh, MD, MRCP, FRCP, FAMS, University of Singapore, National Skin Centre Medscape search - If this URL doesn't work, to to www.medscape.com -- barbhttp://www.medscape.com/home/templates/confirmGeneric.html
WINTER 2000 Newsletter Includes info on Safer Chemicals Campaign. Learn about toxic fragranc chemicals from another's point of view. However we look at it, fragrances are a heady brew of toxic chemicals unleashed on an unsuspecting public. Fragrances have become ubiquitous, which is great for the chemical industry, but not public health, nor for our fellow creatures with whom we share this planet. Perfume -- or as labeled in personal care products as well as cleaning and maintenance products, "fragrance" or "parfum" -- pollutes air, bodies, water. -- barb http://www.bvfoe.freeserve.co.uk/newswinter00.html#6
Risky chemicals in the home and how to avoid them
"...Many perfumes and scented products like air fresheners and cosmetics contain
artificial musks. Most manufacturers keep ingredients secret, writing „parfum¾ on
the label instead. Why not cut down on scented products? Open a window instead of spraying air freshener...." http://www.foe.co.uk/pubsinfo/briefings/html/20010323155038.html
FOE Challenges Chemical Industry
"... stop selling chemicals which build-up in people's bodies;
give people the right to know which chemicals are in the products they buy;
pledge not to use any chemicals which haven't been properly assessed for safety;
only use the safest chemicals. ... http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/20001208000124.html
About FUF
"FUF is a community based organization which works in partnership with neighbors,
communtiy groups, businesses and the city government to expand and maintain
San Francisco's urban forest." http://www.fuf.net/newsite/A_about/history.html
Frogs Leap to Center Stage
Pull quote: "It is quite clear that it's easier to catch a one-legged frog than a healthy frog." Mike Shelby, NIEHS, addressing the question of sample bias in field studies of frogs. http://www.niehs.nih.gov/oc/news/archive/9801news/frogs.htm
Tyrone Hayes
UC Berkeley Biologist who found Atrazine linked to deformed sexual organs of frogs
Atrazine-Induced Hermaphroditism at 0.1 PPB in American Frogs (Rana pipiens):
Laboratory and Field Evidence Environmental Health Perspectives; Volume 111, Number 4;April 2003 http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/members/2003/5932/5932.html
Hermaphrodite Frogs Caused By Popular Weed Killer?
By Bijal P. Trivedi; National Geographic Today
"April 16, 2002Atrazine, a top selling weed killer in the United States and the world, has been found to dramatically affect the sexual development of male frogs, turning them into hermaphroditesãcreatures with both male and female organsãat concentrations 30 times lower than those deemed safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ..." http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/04/0416_020416_TVfrog.html
New Study Finds Very Low Levels of Exposure to Common Herbicide Causes
Sex Reversal, Hermaphroditism in Frogs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Brandon Adams (919-541-5466); 23 October 2002 http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/press/atrazine.html
The Story of Syngenta & Tyrone Hayes at UC Berkeley: The Price of Research
A Berkeley Scientist Says a Corporate Sponsor Tried to
Bury his Unwelcome Findings and Then Buy His SilenceÝ
By GOLDIE BLUMENSTYK / The Chronicle of Higher Education v.50, i.10, 31oct03 http://www.mindfully.org/Pesticide/2003/Syngenta-Tyrone-Hayes31oct03.htm
What is the GCC?
"The Global Climate Coalition is an organization of trade associations established in 1989 to coordinate business participation in the international policy debate on the issue of global climate change and global warming. ..."
http://www.globalclimate.org/aboutus.htm
Furnature -- Organic ... for the environment They make sofas, beds, pillows, and carry organic and safe fabrics. -- barb http://www.furnature.com/index.html
