Wed, 16 Jun 1999

Written to a Colorado newspaper. Permission to upload granted by Ms. Pitts.

Dear Editor,

Ironically since the 1980 Clean Air Act went into affect, perfume and cologne companies and industries started using cheaper ingredients in their fragrances, relatively close to the same time frame. These ingredients are actually toxic and hazardous chemicals.

After seeing the report on the news (Channel 4, 6/15/99), about childhood asthma on the rise 70%, it prompted me to write this editorial, in order to educate the public awareness of the dangers of something that we would think would be safe. Something that "should" be safe. Consumers do not know, and until they become chemically sensitive, they will not know, as these products are misbranded. They are not currently regulated by the FDA, so these companies can put anything in them that they wish....and they do. The FDA does not currently have the funds for this particular fast-growing, widespread problem, yet they are fully aware of it. So are the Environmental Agencies.

Fragrances were once made from essential oils, that were infact, healthy for the body. Also, they smelled pleasant. These kind of products can still be purchased and also there are a few lines of "natural" fragranced products, for those who would like to still have something to wear that is safer, and especially for your children to be exposed to.

Respiratory problems are on the rise with people of all ages, due to the exposure and inhaling of these toxic fumes. It is sad that someone like Calvin Klein, for example would let this happen. But do you think he cares about anyone or their child's health and safety? No he cares about his 6.5 billion dollar industry. Same with Tommy Helfiger. Would you trust a man who has his clothes made from young girls in unsanitary sweatshops? And unfortunately it is clear that almost all perfumes are now made from toxins, as it is cheaper. Health problems are very much on the rise and doctors are becoming more aware of this daily.

Cleaning products are labeled. Cigarette packages are labeled with warnings, as well. The perfume industry is not. I would recommend buying only natural products, especially if your child has asthma or if you or anyone else exposed to your fragrance complains of headaches. Don't let foolish advertisements entice you to buy a $30-$50 2-oz. bottle of pure poison. In fact, the perfume "Poison", is probably the only fragrance with a proper name.

Here is a mind-opening list of the 20 most common chemicals founds in 31 fragranced products and some of their affects:

Ocimene, a-Terpinolene, Citronellol, 1,8 Cineole, Acetone, Ethyl Acetate Nerol, Limonene, a-Terpineol, Benzyl Acetate, Benzyl Alcohol, a-Pinene, Ethanol, Benzaldehyde, Meththylene, Chloride, Linalool, Camphor, y-Terpinene, B-Myrcene,. B-Phenethyl Alcochol.

The affects of these chemicals are: Asthma, headaches, mental vagueness, coughing, diziness, eye irritation, fatigue, swollen lympth nodes, lost thoughts, sore throat, spiked blood pressure, joint aches, heart palpitations, burning, itching skin erruptions, irritability and can also cause aggressive behavior in people of all ages.

Something more to think about, with schools being full of poor indoor quality, like so many other buildings and places where perfume is worn by almost everyone.

To learn more about this danger, please read the very informative website, by Betty Bridges, head of the Fragranced Product Information Network support group, in Virginia. Her website is: http://www.ameliaww.com/fpin/fpin.htm [and/or the website of The Environmental Health Network at: http://users.lanminds.com/~wilworks/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm ]

Connie Pitts
An advocate for FPIN

Connie M. Pitts

Return to Connie's FDA letter
http://users.lanminds.com/~wilworks/FDApetition/lconniep.htm