Toxins are hidden everywhere in the world we live in today. One place you might be surprised to learn is a portal for dangerous chemicals entering your body is your nose.
Most people are completely unaware of the dangerous ingredients found in synthetic fragrances: perfumes, colognes, cleaning supplies, candles, air fresheners, etc. But lack of knowledge isn’t necessarily your fault—even the US government is in the dark when it comes to these types of products sold daily in the United States.
Due to a loophole originating in the Federal Fair Packing and Labeling Act of 1973, manufacturers of products containing synthetic fragrances are not required to disclose every ingredient found in their products, due to a risk in revealing “trade secrets.” But the real risk is not for the manufacturers creating these products: it’s for the people who use them. (1)
Exposure to synthetic chemicals, ingredients derived from petroleum, leads to a slew of problems, from endocrine (hormone) disruptions and headaches to a variety of allergic reactions. Many of these fragrances are applied directly to the skin, which is a direct link to our bloodstream, and they also expose our olfactory system to the scent, creating a direct passage to our brain.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics conducted laboratory tests on several fragrance products, and the results reported by The Environmental Working Group were alarming. A total of 38 “secret chemicals,” or chemicals not listed on the label, were found in 17 fragrance products from well-known brands like American Eagle, Chanel, and Giorgio Armani. Some of the secret chemicals discovered in these products are associated with hormone disruption and allergic reactions, and even more distressing, many of the ingredients found in these products have never been evaluated for safety in personal hygiene products. (2)
With toxins lurking everywhere, we need to limit where we can! If you prefer to wear a scent, opt for essential oils: pure molecules extracted from plants that provide wonderful benefits for our body. If you prefer scented candles or cleaning supplies, be sure to scan the ingredients on the label and choose products that are as safe as possible.
While it is an uphill battle, educating ourselves is the first step in eradicating these harmful substances from our homes in order to live a safer, healthier life. We hope this blog post helps!
In gratitude and good health,
Monica & Matt
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