Why is Fragrance Bad for you?
The word fragrance use to make me think about the sweet smell of flowers. There were some smells I loved as a child like the smoke that came out of a Laundromat. Then there were some smells I hated like some perfumes "old ladies" use to wear. Little did I know back then that they both contain very harmful chemicals, even the sweet smelling fragrances.
Even as I got older, although I never wore perfumes, I did like scented candles and I never looked at the ingredients on labels. Only after my first child was born did I begin to research information and I was shocked. I suppose many of us americans believe that the government wouldn't possibly let companies put things that could hurt us into our bath and beauty products. Unfortunately this is not the case.
Lets start with answering the question
What is Fragrance?
This is the scary part fragrance can be anything. This is where companies hide their secret ingredients be it good or bad. In many cases bad. They are not demanded to divulge what exactly their "fragrance" includes. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) did a study and found that 75% of products that listed the ingredient "fragrance" contained Phthalates. Phthalates have been shown to
disrupt hormone activity
reduce sperm count
cause reproductive malformation
Have been linked to liver and breast cancer, diabetes, and obesity
How can this happen? Even just by using cleaning supplies?
Not only can you inject these fragrances by smell but they can be absorbed into the blood stream directly through the skin. Even with fragrance added into your typical laundry detergent. That "Fresh Smell" that last for days is easily absorbed into your skin. Just to give you a little reality check on how far behind things are in America. Europe has already banned 1,100 chemicals in cosmetics. While the FDA in America has only banned 10 chemicals. Meaning America still allows many of these chemicals that have been shown to cause human harm into our products.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family?
#1 rule is
Read the labels of everything
you purchase
If you read the word fragrance or parfum, put down the product and do not purchase. If the label states the product has natural essential oil this is the kind of scents you are looking for.
You can find not only many companies that provide great options but you can find many artisans that create handmade organic bath and body products.
If you are motivated enough you can do some research and make your own bath and body products.
If you're unsure if your product is safe you can check the EWG they have tested many products and let you know their safety ratings.
Some "natural" products don't have such great ratings. So be sure to double check. I was shocked at some of the products I thought were safe to buy ended up not being so safe after all.
Although it takes just a few more minutes to check the label on products just think you could be saving yourself and your family from dealing with some serious illnesses in the future.
