The Health Risks of Perfume

Did you know that perfume is made of toxic chemicals that can injure your health? Many of the chemicals in perfume are the same chemicals in cigarette smoke, and yet there is no regulation of the fragrance industry. Many people are "bothered" by perfumes - developing headaches, sinus problems, and even asthma from exposures. Many have gotten sick or even disabled from wearing (or being exposed to) fragrances and using other scented products (me included). And fragrances are now used in almost every cleaning, laundry, and personal-care product on the market! These chemicals go directly into the bloodstream when applied to our skin and are also absorbed into the skin from our clothing. We also inhale the chemical fumes, which then go straight to our brains where they can do major harm. Many even have a "narcotic" effect, which is why some people seem "addicted" to their perfumes.

What the nose knows - Think twice before buying a loved one perfume, cologne! - (article) “The way to the heart is through the nose,” asserts Haarmann & Reimer, a leading fragrance manufacturer. But lovers may want to think twice about giving a bottle of cologne or perfume for Valentines Day, say some health advocates. Certain fragrances and their chemical constituents might trigger an allergic — rather than aphrodisiac — response. And some perfumes contain hidden ingredients that may pose longer-term hazards.'

noFragrance.org - SO WHAT'S WRONG WITH TRYING TO SMELL NICE? Nothing in itself. But the chemicals that are used to propagate fragrance can be quite toxic to some people. This isn't a matter of taste or unpleasantness; people who suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) become physically sick, often to the point of being incapacitated, when exposed to artificial fragrances. A minimal amount of exposure is enough to hurt. For instance, a trace of scented laundry detergent in a room can force an MCS sufferer in the room to flee—or get very sick.



Next time when you start to spray on that perfume or use some other scented product, remember all these chemicals you're exposing yourself and those around you to! There's absolutely nothing "romantic" about these chemicals! Perfume as something "romantic" is merely a line fed to you by the perfume industry - don't buy into it! We've been brainwashed by the industry that we must "cover up" our natural scents with toxic chemicals - that our own scents are not acceptable. Once you make the break and get away from toxic scents, the smell of "naturally clean" is simply wonderful!



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** * SPECIAL NOTICE * * *

The Environmental Health Network of California has filed a petition with the FDA to have the fragrance "Eternity" by Calvin Klein declared misbranded.The basis of this petition is the lack of a warning label on the product informing consumers that all the materials in the product and the product has not been adequately tested for safety. After an independently-funded analysis of this product, it was found to contain chemicals known to be on the hazardous waste list and that cause neurological and other problems. For more information about this petition and how YOU can tell the FDA that you're in favor of the petition, please see: "The Environmental Health Network of California files Petition with the FDA".

Stop Wasting Money On Dryer Sheets!

Never buy dryer sheets or fabric softener again. These laundry products are not only costly, but they are incredibly harmful to your health as well. You would be surprised at some of the chemicals that are in these products as well as the warnings to go with them. Although they may make your clothes feel soft and smell fresh, dryer sheets are one of the most toxic products in your home. They are filled with so many chemicals that they have to be scented with an incredible amount of fragrance. If the sweet smelling fragrance was removed, there would only be a noxious chemical smell remaining. Some of the chemicals that are contained in dryer sheets are Benzyl acetate(linked to pancreatic cancer), Benzyl Alcohol(respiratory irritant), Ethanol(linked to central nervous system disorders), Limonene(carcinogen), A-Terpineol(respiratory irritant and damaging to central nervous system), Ethyl Acetate(narcotic), Camphor(central nervous system damage), Chloroform(neurotoxin, anesthetic), Linalool(central nervous system damage), and Pentane(respiratory irritant). Some of the symptoms experienced from prolonged exposure to the chemicals in dryer sheets include: headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, central nervous system disorders, blood pressure reduction, tiredness that is not cured by resting, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, difficulty concentrating and remembering, and cancer.

People with allergies are especially susceptible to the dangers of dryer sheets and fabric softeners. These people can break out in rashes and experience itching if they are exposed to the chemicals in dryer sheets in any capacity. I'm no expert, but if it causes trauma to a sensitive person , on contact, then it can't be all that good for the rest of us. Babies are also easily harmed by dryer sheets. It is recommended that baby clothes do not get washed with fabric softeners or dryer sheets as it can be harmful or even fatal for developing babies. There a number of cases of SIDS associated with the use of fabric softeners and dryer sheets. You are also contributing to pollution and ozone depletion whenever you pop a dryer sheet in your dryer. Various toxic chemicals are being emitted into the air through you dryer vent.

Dryer sheets leave an oil coating on your clothes, which don't really leave them softer or fluffy. This oil builds up on the fibers and takes the absorbency out (oil repels water). They are designed to slowly release their chemicals, in the attempt to "keep them fresh" all day. In reality, they are causing you to experience prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals. In the dryer, fabric softener leaves a sticky residue on all the components like the moisture sensors and drum of the dryer. This residue is very flammable, which is why on the back of some fabric softeners it tells you not to use on towels, terrycloth or fleece. The number one cause of house fires is the dryer. Fabric softeners even take the fire retardant out of baby's clothes.

So...Stop Buying Dryer Sheets and try Dryer Magic Dryer Balls. These dryer balls are completely non-toxic and chemical free. Dryer Balls soften fabrics naturally without the need for fabric softener or dryer sheets. These two little Dryer Balls will take the place other fabric softeners without the use of chemicals, making them perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies. Dryer Balls are reusable and hypoallergenic and come with a Lifetime Guarantee. These innovative balls tumble in the dryer to lift and separate laundry, so your clothes dry faster as hot air flows more efficiently. Soft tips massage fabrics to naturally fluff and soften without the use of chemical-laden dryer sheets or liquid softeners.

Save money with dryer balls. For just a little more than one fabric softener or dryer sheet purchase, you will have a fabric softening product that will last for years. Imagine the savings of never buying fabric softener or dryer sheets again. Plus with 15%-25% shorter drying times, you will save on energy costs and shorten the amount of time it takes to do laundry.