Article for Women Issues

95
of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. It has been estimated that more than 3000 different chemmcials are used in fragrance production. Do these figures shock you? Yes
manufacturers are very clever – we see the packaging and the adverts showing flowers and nature
and we assume (as the manufacturer intends us to assume) that the fragrance in the product is derived from nature
but most fragrances are chemically derived. They do not use essential oils because they are too expensive. They do use synthetic chemicals because they are cheap.

We are exposed to perfume or fragrance throughout the day. We may not wear perfume ourselves
but our shampoo
soap
shower gel and cosmetics are likely to contain synthetic perfumes
unless we look at the label and shop carefully.

We encounter more smells in our household products – cleaners
washing powders
polish
air fresheners
etc. If we go out
we experience these smells on other people and in offices and stores.

Perfume mixes added to products are listed in the ingredients as ‘parfum’ or ‘fragrance’ depending on the part of the world you live in. Even some products that appear to be unperfumed will contain synthetic perfumes in order to cover an unpleasant odour from one of the active ingredients
or to ensure that the product always smells the same. The exact composition of these may vary over time even for the same product
as the manufacturer adjust the fragrance mix in relation to variations in the smell of the raw ingredients.

Even some essential oils are not entirely natural
as harsh chemicals may be used in their extraction process. Chemical solvents such as hexane and heptane are used to extract the maximum amount of oil from the plant
so it is important to buy good quality oils from a source you trust.

Allergies to fragrances are very common. The main organs affected are the skin and the respiratory system
but neurological damage has also been reported. Some people feel that we should have a right to fragrance-free air as well as tobacco-smoke-free air. There are also concerns about the impact of synthetic chemicals on the environment
as they do not necessarily break down easily.

Of course
there is a role for fragrance. The power of aromatherapy oils to heal and lift the spirits is well documented
but the widespread use of synthetic fragrances should be seen as pollution of both our bodies and our environments.