95% of the chemicals used in fragrances are petroleum-based synthetic compounds.
Here are some of the principal chemicals found in scented products and the health risks that can be involved, according to one or more hazardous waste lists:
What is Acetone?
This can be found in cologne, dishwashing liquid and detergent, and nail enamel remover.
If inhaled, acetone can cause mild central nervous system disturbances such as dizziness, nausea, in co-ordination, slurred speech, and drowsiness. It can also irritate the eyes, nose, throat and skin.
What is Alpha-Pinene?
This is used in bar and liquid soap, cologne, perfume, shaving cream, deodorant, dishwashing liquid and air freshener. Alpha-pinene can be a moderate irritant to skin, eyes and mucus membranes.
What is Alpha-Terpineol?
This is used in perfume, cologne, laundry detergent, bleach powder, laundry bleach, fabric softener, stick air freshener, vaseline lotion, cologne, soap, hair spray, after shave and roll-on deodorant.
Alpha-Terpineol can be highly irritating to mucus membranes and can cause excitement, loss of muscular co-ordination, hypothermia, headache, central nervous system and respiratory depression.
What is Benzyl Acetate?
This can be found in perfume, cologne, shampoo, fabric softener, stick air freshener, dishwashing liquid, detergent, soap, hair spray, bleach, aftershave and deodorant.
These vapors can be irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory passages.
What is Benzyl Alcohol?
This can be found in perfume, cologne, soap, shampoo, nail enamel remover, air freshener, laundry bleach, detergent, vaseline lotion, deodorant and fabric softener.
Benzyl alcohol can be irritating to the upper respiratory tract, skin, eyes and mucus membranes. It can also cause headache, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
What is Benzaldehyde?
This can be found in perfume, cologne, hair spray, laundry bleach, deodorant, detergent, vaseline lotion, shaving cream, shampoo, bar soap, and dishwasher detergent.
Benzaldehyde may cause irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin and lungs. It can also cause nausea, abdominal pain, depression and contact dermatitis.
What is Camphor?
This can be found in perfume, shaving cream, nail enamel, fabric softener, dishwashing detergent, nail color and stick air freshener.
Due to the fact that it is absorbed through body tissues, it can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. It is recommended to avoid inhalation of the vapors because it can cause dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions.
What is Ethanol?
This is used in perfume, hair spray, shampoo, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, laundry detergent, shaving cream, soap, vaseline lotion, air fresheners, nail color and remover and paint and varnish remover.
One of its symptoms can be fatigue and it can irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract. It can also cause a central nervous system disorder.
What is Ethyl Acetate?
This is often found in aftershave, cologne, perfume, shampoo, nail color, nail enamel remover, fabric softener and dishwashing liquid.
Ethyl Acetate can cause irritation of the eyes, mucus membranes, gums and respiratory tract. Repeated or prolonged contact can cause drying and cracking of the skin.
What is g-Terpinene?
This can be found in cologne, perfume, soap, shaving cream, deodorant and air freshener.
g-Terpinene can cause asthma and central nervous system disorders.
What is Limonene?
This is used in perfume, cologne, disinfectant spray, bar soap, shaving cream, deodorant, nail color and remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, air fresheners, aftershave, bleach, paint and varnish remover.
Limonene's vapor can irritate the eyes, mucus membranes and upper respiratory tract. It can also cause an allergic skin reaction.
What is Linalool?
This can be found in perfume, cologne, bar soap, shampoo, hand lotion, nail enamel remover, hair spray, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, vaseline lotion, air fresheners, bleach powder, fabric softener, shaving cream, aftershave and solid deodorant.
Linalool can attract bees, so if you are allergic to bee stings, stay away from products that contain it. This product is known to cause lethargy, depression and life threatening respiratory effects.
