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Testing by the fragrance industry
focuses on skin effects, acute dermal toxicity, and acute oral
toxicity. The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM)
evaluates and tests the effects of singular raw materials and
not combinations of materials that are found in actual products.
In fact when the RIFM discovered when similar materials were
patch tested at the same time, there is an increase in the number
of allergic reactions.
Though similar materials are used
in actual products, the RIFM made sure similar materials were
not tested together in evaluating the effects of raw materials.
Companies that make the actual products are responsible for
the testing of their products.
80-90% of all fragrance materials are synthesized, most from
petroleum products. The RIFM has evaluated the safety of about
1300 of the more than 3000 materials in use. Most of the testing
relates to effects on the skin. Tests for systemic, respiratory,
and neurological effects are not done.
There are legitimate concerns about the limited scope of safety
testing. AETT, a common fragrance material was found to cause
the internal organs of lab animals to turn blue and cause neurological
damage similar to that, which occurs with multiple sclerosis.
It had been in widespread use for over 20 years. Musk ambrette,
a common fragrance material had been in use over 60 years was
found to absorb into the skin at a rate of 38%. It was found
to be neurotoxic (animal), phototoxic (human), and cause atrophy
of testicles (animal).
With both of these materials the fragrance industry voluntarily
removed them from use. There was no other action by the FDA.
There was no recall of products on the shelf nor notification
to the public. Six years after the voluntary withdrawal from
use musk ambrette was still being found in products. The industry
still does not test fragrance materials for neurological effects.
Fragrances are known skin irritants and sensitizers. They
are also recognized as respiratory irritants. They are not recognized
as respiratory sensitizers. While there are asthmatics that
are primarily triggered by exposure to fragranced products,
they are usually told by their doctors that fragrances are irritants,
do not cause asthma, but they can trigger it. Actually doctors
have no idea what is in fragrances as the formulas are trade
secrets. Examination of the materials used in fragrances reveals
materials that are toxic to the lungs and some known respiratory
sensitizers.
Other materials used in fragrances target the nerves, kidneys,
and liver. Some are suspected carcinogens. Most have little
to no safety data available on them and the chemical data sheets
for them clearly state: "The chemical, physical,and toxicological
properties have not been thoroughly investigated."
http://www.ameliaww.com/fpin/FragMatTox.htm
Next: Health Concerns
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