Some common “fragrance” chemicals:
Acetone

  1. On EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. "Acts primarily as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant." "Inhalation can cause dryness of the mouth and throat; dizziness, nausea, incoordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, and, in severe exposures, coma."
  2. Found in: dishwashing detergent, cologne, nail polish remover

Benzaldehyde

  1. Narcotic. "Local anesthetic, CNS depressant" "irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, lungs, and GI tract causing nausea and abdominal pain." "May cause kidney damage."
  2. Found in: “perfume, cologne, hairspray, laundry bleach, deodorants, detergent, vaseline lotion, shaving cream, shampoo, bar soap, dishwasher detergent”

Benzyl Alcohol

  1. "irritating to the upper respiratory tract" "headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, CNS depression, and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure."
  2. Found in: “perfume, cologne, soap, shampoo, nail enamel remover, air freshener, laundry bleach and detergent, deodorants, fabric softener”

Camphor

  1. "local irritant and CNS stimulant" ..."readily absorbed through body tissues" ..."irritation of eyes, nose and throat" ..."dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions" "Avoid inhalation of vapors."
  2. Found in: “perfume, shaving cream, nail enamel, fabric softener, dishwasher detergent”

Ethanol

  1. On EPA Hazardous Waste list. Causes CNS disorder. Can cause "...fatigue; irritating to eyes and upper respiratory tract even in low concentrations..." "Inhalation of ethanol vapors can have effects similar to those characteristic of ingestion. These include an initial stimulatory effect followed by drowsiness, impaired vision, ataxia, stupor..."
  2. Found in: “perfume, hairspray, shampoo, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, laundry detergent, shaving cream, soap, air fresheners, nail color and remover, paint and varnish remover”

Ethyl Acetate

  1. Narcotic. On EPA Hazardous Waste list. "...irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract" ..."may cause headache and narcosis (stupor)" "may cause anemia with leukocytosis and damage to liver and kidneys" "Wash thoroughly after handling."
  2. Found in: ”aftershave, cologne, perfume, shampoo, nail color, nail enamel remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid”

Limonene

  1. Carcinogenic. "Prevent its contact with skin or eyes because it is an irritant and sensitizer." "Always wash thoroughly after using this material and before eating, drinking, ...applying cosmetics. Do not inhale limonene vapor."
  2. Found in: “perfume, cologne, disinfectant spray, bar soap, shaving cream, deodorants, nail color and remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, air fresheners, after shave, bleach, paint and varnish remover”

Methylene Chloride

  1. Banned by the FDA in 1988. No enforcement possible due to trade secret laws protecting chemical fragrance industry. On EPA, RCRA, CERCLA Hazardous Waste lists. Causes CNS disorder. "Carcinogenic" "Absorbed, stored in body fat, it metabolizes to carbon monoxide, reducing oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood." "Headache, giddiness, stupor, irritability, fatigue, tingling in the limbs."
  2. Found in: “shampoo, cologne, paint and varnish remover’

Products that may contain Fragrance:

  1. Perfume
  2. Cologne
  3. Air fresheners
  4. Shampoo
  5. Aftershave
  6. Nail polish
  7. Soap
  8. Shaving cream
  9. Laundry detergent
  10. Fabric softener

Summarizing…What Fragrance may do to you:

    • Allergic skin reaction
    • Headache
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Respiratory problems
    • Dizziness
    • Drop in blood pressure
    • CNS disorders
    • Depression
    • Fatigue
    • Stupor
    • May cause asthma
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    ThinkQuest 2006: Xiaoxiao, Lisa, Susan & Sri