Study Finds Cologne Causes Acute Neurotoxicity and Air Flow Reduction
A study at Anderson Laboratories in Vermont concluded that fragrance chemicals caused a variety of acute toxicities in mice after an hour long exposure to breathing five commercial colognes. The researchers discovered "the emissions of these fragrance products caused various combinations of sensory irritation, pulmonary irritation, decreases in expiratory airflow velocity, as well as alterations of the functional observational battery indicative of neurotoxicity." A computerized test was used to detect decreases in expiratory flow velocity, indicating airflow limitation. Mice exposed to toilet water, rather than cologne, did not show any change in air flow velocity, pulmonary function, or neurological function. "Neurotoxicity was more severe after mice were repeatedly exposed to the fragrance products. Evaluation of one of the test atmospheres with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed the presence of chemicals for which irritant and neurotoxic properties had been documented previously" which confirmed the presence of these chemicals in the colognes (Anderson & Anderson, 1998).
Many people do not realize that fragrances have changed over the years and are not regulated by law. Once a pleasant and natural oil from a plant, fragrances are now made with many chemical ingredients that have become harmful to human health and are not disclosed on the label. When people walk around wearing these fragrances, they share them with everyone around them. Breathing second-hand fragrance is like breathing second-hand smoke. It has all the same effects amounting to acute toxicity. Wearing cologne affects all those who share the same air space, including pets and children who are at increased risk due to their smaller size. Asthmatics, respiratory patients, and the chemically sensitive can also be seriously injured by fragrances. The effects are not limited to these groups though. Even the wearer is sacrificing good health.
"Fragrances are unnecessary and often unpleasant for others to smell," said Lourdes Salvador, Founder and President of MCS America. "The media has misled us to believe that scents make us sexy and attractive," added Salvador who is also the chief editor of MCS America News. "Quite to the contrary, many cannot tolerate being near these toxicants and avoid them. More and more employers are enacting fragrance free policies in the workplace leading to a reduction of migraines and missed work. So, maybe that elusive girl that retreats each time you approach is really interested, but avoiding your cologne."
Before fragrances emerged on the market the human species still mated and reproduced. This shows that fragrances are not necessary to attract the opposite sex. Quite to the contrary, much like animals, we use body scent to attract mates. Some fragrance manufacturers have realized this and are now marketing fragrances that smell like sweat. Unfortunately these fragrances are synthetic, made with chemicals known for their neurotoxic effects. Fortunately, we are each equipped with our own sweat. So, go for a hard core workout guys and enjoy your mate au natural! Sweat is in and cologne is out!
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Cited Reference:
Anderson RC & Anderson JH. Acute toxic effects of fragrance products. Arch Environ Health. 1998 Mar-Apr;53(2):138-46.
