Ask EWG: What is fragrance?

[Guest guest]

for those getting the digest; this has links throughtout it - access them on

the website to learn more. Shan

Ask EWG: What is " fragrance " ?

_http://www.enviroblhttp://www.ehttp://www.http://www.envirhttp:_

(http://www.enviroblog.org/2007/12/ask-ewg-what-is-fragrance.htm)

Question: Is it true that the cosmetics industry can put any chemical into a

product’s " fragrance " without showing it on the ingredients list? What do

they put in there?

Answer: It's true. When you see " fragrance " on a personal care product's

label, read it as " hidden chemicals. " A major loophole in FDA's federal law

lets

manufacturers of products like shampoo, lotion, and body wash include nearly

any ingredient in their products under the name " fragrance " without actually

listing the chemical.

Companies that manufacture personal care products are required by law to

list the ingredients they use, but fragrances and trade-secret formulas are

exempt. An analysis of the chemical contents of products reveals that the

innocuous-looking “fragrance†often contains chemicals linked to negative

health

effects. Phthalates, used to make fragrances last longer, are associated damage

to the male reproductive system, and artificial musks accumulate in our

bodies and can be found in breast milk. Some artificial musks are even linked

to

cancer. And if you've got asthma, watch out-- fragrance formulas are

considered to be among the top 5 known allergens, and can trigger asthma

attacks. The

same kinds of chemicals are often used for fragrances in cleaning products,

scented candles, and air fresheners.

To avoid those unpleasant side effects, choose fragrance-free products, but

beware labels that say " unscented. " It may only mean that the manufacturer

has added yet another fragrance to mask the original odor. Check ingredient

labels carefully, or search _Skin Deep_ (http://cosmeticsdatabase.com/) to find

products that do not list " fragrance " as an ingredient.

The best solution is not to allow cosmetics companies to get through this

loophole. They should be required to list all of their ingredients on the label

where consumers can find out what they're buying. On top of that, cosmetics

manufacturers regularly include ingredients with known or suspected links to

cancer, reproductive toxicity and other negative health effects. The federal

government must set safety standards for personal care products.

If you're concerned about the chemicals you use on your body every day,

_sign EWG's petition_ (http://cosmeticsdatabase.com/) at cosmeticsdatabase. at

cosmeticsdatabase.<WBR>com and urge the FDA to make p

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[Guest guest]

http://www.wayoutwax.com/approach/why_essential_oils.html

 

Some more information about EO's and FO's. They can say it's an EO

when in fact it's a cheap FO which is a petrochemical. I think they

have a little too much room to cheat.