Perfume Pollution as Harmful as Cigarette Smoke

Many workplaces, health clubs, yoga studios, and other public settings are going scent-free, banning perfumes and scented products and the “perfume pollution” they leave in their wake. Currently, many people suffering from asthma, other respiratory disorders, environmental illness, chronic fatigue syndrome, and even healthy people suffer from perfume exposures, which linger in the air long after the wearer has left.

There are potentially over 500 chemicals just in the ingredient "fragrance" in perfumes. Many of these synthetic chemicals are derived from petrochemicals and are proven neurotoxins (meaning they can cause damage to the brain and nervous system) and carcinogens (linked to cancer). The research is shocking, as I learned while researching and writing my books The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan and The Brain Wash . Many of the chemicals in perfumes and other scented products are as harmful as cigarette smoke . Most people realize the dangers of exposure to cigarette smoke, including second hand smoke, but aren't aware of the equally damaging chemicals in perfumes and colognes.

If you can smell it, it's because these toxic synthetic molecules from perfumes are entering your nasal passages, giving them direct passage into your brain, mostly unimpeded by the blood-brain barrier. Even if you can’t smell perfumes, you may be suffering ill effects from exposure.

Arguably the most powerful organ in the body, the brain governs thoughts, moods, emotions, movement, speech, and all the body’s functions. Until recently, scientists believed that this mysterious organ was protected by an impermeable mechanism known as the “blood-brain barrier.” This is only partly true. Recent studies show that this system allows many environmental toxins including those found in perfumes and other scented products access to the delicate brain , and that once found in the brain some can take decades to eliminate – decades that can result in damage in the form of inflammation and plaque build up in the brain – two of the precursors to serious brain disorders.

Some of the most common chemicals in perfumes are ethanol, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, a-pinene, acetone, benzyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, linalool, a-terpinene, methylene chloride, a-terpineol, camphor, and limonene. While some of these chemicals are harmless, most in this ingredient list can cause irritability, mental vagueness, muscle pain, asthma, bloating, joint aches, sinus pain, fatigue, sore throat, eye irritation, gastrointestinal problems, laryngitis, headaches, dizziness, swollen lymph nodes, spikes in blood pressure, coughing, and burning or itching skin irritations.

That perfume or cologne that you think makes you smell attractive is more likely damaging your health. In an upcoming post I’ll share ways you can protect your brain from harmful substances using food, herbs, and other natural options. Also, check out my article, “Brain Healing Power of Periwinkle” http://www.intent.com/blog/2009/04/20/brain-healing-power-periwinkle

Michelle Schoffro Cook, DNM, DAc, CNC is a best-selling and six-time book author, whose works include: The Life Force Diet , The Ultimate pH Solution , The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan , The Brain Wash , and Healing Injuries the Natural Way . She is a doctor of natural medicine, doctor of acupuncture, holistic nutritionist, and energy medicine practitioner. Her work has been featured in/on: Woman's World, First for Women, Dr. Roizen's YOU: The Owner's Manual Radio Show, Gaiam Life, Yahoo! Shine, and The Huffington Post. www.TheLifeForceDiet.com .

Adapted from The Brain Wash: A Powerful, All-Natural Program to Protect Your Brain against Alzheimer’s, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Depression, Parkinson’s, and Other Diseases . Copyright 2007 Michelle Schoffro Cook