Study Finds Cologne Causes Acute Neurotoxicity and Air Flow Reduction

Released on = March 27, 2007, 12:23 am

Press Release Author = Lourdes Salvador / MCS America

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = 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.

Press Release Body = Salem, NY -- 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!


For additional information e-mail MCS America, admin@mcs-america.org or visit
www.mcs-america.org.

To request a free subscription to the MCS America News, send an e-mail to
subscriptions@mcs-america.org



Cited Reference:

Anderson RC & Anderson JH. Acute toxic effects of fragrance products. Arch Environ
Health. 1998 Mar-Apr;53(2):138-46.

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Web Site = http://www.mcs-america.org

Contact Details = Contact: Lourdes Salvador
Address: 13 Vale Street, Salem, NY 12864
Phone: 213-985-3096
Email: admin@mcs-america.org
Website: www.mcs-america.org

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