The real deal about why we avoid synthetic fragrances, colors, et al.

There seems to be a big push lately to advocate, and prove, the safety of synthetic fragrances, colorings, phthalates, parabens and other synthetic chemicals normally used throughout the cosmetics industry. Fullearth’s, Etc. stands firm, and will NOT use synthetic ingredients in our products. Here’s why:

NOTE: Please understand, that the use of synthetic, or non-synthetic , ingredients is a personal choice.  We are here to provide an option to those who choose to decrease exposure to, or avoid, synthetic fragrances and colorings, the way my family and I have chosen to do.

First, let me start by saying, that not only can synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates and synthetic colorings be dangerous in the long term, they can result in allergic reactions by many.  Thus, the existence of the hypo-allergenic products market, and recommendations by so many dermatologist to avoid fragrances, and scented products – especially on new-borns.

Numerous studies have shown that synthetic fragrances, can lead to health concerns, (you can find a list of studies, research, and articles with THEIR lists of studies, research and articles, at the end of this post) not because of the fragrances themselves, but because of how they are made. Additional studies have shown that the processes involved, and chemicals used to create a synthetic fragrance, can lend dangerous factors to the synthetic blend itself.  Petroleum based products are not good for us, yet:

“According to the National Academy of Sciences, 95 per cent of chemicals now used in fragrance are synthetic compounds, often petroleum based. ( Medical News Today, 19 Jun 2004).”

Many claim that the FDA has found safety in these chemicals.. 50 years ago, the FDA found cigarette smoking to be safe, so much so, that doctors were prescribing cigarettes to pregnant mothers?  Many of these mothers KNEW it was not safe, but did absolutely no research, and went with what their doctors, and the FDA, told them.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I realize that there has been no DIRECT, (point A to point B) link from a specific fragrance oil to cancer – however, please realize, there has been no direct link from ANYTHING to cancer. Cancer is caused by a build up of toxins of some sort that cause cancerous cells. Other countries have found synthetic fragrances to contain toxins that build up in the body. I have read opposing views, that taut that the FDA has found NO relation, and has found synthetics to be safe.  This is not true.. the FDA has found synthetics in certain proportions to, NOT SHOW any harmful effects.  Do you see the difference there? Maybe this study can describe it better:

“The fragrance industry defends their use of the chemicals in question, maintaining that ongoing independent research has concluded they are safe.  The Fragrance Materials Association of the United States, for instance, contends that while the use of some phthalates has been questioned, and indeed banned from products in the European Union, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has conducted frequent tests on the chemicals, and has concluded that they pose no calculable threat at the level of exposure presented.”

Did you get that? “no CALCULABLE threat..” This means, there WAS a threat found, just one small enough that the FDA has determined that threat to be incalculable. It begs to point out that other countries HAVE found these same chemicals to be un-safe. It is also important to note that the FDA has found the chemical to be safe “..at the level of exposure presented.”  Are we all using synthetic fragrances at the level of exposure presented by the single product chemical testing they have done?  Or are Americans open to several layers of chemical exposure in our soaps, lotions, cosmetics, household cleaners, home scent applications, etc.. ?

Are phalates and parabens used in non-synthetic products safe? High levels of parabens have been found in breast tissue of 18 out of 20 breast cancer patients. Phalataes have been banned over and over again, there is SO much research here, I cannot even list it all:

“Five phthalates—DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIDP, and DnHP—are listed on the Proposition 65 list.  The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) of California EPA listed DEHP as a carcinogen in 1988 and as a developmental toxin and male reproductive toxin in 2003.(5)  In December 2005, OEHHA listed three additional phthalates—BBP as a developmental toxin; DBP as a developmental toxin and female and male reproductive toxin; and DnHP as a female and male reproductive toxin.(6) In April 2007, OEHHA listed DIDP as a developmental and reproductive toxin.(7)”

“The European Union and many countries have restricted the use of phthalates in children’s toys.  The European Union has banned DEHP, DBP, and BBP in all toys and child care articles and banned DINP, DIDP, and DNOP in toys and child care articles that can be put in the mouth.  Prior to the EU’s permanent ban, the following countries also had banned phthalates in children’s toys: Argentina, Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, and Sweden.  In many other countries, governments have requested voluntary industry action to remove phthalates, in some cases industry has voluntarily removed phthalates, and governments have issued health advisories related to phthalates.”

“Paul Fox, a spokesperson from Proctor and Gamble, assures that his company has rigorous safety protocols, which ensure that all their household items and packaging are safe for both consumers and the environment.  He confirms that all requirements are met for each country in which their goods are marketed and sold.

Stacy Malkan, Communications Director for the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, is less confident. She’s been fighting for increased awareness and government regulation surrounding the personal care products industry. She says that no level of exposure is safe, and that the political climate of deregulation has fostered the growth of cheap ingredients, to the extent that we’ve lost control over our own exposure.”

Especially when it comes to our babies, synthetics can creep up into our lives. The use of chemicals in baby shampoos, bath products, lotions, etc. is so convenient, and because there is no immediate symptom of toxicity, we presume there is no danger.

“Children are Most at Risk

Growing children are particularly at risk to chemicals in their environment because they face greater exposure and are physiologically more susceptible to them.(16) Children’s exposures begin at conception, as chemicals, including phthalates, cross the placenta in a pregnant woman’s body(17) and can affect the embryo or fetus during critical periods of development.  Even after birth, children’s bodies remain immature, with underdeveloped detoxification mechanisms to protect them from phthalates.  Their brains and other organ systems are constantly developing, undergoing periods of particular sensitivity to damage or disruption.  Especially because growing children are particularly at risk from phthalate exposure, precautionary measures must be taken to protect children from such exposure from products they use everyday.”

There are VERY many ways to ignore the fact that synthetics are dangerous. The use of synthetics is easy, convenient and fun, I admit.  Much of the research is not 100% conclusive. BUT, why take the chance!?  We know that toxin build up can lead to various cancers… this is why detox programs and anti-oxidants have become so popular. Our bodies are bombarded with un-natural substances everyday – from the air we breathe, to some of the foods we eat.  The use of synthetics simply adds to the un-natural toxins that you’re body must eliminate on a daily basis.

The argument that because something HASN’T been proven to be HARMFUL, makes it ok.. is a foolish one.  It’s an argument used by those who don’t know any better, or don’t want YOU to know any better.  Take research into your own hands.

Bottom line, when is comes to choosing products to use for the health of me and my family, I don’t choose products because they HAVE NOT been proven harmful.. I choose products because they HAVE been proven SAFE!

References:

Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure: PEDIATRICS Vol. 121 No. 2 February 2008, pp. e260-e268 (doi:10.1542/peds.2006-3766)  http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/121/2/e260

Phthalates Overview - http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/environmental-health/stop-toxic-toys/phthalates-overview

What Stinks About Synthetic Fragrances? – http://www.cleannaturalhealthy.com/WHAT_STINKS_ABOUT_SYNTHETIC_FRAGRANCES_s/39.htm

What Dangers Can Perfumes & Other Fragrances Pose to Your Health? – http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/09/28/what-dangers-can-perfumes–amp-other-fragrances-pose-to-your-health.htm

Sniffing Out The Dangers In Fragrance – http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/life/health/article/2136–sniffing-out-the-dangers-in-fragrance

Paraben From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (lots of good references listed here)- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraben#Breast_cancer

International Fragrance Association – http://www.ifraorg.org/Home/News/Latest-News/page.aspx/66

The Fragranced Products Information Network – http://www.fpinva.org/text/index.html