Why Fragrance is an Environmental Issue
Fragranced products are generally thought of as relatively harmless products, certainly not of as a significant source of pollution. The sheer numbers of products containing fragrance that are used makes them a serious indoor air pollutant. Materials must be airborne in order for the odor to be detected. Obviously the purpose of fragrance is to produce an odor or scent. Fragrances are formulated to volatilize into the air. Once these materials are in the air they mix with other substances that are present. Materials break down and new substances are constantly being formed in the air. Volatile substances are major contributors to indoor air pollution.
Since most fragranced products are used on one's person or inside buildings, most never consider fragrance as a pollutant of outdoor air. But a recent study in Norway found synthetic musk compounds present in outdoor air even in a remote area. Virtually all air from inside is eventually vented to the outside. In addition there is direct venting of dryers which release fragrance to the outside air. Another consideration is some of the fragrance chemicals present in waste water are also released into the air.
Synthetic musk compounds were found in Japanese waterways in the early 1980s and nitromusks were banned because of environmental concerns. Studies in Europe in the 1990s found synthetic musk compounds in waterways and aquatic wildlife. Such contamination has occurred worldwide in industrialized countries. Sewage treatment does not filter out fragrance chemicals and the contamination is from toiletries and household products that contain fragrance and end up doing down the drain.
Synthetic musk compounds are persistant in the environment. They accumulate in the tissues of aquatic wildlife and have the potential to disrupt the ecosystem. There is a constant flow of fragrance materials into the environment. So the levels of materials that are slow to break down will continue to rise. Even materials that break down may have the same effect as the materials that persist because they are continually being added. Most of the studies have been done on synthetic musks. Much less is known about the effects of other materials used in fragrance.
The levels of synthetic musks often rival or exceed the levels of pesticides and other persistant organic pollutants. There have been few studies on the long term effects. Musk xylol is a suspected carcinogen. Other compounds have been found to have weak estrogenic effects. Several musk compounds have been found to be neurotoxic. With the widespread use of scented products the levels of these and other fragrance materials in the environment will continue to rise and have a real potential for negatively impacting the environment, wildlife, and human health.
For more reading:
Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 107, Supplement 6, December 1999
Dr. Christian G. Daughton Investigates the After-life of Everyday Personal Care Products
Environmental Aspects of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products