FPIN strives to keep up with current information and remains the most comprehensive website available on health, environmental, and regulatory concerns related to fragrance. It has become an important resource for those seeking information about health, environmental, and regulatory concerns related to fragrance.

 Diethyl phthalate is the most common phthalate used in fragrance. An analysis of a popular perfume found diethyl phthalate made up over 10% of the fragrance formula. See FDA petition 99P 1340 which asks that the FDA declare the perfume Eternity misbranded (mislabeled) because it does not carry the warning label required for cosmetics in which the safety has not been substantiated.

Phthalates in fragrance and cosmetics are of concern because of possible impact on reproduction and the developing fetus.   Recent research suggests diethyl phthalate may be connected with sperm damage.

For more information on phthalates visit
http://www.nottoopretty.org/index.htm

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Phthalates are not the only concern

There are other reproductive concerns in addition to phthalates. Synthetic musk compounds accumulate in human tissue, are found in breast milk, and cross the placental barrier. Little is known about the long term effects of these materials. Musk xylene was carcinogenic in animal studies and musk ketone is suspected of increasing the carcinogenic effects of other materials. Both of these materials are common in scented products such as perfumes, cleaners, laundry,

According to a German study, human breast cancer cells grow faster when exposed to common synthetic musk compounds. The fragrance industry has known for over a decade that synthetic musk compounds bioaccumulate in our bodies. Because of regulatory pressure, nitromusks are being phased out in Europe. There has been no such regulatory pressure here in US and nitromusks are common in scented products.

"musk xylene, as well as musk tibetene, have carcinogenic activity"

Anticancer Res  2002 Sep-Oct;22(5):2657-62
Evaluation of carcinogenic potential of two nitro-musk derivatives, musk xylene
and musk tibetene in a host-mediated in vivo/in vitro assay system.
Apostolidis S, Chandra T, Demirhan I, Cinatl J, Doerr HW, Chandra A.

Do Fragrance Chemicals Play a Role in Breast Cancer?