Why Fragrance Safety & Labeling is a Consumer Issue
Consumers can generally look at labels and tell what is in a product. This enables them to make informed choices and avoid ingredients that may cause them adverse effects. However, the fragrance in a product is the exception to the rule. Due to trade secret laws, the ingredients in the fragrance portion of a product does not have to be disclosed. This means companies do not have to tell anyone, including the FDA and other regulatory agencies what is in the product. If you have a adverse reaction to a product, they do not have to tell you or your doctor what is in the product.
Many consumers wish to avoid exposure to certain substances because they have adverse health effect from them or simply do not want to be exposed to them. Present labeling of fragrance products does not give information that enables the consumer to do this.
In addition, pre-market testing of the safety and health effects of a product or the ingredients in a product are not required. In the case of cosmetics which includes perfumes and fragranced personal care products, there is a requirement for a warning label if the product has not been adequately tested for safety. As general rule many of the materials used in fragrances have not been safety tested. Less than 1500 of the more than 3000 - 5000 substances used in fragranced products has been safety tested by the fragrance industry. This testing by the industry is usually limited to effects on the skin. Neurological, respiratory, systemic, and long term effects are not generally tested.
Most fragranced products that are considered cosmetics have no warning on the label though it is required by law if substances used in the product and the final product has not had its safety substantiated. The lack of this label is false and misleading since the lack of the label indicates the product and the ingredients in it have been adequately tested for safety. Consumers are mislead into thinking the products are safe for use via all routes of exposure. In truth there are many materials used in fragrances that can cause skin allergies and contribute to other health problems such as being a trigger for asthma and other respiratory problems. Consumers have a right to know.
The information contained on this site has been compiled by
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03/05/00
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