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Distrust of the Chemical Industry
“the genius of tomorrow will fix the problems caused by the genius of today” ~ Albert Einstein
When I started my perfuming journey I had decided to work with naturals and to avoid the synthetics which most perfumes are made with. At the time I was not aware of any specific problem with particular chemicals used in perfume. I was aware however of specific problems with synthetic chemicals and highly processed natural chemicals in my day and in the past.
Civilization has a long track record of widely utilizing elements we don’t fully understand, and then paying the price.
Here are some examples
| Name/Major Sources – Properties that Prompted Use | Harmful Effects for the Environment and Human Health – Date Banned in the U.S. |
|---|---|
| DDT/ pesticide – Kills broad spectrum of insects; use began in 1940s to prevent spread of malaria. | Liver and reproductive toxin for humans and animals; probable carcinogen; persists in the environment and in body tissues. – Banned in 1972. |
| Lead (paint, gasoline, pipes) – Makes paint more durable, also a pigment; anti-knock agent and octane booster since the 1920s. | Potent neurotoxin with severe developmental effects in children; cognitive, blood pressure and reproductive issues in adults. – Banned in paint in 1978; phase-out in fuels completed 1996. |
| Asbestos/ construction – Fire resistant and insulating; a naturally occurring silicate fiber. | Various cancers, most notably mesothelioma of the lungs; fibers deposited in lungs (“asbestosis”) can cause scarring. – 1989 ban overturned in 1991; recent ban in 2024. |
| CFCs (refrigerant, spray cans) – Non-flammable; replaced combustible refrigerants. | Depletes ozone in the atmosphere, reducing filtration of UV radiation; damage to the eyes and skin, including skin cancers; persistent greenhouse gas. – Gradual ban completed in 1994. |
| Mercury (Batteries, coal, dental amalgam fluorescent bulbs) – Reduces swelling and rupture in batteries; makes silver amalgam dental fillings more workable and durable. | Highly neurotoxic, even in very small quantity; can have severe cognitive and neuromuscular effects on children and adults; accumulates in fish and seafoods, with human exposure from eating them. – Banned in batteries 1996; emission from coal burning limited by 2011 EPA rule; 2020 EPA rule for amalgam disposal |
| Phthalates (plastics, cosmetics) – Plasticizers – increases flexibility, transparency, durability; solvent in fragrances. | Hormone disrupter, estrogen mimic; early puberty, infertility, obesity; probable carcinogen for breasts and reproductive organs. – 2008 EPA rule banned some phthalates in children’s products. |
| Food Additives/ bromates, propylparaben, Red dye #3 – Increases shelf life and has other functions in processed foods such as candy, cereal, soda, and baked goods. | Existing studies link these additives to hyperactivity, nervous systems damage and increased risk of cancer in both adults and children. – Banned in foods sold or manufactured in California by 2027. |
| PFAS (Fire-fighting foam, cookware, fabrics) – Foam creates a film which contains fire; non-stick agent in cookware and in stain-resistant fabrics. | Linked to many health problems: weakened immune system, kidney cancer, elevated cholesterol, pregnancy-induced hypertension, liver damage, reduced fertility, and increased risk of thyroid disease. – Measures enacted in several states: bans on PFAS in firefighting foam, and a phase-out of PFAS in food packaging; 2024 EPA rule, water supply. |
List from BeyondToxics.com click here for more details
Being aware of the many chemicals used that were causing harm to people and planet, and knowing the perfume industry was inundated with synthetic chemicals that did not exist a hundred years ago, I initially avoided perfume all together. I could not trust anything at the store. Scented products became distasteful to me.
But then I realized, even if a product was made with a scent that was natural and safe, I would still cringe and avoid. I would assume it was not. That felt uncomfortably close to acting out of fear. Not a good idea. Aroma’s are also part of God’s creation. Something he intended to be beautiful. And now, while I at least was not poisoning myself, I could not appreciate the beauty He intended.
And so I started my journey of re-discovering aroma and perfume…
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