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Smells fishy: Many fragrances contain hidden chemicals
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Roses. Candy. Perfume. The standard fare for Valentine's Day gift giving. This year, though, you might want to think twice before you buy a gift of scent. It seems that behind that sexy fragrance is likely a hodgepodge of secret chemicals — some that are associated with health concerns, including allergic reactions, endocrine disruption or reproductive toxicity — according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Many of these chemicals do not appear on the product label. Health risks from the chemicals depend on the product's mixture, the chemicals' hazards, the amount absorbed into the body, and an individual's susceptibility to health problems. According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health in 2009, fragrance allergies most often affect the wearer, but a growing number of people report adverse reactions to scented products — whether they're worn by others, displayed in stores, or added to air fresheners and other household products. Fragrance chemicals are inhaled — and absorbed through our skin — and can then accumulate in the body. Many of the chemicals in perfumes and colognes also are found in other household products, thus increasing your exposure to and risk for developing allergies. For example, limonene commonly is listed as "citrus oil" in cleaning products and degreasers. Even products labeled as "unscented" may contain fragrances used to mask the smell of other chemical components. Beyond causing allergy issues, a significant number of fragrance chemicals also can act as hormone disruptors. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics cites several studies that indicate exposure to hormone disruptors has been linked to health issues, including an increased risk of cancer (particularly breast and prostate cancers); reproductive toxicity and effects on fetuses; and predisposition to metabolic disease, such as thyroid problems and obesity. An added concern is that although studies have been conducted on individual chemical components found in fragrances to assess the health risks they pose, very little research has yet been done on those chemicals in combination with one another. So, while we may know phthlates and BHT (two common chemicals found in fragrances known to disrupt hormone balances) are problematic on their own, we do not know if their deleterious effects are further magnified by being combined in the same product. Given these concerns, how can these chemicals remain secret, even though they present potential health risks? Apparently, it's because of a big loophole in the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973, which requires companies to list cosmetic ingredients on labels. Fragrance, however, is exempt. Initially, this was done to protect perfume manufacturers from competitors who might want to duplicate signature scents, but it has had the unintended consequence of keeping consumers in the dark about the chemical make-up of products they use everyday. So what are you to do? Since it may be impossible to identify which chemical ingredients trigger issues, the safest choice is to avoid scented products altogether. Doing so, however, can be nearly impossible. Even looking for products stamped "natural," "pure," or "organic" hold no guarantee, since these terms do not have an enforceable legal definition. If you — or your significant other — just can't do without your favorite fragrance, consider using it less often and eliminating other scented products from regular use. Another suggestion: consider essential oils. They come in a wide range of scents, are botanically sourced, and can be produced using sustainable methods. It is important to remember they are commonly sold at a very high concentration, which can be irritating to the skin. To use them safely, dilute a few drops of the scented oil in a neutral "carrier" oil such as almond or grapeseed oil before dabbing them on the skin. A complete list of tips for using essential oils can be found at auracacia.com. 
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Today is Friday, May 24, the 144th day of 2013. There are 221 days left in the year.
1863 -- 150 years ago: A military escort will be at the square at 9 a.m. tomorrow forthe funeral of Lieut. Joseph Eaton. The county judge is absent in Chicago, which willaccount for his not being in the procession.
1888 -- 125 years ago: Rock Island's City Council last night appropriated $95,000 forexpenses for the 1888 and 1889 fiscal year.
1913 -- 100 years ago: Mrs. F.W. Reimers last night was re-elected president of the RockIsland Musical Club at a meeting in the New Harper Hotel.
1938 -- 75 years ago: Seven members of Boy Scout Troop 21 got their Eagle badges lastnight. They were Ralph Hurt, Robert Nelson, Howard Schersten, Cecil Nelson, RobertFryxell, Clarence Stone and Rollin Hurt.
1963 -- 50 years ago: Mayor Morris Muhleman has resorted to a form letter in an effort toanswer objections to the wheel tax increase. "It was my hope that I could, in some way,restore the faith of the citizens in our city. In order to do this I knew I must face the factthat I would become very unpopular."All they are trying to do is protect the citizensproperty and build their town.
1988 -- 25 years ago: RICCA, the Rock Island County Council on Addictions, inconjunction with the Quad City Downs, will hold its annual "Night at the Races" June 2.The benefit "Night at the Races" will raise funds locally to assist in maintaining the twohalfway houses, New Hope Lodge (for women) and Beacon House (for men).
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