Perfumes prove to be harmful

The US environmental advocacy groups reported that several perfumes containing chemicals that have not been thoroughly tested for safety may have serious health effects.

The groups commissioned independent laboratory testing that identified perfume products which includes Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani, and American Eagle's Seventy Seven to have several potential harmful chemicals.

According to the study, both products contain lilial, an allergen that may prompt oestrogen-like effects in the body, and benzyl salicylate, an allergen, as well as many other chemicals.

Rick Smith, executive director of Canada-based Environmental Defence, which released the report said that anything that smells like a rainforest , strawberry patch or pine tree will have these chemicals in them.

The chemicals identified in the report can trigger allergic reactions or act as hormone disrupters.

For instance, Quicksilver fragrance for men and Seventy Seven contain diethyl phthalate, which is suspected of disrupting endocrine function and potentially leading to reproductive or developmental problems.

Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue fragrance contains several chemicals including butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a preservative and stabiliser that has been linked to adverse effects on the thyroid and is a possible carcinogen.

jm