Ask the Experts: Petrochemicals

Question:

Hello again…it’s not the article, it’s the comments. Or rather a comment, third one down. Any additional information you  can provide regarding commercial/mainstream perfumes, how they are made, what  they are made of, what tests are done, etc. would be greatly appreciated. {3rd comment from link is below}

You do realize that these “scents” are in fact toxic petrochemi­cals. Using them is likely a cause of the rise in cancers and neurologic­al disorders. They have had no safety testing, have no regulation­s, do not have to reveal their ingredient­s, and are known to contain toxic chemicals.

You cannot breathe gas fumes all day and not expect to be poisoned. And poison others in your vicinity, no matter how innocent and “pretty” the smell may be. Common sense tells you that something that comes out of an oil well is not a good substance to be breathing or wearing.

What’s wrong with “petrochemicals” again? This  word really tells me nothing except that it’s made from crude oil/petroleum,  the by-products or waste of refining crude oil..correct? What’s wrong with taking a “waste” product and turning into something useful? Is it truly harmful to humans? If we didn’t use oil for a lot of other stuff would using  petrochemicals in cosmetics and perfumes be a big deal?

Just whenever  you can look into it, thank you.  Have a great week to all.

Tina

Answers: {Robert is addressing the statements made in the 3rd comment quoted above}

You do realize that these “scents” are in fact toxic petrochemicals:
Crude oil contains hundreds of chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic. However, the fact that a chemical is derived from petroleum does not mean that it is toxic. Toxicity is not dependent on the origin of a substance. And, toxicity is not a black-and-white issue: it depends on exposure (dose, concentration) and bioavailability (how much gets into the body). Everything, literally everything, is toxic given sufficient exposure. Therefore, substances are neither inherently “toxic” nor are they “non-toxic”. Whether a petroleum-derived ingredient is “green” or “sustainable” is another matter entirely, especially since the manufacture of most involves a multi-step process, and each step uses energy, and may produce waste.

Using them is likely a cause of the rise in cancers and neurological disorders:
There is no rise in cancers, in fact overall, cancer incidence in the USA in both sexes steadily decreased from 1990 to 2007 (there was a slight increase in the 1975-1990 period). This is not due to better intervention, since the figures show reductions in cancer occurrence, as well as reductions in cancer deaths (Kohler BA et al 2011 Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2007, Featuring Tumors of the Brain and Other Nervous System. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 103:1-23).

They have had no safety testing:
This is not true. The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) has published detailed monographs on almost 2,000 fragrance ingredients including essential oils, essential oil constituents, and synthetic aromachemicals.

Have no regulations:
This is not true. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) have regulated the fragrance industry for the past 40 years. Their industry standards can be found here.  Companies that are members of IFRA are legally required to adhere to their safety code. IFRA members include all of the larger cosmetic and fragrance manufacturers in the US.

Do not have to reveal their ingredients:
This is true, and it is the same in every other country in the world. However, some manufacturers voluntarily declare all their fragrance ingredients. Manufacturers claim that their reluctance to declare fragrance ingredients is in order to protect trade secrets. There are also potential problems with listing 100 or more ingredients on a sometimes small label. However, increased transparency is already taking place, and this trend is likely to continue.

And are known to contain toxic chemicals:
See comments above. If you are relying on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database for your information, you should know that it is unreliable, and many of the pages contain incorrect and misleading information. There are even pages for substances that do not exist.

Robert

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My response is to refer to my PCT post on the subject – Petrochemicals: Confusion and Hypocrisy

Dene

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More about the author:  Lisa is the CEO, Founder and Creator Extraordinaire of Cactus & Ivy, a manufacturer of cruelty free and vegan spa, bath and body products. Read more from this author

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