Two groups, Environmental Defence in Canada and California-based Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, released a disturbing report that says many popular perfumes contain substances that could be very harmful to our health.
They claim there are chemicals not included on the product label that can cause allergic reactions and disrupt the endocrine system.
Dr. Rick Smith is executive director of Environmental Defence. He says, "Anything in your house that smells like a rain forest or a strawberry patch or a pine tree will have these chemicals in them."
17 fragrances, including Curious by Britney Spears, Eternity by Calvin Klein and Old Spice, were purchased in the United States and Canada to be analyzed at a laboratory in California.
On average, the 17 scents contained 14 undeclared chemicals; Seventy Seven by American Eagle had the highest number with 24. They also found an average of 10 sensitizing substances in all the perfumes though Aqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani had 19. These substances can cause headaches, wheezing, asthma and contact dermatitis.
In addition, the laboratory also identified substances that could disrupt the endocrine system. Halle by Halle Berry, Quiksilver and Glow by Jennifer Lopez each contained seven, including six that mimic estrogen and affect the thyroid gland.
The two groups call on governments to review their regulations because the vast majority of these substances have never undergone safety tests.