Up until the 20th century perfumes were derived directly from plants and animals. Perfumes used to be worn by “people with money”. Nowadays fragrances are more readily available and are more synthetic.

95% of the chemicals used in fragrances today are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum, including known toxins capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.

So why are they allowed to use these chemicals in perfumes? The fragrance industry is not regulated and it desperately needs to be. The cosmetic industry is self regulated and isn’t required to give formulations, test results, safety data or consumer complaints to the FDA..

Its crazy to know that many of chemicals in perfumes are the same chemicals that are in cigarette smoke. I know a lot of people (including myself) that won’t stand for cigarette smoke but they are happy to wear a fragrance

The entire Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia has a “scent-awareness” program that urges the use of unscented products only.