SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES

In recent years, we need to understand more about synthetic fragrances and perfumes, which are increasingly entering our lives. This is because there are serious concerns that these synthetic fragrances negatively affect our health. The use of synthetic fragrances is not limited to perfumes alone; more than 5,000 scent-providing synthetic substances found in a wide range of products—from household cleaners to laundry detergents, stationery products, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and even our food and beverages—dominate every aspect of our lives.

Possible Harmful Effects of Fragrances

The modern world, particularly people living in urban areas, is subjected to intense fragrance pressure of which they are largely unaware. Indeed, from our detergent to room spray, we are completely unprotected against the discordant harmony of changing fragrances in every space we enter, and moreover, against the directional effects of a mass of synthetic chemical molecules whose very nature we do not even know on our bodies and minds. We are unaware and defenseless against a form of attack completely targeted at us.

Why?

Fragrances enter our bodies through respiration, mouth or skin, affecting our lungs, skin, nose, eyes and brain. In recent years, the synthetic fragrances to which we unknowingly expose ourselves have begun to be discussed more and their possible effects have begun to be linked to diseases. These discussions are particularly important for people who initiated the process of returning to nature in the 21st century, and have triggered the value and consequently the production of natural aromas. The fragrance industry is also a very important sector industrially, and perfumes are made attractive to people through words such as "sensual," "seductive," "luxurious" and "invigorating." However, once you discover what is actually in the bottle, some of this romanticism is already lost. Most appear to be a cocktail of synthetic chemicals responsible for a range of serious health problems, including skin problems, disrupted hormone metabolism, and cancer. Among the worst additives we should be aware of are the solvent and fixative diethyl phthalate (DEP) and fake fragrances known as synthetic musk. Both DEP and its derivative monoethyl phthalate (MEP) are linked to breast cancer and sperm DNA damage, and it has been found that MEP levels in the urine of perfume users are more than twice as high.

Synthetic musks, which have estrogenic effects, are also associated with breast cancer and have effects that could further worsen the effects of other toxic chemicals.

Most fragrances are volatile organic compounds with irritant properties for the respiratory system, and it has long been known that they cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath in asthmatic patients. Some fragrances can also cause nasal congestion, sinusitis, coughing, sore throat and a feeling of chest tightness. Effects on the heart, circulation and brain electrical activity have also been demonstrated. These include headaches, concentration disorders, fatigue and lethargy. The organ most affected by fragrances is our skin. Itching, hives and eczema are among the main effects. Fragrances can cause tearing, itching and redness in the eyes. Research shows that fragrances absorbed through the skin may later break down and convert into other compounds that can also have effects. Others, known as aroma molecules, are new molecules with unique scents. Until recently, "balm" and "perfume" sources were natural and harmless, but now most are synthetic. Flowers, woods, gums, resins, spices and oils were natural. But nowadays, most fragrances are either completely or partially chemically synthesized. Modern humans have an impressive ability to mimic natural fragrances, awaken new scents, and expand the places these products reach and their remaining capacity. However, some of these efforts surround our environment with more chemicals whose biological effects have been largely untested.

Aroma Compound

Many modern perfumes contain synthesized odorants. Synthetics can provide scents not found in nature. For example, Calone, a compound of synthetic origin, gives a fresh ozone-like metallic sea scent commonly used in contemporary perfumes. Synthetic aromatics are usually used as an alternative source of compounds that are not easily obtained from natural sources. For example, linalool and coumarin are naturally occurring compounds that can be synthesized cheaply from terpenes. Orchid fragrances (typically salicylates) are obtained synthetically not directly from the plant itself but to match the fragrant compounds found in various orchids. One of the most widely used classes of synthetic aromatics has been white musks to date. These materials are found in every form of commercial perfume as a neutral background to middle notes. These masks are added in large quantities to laundry detergents to give washed clothing a lasting "clean" smell. Most of the world's synthetic aromatics are produced by a relatively small number of companies.

Rare Fragrances: The Most Beautiful Natural Scents

Not all perfumes are bad. An increasing number of alternative brands have developed fragrance ranges produced with organic, natural organic materials such as pure essential oils, plant extracts and flower waters, and the natural perfume market is growing every day. However, "natural" does not always mean completely safe for everyone. For example, pure volatile oils are commonly used by natural perfume makers but some can cause allergic reactions. In summary; the world of fragrances is both very important and an area that requires great care. Trying to choose fragrances derived from natural sources as much as possible is also very important for our health.   Prof. Dr. Nazan Apaydın Demir Muğla Sıtkı Koçman Üniversitesi Cosmetic Products Application and Research Center      

Sources 1. Kraft, Philip (2004). " 'Brain-Aided' Musk Design'. Chemistry and Biological Diversity. 1 (12): 1957-1974. doi : 10.1002 / cbdv.200490150. PMID 17191832. a b Eh, Marcus (2004). 2."New Alicyclic Musks Fourth Generation of Musk Scents". Chemistry and Biological. 3.Diversity. 1 (12): 1975-1984. doi: 10.1002 / cbdv.200490151. PMID 17191833 "Quoted from https://tr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php? title=Synthetic_musk&oldid=797276011. 4. Demir, Apaydın, N; Perfume (Art Made in the Laboratory), 2019 Gece Kitaplığı (In Press).