Thursday, August 27, 2009

PAEP Poster - “Go Scent-less”

pstrMomandDaughter
Governments Help to Hide Truth About “Scents”from Public Through Lax Regulations  
Environmental Defence Canada and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has undertaken a study of perfumes sold in Canada according to a CTV report in May 2010.  The results of the study are startling and give a revealing insight into how the “Scent” industry in North America is disregarding the health of those who purchase their products with the help of Governments who are turning a “blind eye” to the Multi-Billion dollar industry.   In the meantime, our European friends are ahead of the curve ball.  With the new R.E.A.C.H. program in place, European families are enjoying a measure of protection from chemicals that is unheard of here in North America. 

The 17 perfumes tested are as follows:  Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio, Jennifer Lopez J. Lo Glow, Calvin Klein Eternity (for women), Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom, Britney Spears Curious, Calvin Klein Eternity (for men), Quiksilver (for men), Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Heavenly, Coco Mademoiselle Chanel, Clinique Happy, Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce, American Eagle Seventy Seven, Hannah Montana Secret Celebrity, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, Old Spice After Hours Body Spray, AXE Bodyspray For Men – Shock, Halle by Halle Berry.
Here are just a few of the key findings from the Canadian research:  
·     perfumes often contain a dozen of what it calls "secret chemicals" not listed on labels
      - chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions or disrupt hormones;  
·     All of the tested products contained secret chemicals not listed on the label;
·     On average, 14 chemicals were found, some of which have been linked to estrogen  disruption, sperm production disruption and even cancer;
·     Calvin Klein Eternity perfume for women, for example, contained 14 unlisted chemicals. Giorgio Armani Aqua Di Gio for men had 17 chemicals, while American Eagle 77 spray contained 24 unlisted chemicals;
·     On average 10 "sensitizing" chemicals were found in each perfume – chemicals which can trigger allergic reactions, such as nausea, headaches, wheezing, and vomiting;
·    "Fragrance chemicals are inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and many of  them end up inside people's bodies, including pregnant women and newborn babies according to Jane Houlihan , Senior VP of the Environmental Working Group;
·    Chemicals in North American Perfumes are not required to be listed on labels due to a regulatory loophole that allows companies to use the word "fragrance" instead  - according to  Rick Smith of Environmental Defence;
Lax and antiquated regulations by Governments give permission to manufacturers to hide the truth from Consumers.  What is the truth? - that toxic chemicals are routinely being sold into the North American marketplace in the guise of “scented” products (see findings of Dr. Anne Steinemann, PhD. Environmental and Civil Engineering, University of Washington (2008).

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