Peer-Reviewed Studies and Reviews on Fragrance Health Effects
1. Systematic Review of Pollutants in Perfumes
β’ Kazemi etβ―al. (2022) performed a systematic review of 37 selected studies examining pollutants in perfumes and colognes. They identified numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs)βincluding terpenes, phthalates, parabens, benzene, and tolueneβmany of which are known to have toxic effects on human health. οΏΌ οΏΌ
2. VOCs in Personal Care and Household Products
β’ RΓ‘disβBaptista (2023) reviewed how synthetic fragrances and associated formula components in personal care products contribute to indoor VOC levels. These exposures are linked to cutaneous, respiratory, and systemic effectsβincluding headaches, asthma, neurological and cardiovascular issues, and potential disruption of the endocrine, immune, and neural systems. οΏΌ
3. Dermal and Inhalation Exposure to Synthetic Musks
β’ Taylor etβ―al. (2014) investigated human exposure to nitro musks via inhalation and skin contact. Results suggest that while dermal absorption is relatively low, inhalation and other environmental exposures remain significant pathways. οΏΌ
4. Trace Chemicals in Products Used by Women of Color
β’ Johnson etβ―al. (2022) conducted detailed chemical analyses of 546 personal care products (including perfumes) used by women of color in California. Over half contained chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive or developmental harm, or endocrine disruptionβincluding undisclosed ingredients labeled simply as βfragrance.β οΏΌ
5. Fragrance Endocrine Disruption
β’ Ashcroft etβ―al. (2024) provided a review focused on synthetic fragrance compoundsβincluding phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and siloxanesβand their impact on the endocrine system. They argue for further research and more transparent, safer alternatives. οΏΌ
6. Neurotoxicity and Hormonal Effects
β’ Steinemann (2020 editorial) reviews evidence that phthalates and synthetic musks can cause endocrine disruption, sperm dysfunction, bone density decline, and potential neurotoxicityβeven at perinatal stages. It emphasizes how little is known and the need for more research. οΏΌ
7. Health Effects of Common Perfume Ingredients
β’ Wikipediaβs βPerfumeβ entry (updated recently) notes peer-reviewed evidence that fragrances can cause asthma attacks, headaches, allergic skin reactions, nausea, andβin rare casesβcarcinogenicity (e.g., musk xylene in animal tests). While musks like Galaxolide are generally considered safe by regulatory authorities, they persist in human tissues, raising environmental and exposure concerns. οΏΌ
8. Endocrine Disruptors in Everyday Products
β’ Wikipediaβs βEndocrine Disruptorβ entry describes how substancesβincluding parabens and phthalates found in fragranced consumer goodsβinterfere with hormonal systems, contributing to a wide array of health issues such as reproductive abnormalities, developmental disorders, metabolic problems, and cognitive impairments. οΏΌ
9. Indoor Air Quality and Fragranced Products
β’ Anne C. Steinemannβs research has shown that fragranced consumer products emit over 156 VOCsβ42 of which are classified as toxic or hazardous under U.S. federal lawβand that very few of these are disclosed on product labels. Population surveys revealed significant health and economic consequences, including asthma attacks, migraines, and even lost workdays or jobs. οΏΌ
My take on this is that modern art museums often choose works that are not in public consensus, precisely to position themselves as tastemakers, framing art history before the wider culture catches up.
At the same time, institutions only βriskβ acquisitions once thereβs elite consensus (curators, critics, market makers), because their credibility, donor trust, and long-term collection value depend on reinforcing rather than gambling against established narratives.