Toxic compounds in scented products but not on product labels

A scientific study reveals commonly used air fresheners and scented laundry products contain dangerous chemicals, which may lead to adverse health effects. This particular finding is not news in itself. Concerns over the presence of toxic chemical species in fragrance-containing commercial products have been raised for decades. What the new study emphasizes is the lack of regulation in product labeling. All six products tested by the researchers gave off at least one chemical considered toxic or hazardous but none of those chemicals were listed on product labels. All products tested were top-selling brand names; however, the researchers chose not to disclose the identity of the products they tested.

Anne Steinemann, a University of Washington professor of civil and environmental engineering who is behind the study, stated, “Nearly 100 volatile organic compounds were emitted from these six products, and none were listed on any product label. Plus, five of the six products emitted one or more carcinogenic 'hazardous air pollutants,’ which are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency to have no safe exposure level.”

But even if the dangerous chemicals were listed on product labels, how many people would bother to read a product label on their air freshener? Consumers barely take the time to read food labels, let alone product labels on artificial scent products. And, even if a buyer were curious and did bother to read the label, would an average consumer understand what repercussions the presence of chloromethane or 1,4-dioxane in a room freshener would have for their health? Not unless they have a degree in organic chemistry anyways. So should scented products industry make a better effort to be transparent and communicate clearly not only the nature of chemicals used in their products but also their possible side effects? After all, pharmaceutical industry has to acknowledge major side effects of all their products that are advertised. So, how is scented products industry any different?