Health Risks and Labeling of Scents and Fragrances

Perception of scents is strongly related to emotional wellbeing, as well as the opposite. From an evolutionary point of view, for example inducing a flight reaction upon a certain scent was crucial for survival. As a heritage, scents still tend to induce either a positive or negative reaction before we can actually name them.

The Wellness Concept

Aromatherapy as an alternative medicine – though controversial – may be one way to take advantage of the positive effects and health benefits that are associated with fragrances and essential oils. The positive effect of scents are strongly marketed as adding to our personal wellbeing and related products such as wellness tea, aromatherapy shampoos, facials and body lotions, fragrance oils and candles are increasingly popular among consumers.

However, it is well known that the incorrect dosage can create a poison and care should be taken to avoid adverse effects. If we look at an example within food production, metabolism and toxicity may be completely different depending on how it is administered, i.e. on either oral intake or inhalation. Diacetyl, an aroma compound naturally found in butter, has been shown to cause bronchiolitis obliterans, a medical condition also known as popcorn worker’s lung, after workers were exposed to high concentrations of airborne diacetyl during popcorn production (1, 2).

The Risk of Contact Allergies

For personal care products, the risk of fragrance related contact allergies are well known. As a consequence, the 7th amendment of directive 76/768/EEC introduced the obligation of labeling for 26 fragrance allergens in 2003. Dependent on their concentration, the fragrance allergens need to be individually listed in the ingredients list of a cosmetic product, just listing them as “perfume” is not sufficient. For so-called leave-on products such as creams and perfumes, fragrance allergens must be listed if their concentrations exceed 10 mg/kg; while the limit is 100 mg/kg for products such as shampoos and soaps that are rinsed off (3,4). The same will apply in the new cosmetics regulation (EC) 1223/2009 that will finally come into effect in July 2013.

In order to make a good impression by smelling pleasant we have learnt to relate to “clean” with fragrances. As a result detergents, washing powders and cleaning agents are strongly scented and an increasing number of limited edition products, e.g. washing powders with a spring, summer or Christmas-related scent are found on the market. As such detergents may cause contact allergies when handling them, regulation (EC) 648/2004 on detergents (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2004:104:0001:0035:en:PDF) requires the declaration of the 26 fragrance allergens, if they exceed a concentration of 100 mg/kg (5).

Other Scents

Regulation on other scents such as room scents and air fresheners is restricted to 19 sensitizing allergens that need to be labeled if their concentration exceeds 1,000 mg/kg (0.1%). However, if one allergen is present in concentrations of 10,000 mg/kg (1%) the product needs to carry the danger symbol “irritant”. In this case, the separate labeling of sensitizing fragrance compounds present in concentrations below 10.000 mg/kg may be omitted (6, 7).

About SGS Cosmetics Solutions

At SGS, we conduct testing and safety assessments to help ensure that products are safe to be placed on the market and comply with all relevant national and international regulations. With the largest global network of cosmetics experts (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Cosmetics-Personal-Care-and-Household.aspx) and testing facilities around the world, SGS is the partner to trust.

Should you require more information about SGS Cosmetics services, please contact the SGS experts.

Resources:
(1) E. Neil Schachter 2002. Popcorn Workers Lung. (Editorial) New England Journal of Medicine 347 (5):360-61
(2) Harber P, Saechao K, Boomus C (2006), Diacetyl induced lung- disease. Toxicological Reviews 25 (4), 261-272
(3) Directive 76/768 of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to cosmetic products
(4) Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products
(5) Regulation (EC) 648/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on detergent
(6) Directive 1999/45/EEC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations
(7) Directive 67/548/EEC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to classification packaging and labelling of dangerous substances

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 75 000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1 500 offices and laboratories around the world.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Dr. Katja Buhr
Project Leader Personal & Homecare
SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS Austria GmbH
Fritz-Atzl-Str. 8
A-6300 Wörgl

t +43 5332 77203-19
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: http://www.sgs.com/pages/consumer-testing/sgs-consumer-goods-and-retail.aspx

This release was published on openPR.