Women in Europe for a Common Future —

Women in Europe for a Common Future - WECF Polish Women´s Seminar Women for a Toxic-Free-Future PERFUMES Sonja Haider, German Director, WECF Warsaw December 2004 1

WECF Warsaw December 2004 2

History n n Perfumes used to be made from real flowers, aromatic plants or wood Today they are produced synthetically (1 kg rose essence costs € 8. 000, synthetic scent € 50) Perfume Foundation estimates: n n World sales were at 10 -12 billion dollars in the year 2000 worldwide Approximately over 137 thousand metric tons of aroma chemicals were consumed in the year 2000 WECF Warsaw December 2004 3

Perfumes n n . . . consists of up to 200 components. . . receipes are trading secrets. . . do have 3 impressions: the head-note, the heartnote and the basic-note. . . main component is alcohol Alcohol is treated with chemicals to avoid alcoholtax. WECF Warsaw December 2004 4

Dangerous ingredients + Health effects n Phthalates* used to make alkohol undrinkable u u n Scents, which are recognised to be allergenic* u n Mimic hormones Halogen organic compounds u n Allergic reactions (skin irritation, respiratory deseases) UV-filter to stabilise colour u n Negative effect on the hormon system can damage liver, kidneys, the lungs Allergenic and irritate skin Polycyclic musks or nitromusk compounds u u accumulate in the body Animaltests: effecting the liver WECF Warsaw December 2004 5

Not-too-Pretty campaign n n NGOs in America and Europe tested cosmetic products for phthalates 80 % of products contained phthalates, but not listed them Big advertisement in the New York Times 600 articles followed Listed good and bad products WECF Warsaw December 2004 6

What you can do! n n n Try to avoid synthetic fragrances and perfumes, try essential oils instead If you want to buy perfume, test it on your skin Buy new developed ones Write a letter to producer, if you have problems Ask about ingredients in the shops Look at www. nottoopretty. com, www. wen. org. uk WECF Warsaw December 2004 7