Tuesday, November 02, 2004

Synthetic fragrances endanger wildlife, humans

A new study by Stanford University scientists shows that synthetic chemical fragrances that make their way into the sewer system interfere with ability of aquatic wildlife to transport toxins out of the animals' systems. Humans may also be at risk from using such fragrances found in soap, shampoo, detergents, deodorants, cosmetics and other products.

According to one of the researchers, "People have these same transporters in the blood-brain barrier [a network of blood vessels that makes it difficult for potentially toxic substances to enter the brain], the placenta and the intestines....Perhaps exposure to chemical fragrances could compromise the transporters, making it easier for pollutants to enter the brain, for example."

(Comments are open to all. After clicking on "Comments," click on "Or Post Anonymously" if you don't have an account.)

No comments: