Fragrance Chemistry
What are synthetic compounds?
A fragrance is made of natural oils or these man-made compounds.
What is the endocrine system responsible for?
producing and regulating hormones
True and False
Synthetic Fragrances can lead to early puberty
TRUE
What is urban smog?
Spraying perfumes and using scented detergents can contribute to this type of air pollution that also damages plants.
What is “fragrance”?
This word on labels can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals.
What are receptors?
Hormones bind to these structures in a lock-and-key style.
What is one respiratory issue that can be caused by synthetic fragrances?
(any of the below)
- asthma
- breathing issues
True or False
Improving ventilation can prevent the negative effects of fragrance
TRUE
Name 2 common products that often contain added fragrance
(any of the below)
- Perfume
- candles
- lotion
-deodorant
What is an endocrine disrupter?
A chemical that can interfere with normal hormone function
What are GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) neurons?
Early puberty in children exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is triggered by these neurons that stimulate hormone release.
What is 1 alternative to synthetic fragrances?
(Any 1 from below)
- natural essential oils
- unscented fragances
What are hormones?
The complex chemicals in synthetic fragrances can mimic or block these molecules in your body.
Name ONE hormone that endocrine disrupters can affect.
Estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormone, or cortisol
What are 3 risks of Fragrance?
(Any 3 from below)
Cancers
Fertility loss
Birth defects
Premature or early puberty
Thyroid problems
Nervous system issues
Cardiovascular diseases
What are aerosol dispensers?
Reducing exposure to fragrance chemicals can be achieved by wearing masks, increasing ventilation, and avoiding these short-burst delivery products.
What is one way people are commonly exposed to fragrances every day?
Through personal care of household products
How do endocrine disrupters interfere with hormones at the cellular level?
They block, mimic, or alter hormone signaling in the body
What are parabens?
These fragrance preservatives mimic estrogen and are linked to breast and reproductive cancers.
Where could you further learn about safer choices regarding fragrances? (Hint- it's a website)
The U.S Enviornmental Protection Agency (AKA the U.S EPA)