Health problems with smelling good

If smelling good and feeling fresh is foremost on your agenda this summer, think again. For all the fragrant advertising that might entice you to adopt some of the sweet smelling products, there is a health downside. A recent study says that some of these deodorants and anti-perspirants cause serious health problems including cancer. Of these, anti-perspirants may be more harmful than deodorants. The study published in the latest issue of 'Insight', the in-house magazine of the Consumer Education and Research Society, Ahmedabad, states that the chemicals present in some of the fragrant products aimed at reducing perspiration, may cause allergies of the skin and diseases of the eyes, liver and the brain. Sweat is produced by the glands of the body to regulate the body temperature. Body odour is produced when sweat particles are broken down by bacteria to release ammonia, which produces a foul smell. Deodorants reduce the odour by killing these bacteria, while anti-perspirants work by reducing the sweat produced. In this way, anti-perspirants are more harmful since they inhibit the natural body processes. Perfumes, on the other hand, only mask the smell but do not remove it. Aluminium, that is present in almost all anti-perspirants, is known to have a role to play in Alzheimer's disease. Most people suffering from the condition have elevated levels of Aluminium compound in their brain. Compounds of metals like zinc and zirconium, that are supposed to reduce perspiration, often cause side effects like skin irritation and inflammation. Another health hazard that these chemicals propose, apart from direct application on the skin, is toxicity on inhalation. When deodorants are sprayed on the body, some of it is also inhaled. A few compounds present in them are also used in aerosol sprays and may cause irregularities in heart beats. An anti-bacterial agent called triclosan, can cause liver damage. Besides, if these products are accidentally sprayed in the eyes, they can cause blurring of vision, conjunctivitis, etc. The products used in these fragrant products may also damage the clothes. Cotton and linen, the most common fabrics worn in summers, are most vulnerable to them. Thus, the next time you want to smell good and look fresh, you just have to maintain proper hygiene by taking frequent baths, rather than resorting to artificial means which may do more harm than good in the long term.

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