A deodorant is a substance in the form of roll on stick or spray that is applied to the body to prevent body odor caused by perspiration in armpits, feet, and other parts of the body. Deodorants are classified under cosmetics to eliminate body odor. Most deodorants are alcohol based as alcohol stimulates sweating and temporarily kills bacteria. The ingredients in deodorants also slow the growth of bacteria. It contains fragrances or natural essential oils that mask the odor in the body.Spray deodorants is found to be better as it tends to dry faster under the arm than other deodorants
The hidden dangers of deodorant sprays
- Inhaling large doses of chemicals from deodorant aerosols can be fatal
- Canister fumes may cause skin reactions, allergies and heart problems
- Teenage boys are more in the risk zone as they commonly overuse deodorants.
- The chemicals in deodorants can also cause breathing difficulties, nausea and headaches.
- Some spray deodorants contain synthetic fragrances made up of hormone disrupting chemicals and synthetic musks.
- Male spray deodorants can contain chemicals that can disrupt male hormones and damage sperm.
- The chemicals in deodorants can also have immediate effect and lead to asthma, eye irritation and throat infection.
Toxic contents in most popular body spray
- Butane, Isobutane and Propane are propellants that can have certain health effects like headache, mood swings, and nausea and breathing difficulties. These propellants have the effect on the users as well as on the people around them
- Aluminum in all forms clogs pores to prevent sweat from leaking. Prolonged use of deodorants containing aluminum may lead to Alzheimer’s disease and cause cancer. By spraying one inhales as well as absorbs the compounds of the deodorant more deeply and quickly.It helps the body from sweating which is an extremely important function of the body. It also serves the purpose of maintaining the body temperature as well as in eliminating toxins.
- 14 butyl etherin spray deodorants has the quality of a preservative, solvent, and is an antibacterial. It is a relative of propylene glycol and is a toxic to liver and kidneys. It can cause skin irritation.
- Aerosols, the anti-per spirant inn deodorants can cause temporary loss of vision, conjunctivitis and other discomforts of the eye.
- BHT – butylated hydroxytoluene is an antioxidant. It has the potentiality to cause allergies and dermatitis. There is a possibility of the development of cancer also. There may be chances of reproductive defects.
- Parfum (Synthetic) serves as a body odour mask. It can affect the health leading to allergic reaction, asthma, headache which includes dizziness, nausea and migraine.
- Distearate serves as a moisturizer, emulsifier, emollient and antioxidant. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds can be contaminated with various carcinogens leading to cancer. Neurotoxic – PEGs can be contaminated with metals like lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, and arsenic that are normally toxic to the central nervous system.
- Parabens found in deodorants are used as preservatives. Their activity is similar to oestrogens and can disrupt the proper functioning of the hormones in the body. They are mostly found near the underarms on the outer part of the breast.
- The mineral oil in the deodorants is used to block pores and in turn reducing perspiration and preventing the process of detoxification in the body.
- Besides, having some health hazards these chemical-based products discolor clothes and weaken the fibers of cotton clothes.
- Prolonged use of anti-per spirants may cause underarm granulomas and small nodules of inflamed tissues.
- Anti- per spirants that contain zinc compounds can be cancerous. If these are inhales thy can cause cancers
- Triclosan an ingredient in anti-perspiring can cause liver damage.
Conclusion— It is advised that the next time when one thinks of using a deodorant or anti-perspirant to get rid of the body odour must think twice. Some of these can cause serious health problems like cancer, diseases of eye liver and skin and Alzheimer’s disease. It is recommended by experts that the best way to get rid of bad odour and excessive sweating is to take baths more often during the day. If at all deodorants are to be used, they must be used once a day but never at night and also in winters.
