Born Smart

Many women turn to natural perfumes during pregnancy and nursing because artificial perfumes have been linked to difficulties in breathing, allergies and high levels of the highly toxic oestrogen mimic DEHP. One bottle of perfume can contain up to 100 chemicals, 95% of which are a synthetic mix derived from petroleum.

A new study by the University of Gothenburg has found that even natural aromatic oils can cause allergic reactions. Many manufacturers of natural perfumes or essential oils believe that natural antioxidants in these oils protect against autoxidation (reaction with air) making them safer and longer lasting than artificial perfumes. The findings show that this is not the case.

The study examined natural lavender oil but also found geraniol, a common ingredient in natural perfumes like rose oil, considered only mildly allergic are activated through reaction to air and skin enzymes into the allergen geranial.

Don’t put it on your skin during these critical phases and don’t massage baby with it.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090203110549.htm