Too Much Perfume Use May Lead to Cancer – Experts Warn
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| Too Much Perfume Use May Lead to Cancer – Experts Warn |
Health experts have warned that using too much perfume, deodorant, and body spray that contain harmful chemicals may increase the risk of cancer.
In interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, doctors explained that some of these products contain chemicals like parabens, phthalates, aluminium, and triclosan. These are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals because they can interfere with the body’s natural hormones.
Hormones are chemicals in the body that help control many important functions. When these chemicals are disrupted, it can lead to serious health problems.
Doctors said that girls and women who regularly use these products are at higher risk of issues like:
Irregular periods
Infertility
Early puberty
Hormone-related cancers (like breast cancer)
Thyroid problems
Men are also at risk. These chemicals can cause:
Fertility problems
Diabetes
Certain types of cancer
Short-term effects may include sneezing, choking, rashes, itching, and breathing problems.
The doctors urged the government and companies to clearly label these products and warned Nigerians to be careful about what they use.
Professor Andrew Uloko, a specialist in medicine and hormones at Bayero University, said that many perfumes and deodorants contain harmful chemicals that can affect the body’s hormones. He explained that while these chemicals may be added to improve smell or reduce sweat, they can still harm the body over time.
Uloko said women are more affected because they tend to use more beauty products than men. He listed short-term side effects such as:
Skin irritation
Allergic reactions
Breathing difficulties, especially for people with asthma
He also warned about long-term problems, including:
Infertility in both men and women
Cancers like breast and prostate cancer
Thyroid problems
Brain and nerve issues
Obesity and diabetes
Early or delayed puberty in girls
He explained that some short-term problems might go away after stopping use, but long-term problems like cancer or diabetes may not.
Uloko called for better government policies to control the chemicals in beauty products. He urged agencies like NAFDAC and SON to do more, saying that Nigeria could become a dumping ground for harmful products if nothing is done.
He also advised Nigerians to:
Use less perfume and deodorant
Choose products without harmful chemicals
Go for organic or natural options
Eat more fresh food with antioxidants like vitamin C
Professor Dasetima Altraide, president of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, also warned about the dangers of chemicals like parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and bisphenol A found in perfumes and cosmetics. These chemicals can:
Disrupt hormones
Cause irregular periods
Lead to fertility issues
Trigger early puberty
Increase the risk of hormone-related cancers
Affect thyroid function
Altraide advised people to buy fragrance-free or certified organic products and called for better regulation in Nigeria.
He concluded by saying that the ongoing use of such harmful products could lead to more people developing serious diseases.
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