Testing for the presence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Locally Available Perfumes in Pakistan Through GC-MS Analysis and Implications for Public Health Policy
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Introduction Many conventional perfumes contain Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) like phthalates, synthetic musk, and parabens – often hidden under the ingredient label ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum.’ Daily exposure to EDCs, through inhalation and skin contact, is very harmful, resulting in multiple health issues in infants, children, and adolescents undergoing critical developmental stages. In Pakistan, consumers remain considerably unaware, making this a serious problem. Perfumes are typically produced by unauthorised local manufacturers who do not follow standard protocols. Local brands are not bound by any explicit ingredient labelling laws. Currently, little to no research is done in this area. Methods In the months of March to April 2026, four local perfumes were arbitrarily purchased from the Pakistani consumer market in Lahore. The four perfumes were de-identified them and randomly coded them from 1 to 4. The perfumes were sent to the Industrial Analytical Centre in Karachi and analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for EDCs. Results Analysis showed that four perfumes contained Citral, three contained hydroxycitronellal, two contained Benzyl Salicylate, and two contained Benzyl Benzoate: all of which are established, potent EDCs and restricted according to the IFRA Standards (51st Amendment). 3 perfumes also had notes of synthetic musk, a strong EDC that is prohibited under the IFRA Standards. One perfume did not mention its ingredient list at the back, a practice that is detrimental to consumer awareness and should not be happening in the first place. Conclusion/Discussion These results, supporting the initial claim, raise a dire need for the government to monitor perfume products in the market. Strict public policy is required to target the lack of awareness by mandating that the packaging clearly indicates the levels of chemicals present. Any perfume containing excessive amounts of chemicals should be restricted for manufacturing and sale.
Source: ChemRxiv
Authors: Mehrbano Hussain, Muhammad Hammad Khan
Institution: King Edward Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7214779474