Readers take second look at innocuous deodorants

Dubai: Citrus lemon, zesty aqua or vanilla dew - no matter how it is disguised, the seemingly innocuous deodorant or room freshener can be a disaster waiting to be inhaled.

Recently, Daniel Hurley, a 12-year-old English boy, collapsed and died from cardiac arrhythmia in the bath, in his London home. Cause of death? He had inhaled too much deodorant.

In light of the incident, Gulf News readers thought it was time to take a second look at aerosol containers.

Anjali Ramchandani, a Dubai resident and mother of three, said everyday necessities such as perfumes are often brushed off as harmless items.

She said: "Frankly, until I read the report in Gulf News, it never clicked that such easily available items were so dangerous."

With the regular and widespread usage of deodorants, customers do not think twice before spraying it on or letting their children do so.

Ramchandani added: "Reading about the young boy who died after inhaling deodorant opened my eyes to the reality of the danger. In fact, I have taken off all aerosol containers from the shelves - just in case."

According to Mevvish Aziz, a Pakistani expatriate, consumers are completely oblivious to the harmful effects of excessive spraying.

She said: "Nowadays, no one pays attention to the fine print on the back of deodorant containers. Perhaps if it was in a larger font and was given better placement, customers would actually read the warning."

Especially during summertime, when deodorants become a necessity for some, people adhere to the 'spray and go' rule.

Aziz said that in the process, many skipped over a vital question - "How much is too much?"

Roxan Morelos, a Filipina expatriate residing in Sharjah, said unfortunate incidents such as Hurley's death, probe people to look for answers.

Morelos stressed that the need for awareness at an early age was critical.

She said: "School curriculum should integrate basic and relevant information. For instance, when studying science, pupils could be told about aerosol containers and the dangers of inhaling deodorant or room fresheners."

A reminder for adults wouldn't hurt, too.

Parents are accountable

According to Felix Sabiniano, a Filipino expatriate and Abu Dhabi resident, distributors and manufacturers shared the responsibility of informing consumers and parents about the contents of containers.

"A consumer watch could be set up to keep people updated on the effects of products they use regularly. Most people are alarmingly unaware of the items they use on a regular basis," he said.

As far as young children were concerned, Sabiniano said parents are fully accountable.

"At such a young age, children should not be using strong perfumes and deodorants anyway. But that is a whole different issue," he said.

The dangers of using aerosols are often underestimated, according to Dr Manoj Chandran, a specialist paediatrician at Al Musalla Medical Centre in Dubai.

"Deodorants, hairsprays and air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds such as propane and butane. It can affect the heart and brain, if excessively inhaled," he said.

Rhythmic alterations in the heart and neurological effects are often life threatening, according to him.

"Studies in the past have shown that some compounds in deodorants may even cause breast cancer," he said. Precautionary measures are vital to ensure that people face limited negative effects.

"Sprays should be avoided in enclosed spaces and should be used in moderation. Young children should be monitored by parents as some do not know when to stop spraying," he said.

In the UAE, cases of fatalities through inhalation of volatile substances are quite rare.

"People here are usually cautious, but I would urge them to read the instructions on the back of aerosol containers, before using them."

Alternatives are widely available, too. For children, the use of deodorant sticks is a better option, as they do not contain harmful substances.

'Volatile compounds'

"Volatile compounds allow the fragrance to spread in a gaseous form and is dangerous when inhaled. This threat is eliminated when a child uses a deodorant stick," Chandran said.

Even as consumers seek information on better protection from the dangers of aerosols, retailers are ready to help. According to Sameer Ahmad, quality control manager at Rasasi Perfumes, the fragrance industry is transparent and very strict with matters of safety.

"It is mandatory for perfume and deodorant manufacturers to ensure that a cautionary notice is printed at the back of the container. In fact, companies can hit serious obstacles if they do not adhere to this rule," he said.

Stringent regulations in the UAE ensure that the manufacturing industry is up to standard.

"Penalties for violations are usually in the form of fines or even a ban on exports," he said.

It's not the use of deodorant that is dangerous per se, it is the inhalation of aerosols. Not all body deodorants and air fresheners are aerosol in nature. There are roll-ons and sticks for body deodorants. For air fresheners you have the gel and organic types.
John
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 13, 2008, 15:16

Many deodorant sticks contain aluminum which can causealzheimers and other problems. Choose naturaldeodarant that can be found on the internet.
Sergei Kulik
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 13, 2008, 14:13

People should use things moderately.
Jack
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 13, 2008, 13:22

In Dubai, you can not do without deodorant.
Lal Johns
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 13, 2008, 12:24

Moderation is the keyword. I have come across many people who are a walking perfumery. At the end of the day, each person must be aware that what is pleasant to him may be unpleasant to the other.
Kevin Lister
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 13, 2008, 11:47

I agree that a consumer watchdog should be set up to monitor these deodorants and aerosols.I, for one, am a regular deodorant user. I donâ??t leave the flat without putting on my favourite brand of aerosol deodorant. After taking shower, I put it on because I donâ??t want the person seated beside me to feel bad about my body odour. And frankly, I have been an aerosol deodorant user since it came out in the market. Since time immemorial. I guess, the aerosol deodorants that contain these deadly formulas are the not so known brands. These unknown brands donâ??t have quality control. Donâ??t get me wrong. I am not endorsing any aerosol brand. Itâ??s just that I sincerely believe that branded aerosol deodorants are safer because they adhere to strict standards. I also believe that media should play an integral part in weeding out these deadly brands by publishing them. Media should not hide their names. They donâ??t make their products safe, so I guess consumers should know which brands to avoid.
Jjing Gador
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 13, 2008, 11:09

Jumping to conclusions and banning deodorants just because a kid died is nonsense.First,There are people who might be allergic to perfumes,odours and can have a bad reaction is exposed to large amounts .Before we go blaming anyone ,we should use things as advised by their label.
Omar Dhaimat
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 13, 2008, 11:08

Deordorant in the form of roll-on and gel is better and more effective.
Suresh Nair
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 13, 2008, 11:06

I rarely use Perfumes
Aftab
Dubai,Pakistan
Posted: December 13, 2008, 10:51

There is no need to use expensive deodorants and sprays.
Dana
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 13, 2008, 10:40

I really appreciate Gulf News publishing such articles to create social awareness among people.
Noor Mohammad
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: December 13, 2008, 10:32

People use deodrants for a purpose.
Vicca
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 13, 2008, 10:31

I have also found that putting deodorant on the same spot on your skin can burn it.
Pillai
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 13, 2008, 09:58

Members of my family never use deodorant, especially my three-year-old daughter.
Navin
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 13, 2008, 09:51

It is an eye opener for those who use deodorants. Athorough investigation is required regarding the quality of products being sold in the country. Big brands are involved in this business and I don't believe all are harmful.
Rajeev
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 13, 2008, 09:38