A load of toxic perfumes was about to end up on sale in our country, but the police intervened in time. As part of an operation aimed at protecting public health and market safety, officials of the Customs and Monopolies Agency, in collaboration with the financiers of the Brindisi Group, intercepted products coming from Eastern Europe, making a bitter discovery.
During the inspection of ferries coming from Greece, 2,264 dispensers and cans containing perfumes were found in an articulated lorry, many of which lacked the mandatory label certifying their chemical composition and origin, which is essential to guarantee safety and transparency towards consumers.
A preliminary analysis of the labels made it possible to identify the presence of a chemical substance dangerous for human health: Lilial (Butylphenyl methylpropional), an ingredient banned in the EU from March 2022. The perfumes were therefore promptly seized.
What is Lilial and why is it dangerous?
Lilial is a synthetic aromatic compound used mainly as an additive in perfumes and cosmetics to give a floral note, similar to lily of the valley. However, this ingredient has been classified by the European Union as a carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive toxicant. In fact, exposure to this chemical compound could have harmful effects on the reproductive system and increase the risk of developing tumors.
Even though Lilial was banned, it is still occasionally detected today in some cosmetics and hygiene products such as deodorants, creams, lotions, bubble baths, which are then withdrawn from the market.
Given the serious health risks, it is good to learn to read labels, especially when purchasing products such as imitation perfumes. The dangerous substance is indicated as Butylphenyl methylpropional or BMHCA. If you have soaps or other items bought over time at home, do a quick check before using them.
