Musks in Fragrances May Weaken Immune System
(NY, HealthDayNews, 1/10/05)

Synthetic musks are widely used as fragrances in soaps, cosmetics and detergents. Now researchers at Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Station have found that exposing mussel gill tissue to synthetic musks reduces the tissue's natural defenses against toxic compounds. The scientists theorize that, since musks concentrate in fats, they can accumulate in human tissues and reach levels high enough to impair immune function. Glenn Roberts of the Fragrance Materials Association, however, disputes these findings, claiming that these fragrances are time-tested, thoroughly researched and safe.

(Environmental Health Perspectives, January 2005)