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Environmental Sources, Occurrence, and Effects of Synthetic Musk Fragrances

Published

Author(s)

Aaron Peck, Keri C. Hornbuckle

Abstract

Synthetic musk fragrances are found in virtually every environmental compartment. They are a clear indicator of human impact in natural systems. In air, their concentrations are directly proportional to the human population nearby. In water, the frequency of their detection and the magnitude of their concentrations are a function of inputs of human wastewater. Several of the most widely used fragrances are nonbiodegradable and are accumulating in the environment. This is evident in lake cores that show historical inputs, and in mammals that retain them in their fat stores. Does this widespread exposure cause environmental degradation or harm? It is not clear, although there is strong evidence to suggest that they cause subtle effects in aquatic organisms.
Citation
Journal of Environmental Monitoring

Keywords

Galaxolide, nitro musks, polycyclic musks, review, synthetic musk fragrances, Tonalide

Citation

Peck, A. and Hornbuckle, K. (2008), Environmental Sources, Occurrence, and Effects of Synthetic Musk Fragrances, Journal of Environmental Monitoring (Accessed May 5, 2024)
Created October 16, 2008