Renowned Nigerian medical experts have issued a strong warning over the increasing health risks associated with the excessive use of perfumes, body sprays, deodorants, and cosmetic products containing harmful chemicals, stressing that continued exposure could lead to cancer and a range of endocrine-related disorders.
The warning, which comes amid rising concerns over the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, highlights the dangers posed by substances such as parabens, phthalates, triclosan, aluminium, and bisphenol A—commonly found in fragrance and personal care items. These chemicals, experts explained, are known as endocrine-disrupting compounds capable of interfering with the body’s natural hormonal balance.
According to internal medicine specialists, these chemicals mimic or block hormonal activity, ultimately affecting organs and physiological processes governed by the body’s endocrine system. Professor Andrew Uloko, a Consultant Endocrinologist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Bayero University, Kano, explained that such disruptions can result in serious health complications.
He noted that prolonged and heavy use of these products—particularly among women who use them more frequently—can lead to menstrual irregularities, early puberty, fertility challenges, and even hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer. In men, conditions such as reduced sperm quality, prostate cancer, and metabolic issues like obesity and diabetes were also linked to these chemicals.
Speaking further, Professor Uloko stated, “Many of these substances are included as preservatives or fragrances, while others like aluminium are used in antiperspirants to reduce sweating. Unfortunately, they have the potential to alter hormonal pathways and trigger lasting health issues.”
In the short term, users may experience skin irritations, allergic reactions, rashes, itching, and respiratory discomfort such as sneezing and choking. The endocrinologist warned that those with sensitive airways are particularly vulnerable and may develop acute allergic asthma attacks upon inhaling strong scents.
Discussing long-term effects, Uloko identified fertility problems, skin cancer, breast and prostate cancers, thyroid malfunctions, neurodevelopmental disorders, hypertension, and early or delayed puberty as possible consequences. He added that the cumulative impact of these substances may also increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and diabetes.
Uloko, who is also President of the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria, warned that while some effects may be reversed by discontinuing use, others—like cancers or diabetes—may be irreversible and require long-term medical management.
He called on Nigeria’s regulatory bodies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to intensify monitoring and enforce strict regulations on the formulation and importation of beauty and personal care products. He described past bans on certain harmful skincare substances as a step in the right direction but lamented the current regulatory gaps.
“There must be policies to ban or limit harmful chemicals in consumer products. Otherwise, Nigeria risks becoming a dumping ground for unregulated and dangerous cosmetics, with long-term public health consequences,” he cautioned.
He advised Nigerians to prioritise safer alternatives, including fragrance-free or certified organic products, and to consume more antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C and folate, which can help the body combat harmful toxins.
Adding his voice, the President of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, Professor Dasetima Altraide, echoed similar concerns. He explained that the presence of endocrine-disrupting substances in personal care products poses serious risks to hormonal health, particularly among women.
Altraide stated, “Chemicals like parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and bisphenol A are capable of causing significant hormonal imbalances. These substances are associated with menstrual disorders, early puberty, fertility problems, hormone-related cancers, and thyroid dysfunction.”
He emphasised that while some companies have issued recalls for products found to contain unsafe levels of these chemicals, regulatory oversight in Nigeria remains weak. He called for urgent action to prevent a future health crisis, urging consumers to be more vigilant and to choose products certified free from harmful compounds.
“People must read labels, avoid artificial fragrances where possible, and choose products marked as paraben-free or phthalate-free,” Altraide advised.
He warned that the rising use of chemical-laden cosmetic products may be a contributing factor to the increase in chronic diseases in the country, and stressed the need for public education campaigns and stricter enforcement by relevant health agencies.
With non-communicable diseases such as cancer, infertility, and metabolic disorders on the rise in Nigeria, health professionals insist that the role of daily-use personal care products must no longer be ignored. The call is clear: Nigerians must begin to prioritise safety over scent, and policymakers must act now to protect public health from preventable harm.
