Peer-Reviewed Studies and Reviews on Fragrance Health Effects
1. Systematic Review of Pollutants in Perfumes
• Kazemi et al. (2022) performed a systematic review of 37 selected studies examining pollutants in perfumes and colognes. They identified numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—including terpenes, phthalates, parabens, benzene, and toluene—many of which are known to have toxic effects on human health.  
2. VOCs in Personal Care and Household Products
• Rádis‑Baptista (2023) reviewed how synthetic fragrances and associated formula components in personal care products contribute to indoor VOC levels. These exposures are linked to cutaneous, respiratory, and systemic effects—including headaches, asthma, neurological and cardiovascular issues, and potential disruption of the endocrine, immune, and neural systems. 
3. Dermal and Inhalation Exposure to Synthetic Musks
• Taylor et al. (2014) investigated human exposure to nitro musks via inhalation and skin contact. Results suggest that while dermal absorption is relatively low, inhalation and other environmental exposures remain significant pathways. 
4. Trace Chemicals in Products Used by Women of Color
• Johnson et al. (2022) conducted detailed chemical analyses of 546 personal care products (including perfumes) used by women of color in California. Over half contained chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive or developmental harm, or endocrine disruption—including undisclosed ingredients labeled simply as “fragrance.” 
5. Fragrance Endocrine Disruption
• Ashcroft et al. (2024) provided a review focused on synthetic fragrance compounds—including phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and siloxanes—and their impact on the endocrine system. They argue for further research and more transparent, safer alternatives. 
6. Neurotoxicity and Hormonal Effects
• Steinemann (2020 editorial) reviews evidence that phthalates and synthetic musks can cause endocrine disruption, sperm dysfunction, bone density decline, and potential neurotoxicity—even at perinatal stages. It emphasizes how little is known and the need for more research. 
7. Health Effects of Common Perfume Ingredients
• Wikipedia’s “Perfume” entry (updated recently) notes peer-reviewed evidence that fragrances can cause asthma attacks, headaches, allergic skin reactions, nausea, and—in rare cases—carcinogenicity (e.g., musk xylene in animal tests). While musks like Galaxolide are generally considered safe by regulatory authorities, they persist in human tissues, raising environmental and exposure concerns. 
8. Endocrine Disruptors in Everyday Products
• Wikipedia’s “Endocrine Disruptor” entry describes how substances—including parabens and phthalates found in fragranced consumer goods—interfere with hormonal systems, contributing to a wide array of health issues such as reproductive abnormalities, developmental disorders, metabolic problems, and cognitive impairments. 
9. Indoor Air Quality and Fragranced Products
• Anne C. Steinemann’s research has shown that fragranced consumer products emit over 156 VOCs—42 of which are classified as toxic or hazardous under U.S. federal law—and that very few of these are disclosed on product labels. Population surveys revealed significant health and economic consequences, including asthma attacks, migraines, and even lost workdays or jobs. 
My take on this is that modern art museums often choose works that are not in public consensus, precisely to position themselves as tastemakers, framing art history before the wider culture catches up.
At the same time, institutions only “risk” acquisitions once there’s elite consensus (curators, critics, market makers), because their credibility, donor trust, and long-term collection value depend on reinforcing rather than gambling against established narratives.