Many scent compounds have been related to cancer, birth abnormalities, hormone disruption, and other long-term health issues. Research shows that people who work with or use fragrances on a regular basis have higher rates of many types of cancer - including ovarian, endometrial, bladder, colorectal, kidney, and lung. The more frequently you are exposed to a chemical, the more likely you are to experience adverse effects from it. The main ingredient in most perfumes is alcohol, which is known to cause cancer when ingested in large amounts. It is estimated that men who drink at least one bottle of scotch per week and women who drink at least two bottles of wine per month are increasing their risk of developing cancer. Alcohol itself isn't the only concern either; many perfume ingredients also contain alcohol and they too can increase your risk of cancer if used regularly. Another common ingredient in perfumes is benzene, which is known to cause leukemia, multiple myeloma, and blood disorders. People who work with or use fragrances on a regular basis are more likely to be exposed to benzene because it is a petroleum product that some manufacturers use as a solvent to create more attractive smells.