Editing Musk (section)

==Synthesis==
{{main|Synthetic musk}}
[[File:Galaxolide.svg|thumb|[[Galaxolide]], a polycyclic musk commonly used in [[laundry detergent]]s to mask the smell of the detergent chemicals]]
Since obtaining the deer musk requires killing the [[Endangered species|endangered animal]], nearly all musk fragrance used in perfumery today is synthetic, sometimes called "white musk". They can be divided into three major classes: aromatic nitro musks, polycyclic musk compounds, and macrocyclic musk compounds.<ref name=Rimkus/> The first two groups have broad uses in industry ranging from [[cosmetics]] to [[detergent]]s. The detection of the first two chemical groups in human and environmental samples as well as their carcinogenic properties initiated a public debate on the use of these compounds and a ban or reduction of their use in many regions of the world. Macrocyclic musk compounds are expected to replace them since these compounds appear to be safer.<ref name=Rimkus/>