Think Twice Before Using Artificially Scented Candles and Air Fresheners
Somewhere along the way, as humans learned to make their way on this earth, they (we) became more and more conscious of the smells coming from our bodies and our immediate environment and decided that it was best if some of these scents were masked. I wonder what came first, the demand for products to help cover up these smells, or the man who decided he could cash in on our bodily smells by claiming that smelling like perfumes was better. I’d place my money on the latter, especially since biologically, it is our own unique scents that attract potential mates!
I have always had a highly sensitive nose, so much so that often, when I smell something, no one else around me can, and thus they think I am overreacting. A woman, when pregnant, has a heightened sense of smell, as well as a sensitivity to those smells that may harm her fetus. It’s no coincidence that some of the scents a pregnant woman can’t stand are coffee, perfumes, chemically made cleaning products and deodorants. These are all things that will have a negative effect on the fetus if ingested or inhaled by the mother.
Perhaps it’s because of my heightened sensitivity that I first became aware that artificial scents marketed to cover up household odors, like Glade and Febreze, are toxic (this also includes artificially scented candles). Once my body smells them, it automatically reacts. I start sneezing and sooner than later develop a headache. So, of course, I decided to do some research on just how bad these products are for us and our environment.
Here’s What You NEED to know:
1. The back of the Glade Plug-In package says, “Amorphous Fumed Silica, Fragrance.”
Regulatory information:”All ingredients in this product are listed or excluded on the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory.” That should be enough to stop and make you think! The company is admitting (as subtly as possible and only because they have to) that the ingredients of this product ARE toxic (or not even on the list of toxic substances because their man made chemicals are too new to have been added to the list that hasn’t been updated since 1976).
2. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used in these types of products.
The key word in this name is not organic, but volatile. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, there is a long list of health effects: “Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, dizziness…. The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly from those that are highly toxic, to those with no known health effect. As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed. Eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics. At present, not much is known about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes. Many organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans.”
3. Artificial Air fresheners ALSO contain phthalates.
According to the national Resources Defense Council, Air Wick, Febreze, Glade and Oust all use medium levels of phthalates. Among other things, phthalates can cause reproductive defects and hormone malfunctioning.
4. “The vast majority of synthetic air fresheners emit significant amounts of terpene, a volatile organic compound that can react with naturally occurring ozone to create formaldehyde.
Ozone, a form of oxygen, exists at some level both indoors and outdoors, so formaldehyde formation is practically inevitable wherever synthetic air fresheners are used. Indoor environments which may have elevated levels of ozone include those where photocopiers and ozone-generating air purifiers are used. Why should you be concerned about being exposed to formaldehyde? Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen (cancer causing) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer” (Health and Beyond).
5. “Febreze Air Effects released 89 air contaminants, the third highest number released by any product tested.
One of these chemicals is linked to cancer, another to neurotoxicity. See below for detailed results of the Environmental Working Group’s air pollution test of this school cleaning supply.” – Febreze Air Effects
6. These artificial products are marketed as all natural and/or made from essential oils.
They are NOT all natural and though they may have trace amounts of essential oil, it is minimal.
IF YOU WANT TO SCENT YOUR HOME, USE PURE ESSENTIAL OILS! You can read more about them here:
The ‘Ins and Outs’ of Essential Oils by Someone who Knows
SOURCES
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html
Has anyone besides me been sickened by laundry vents? The fragrances in the products are exhausted out and smell all over the neighborhood, can’t keep them out and air purifiers are slow and need all of the windows closed to work at all, otherwise a constant new supply of stink is always coming in from one of the many laundry vents around here. Smoke from chimneys in itself as toxic due to the wood burning fires, but likely the scented candles and air fresheners are going right up the chimney with the smoke.
Please encourage people to email, call or write to companies making the “Unstoppable” scents that last 30 days to 12 weeks, they are wreaking havoc on health and quality of life of fragrance sensitive people as we can hardly avoid them.
My husband is almost incapacitated by this kind of fragrance as well as many other types of fragrances and even essential oils.
I’m so glad you shared this on our facebook page!! I will share with our networks. Send me an email if you’re interested in joining our blogger network! info AT saferchemicals.org
I would love to join your blogger network! ~ Dawn
Have you found any good and factual information on similar dangers of perfumes/cologne? My DH is obsessed with cologne and from the time I was pregnant I couldn’t stand the smell of it and so he limited his use then. However, now that our LO is 14 months he’s back to pouring it on and letting her smell it. It drives me crazy and I want to help him understand how dangerous it is for all of us!
Most perfumes are also made of the synthetic, artificial scents, so it will work the same way – you can start by getting the ingredients listed in what he uses and looking those up.
What do you have to say about Scentsy wickless? I believe it is safer because it does not burn down and release any smoke into the air.
I have been asked this question before and they do have some products that contain artificial scents, which are chemical derived.
What do you mean by chemical-derived? Many things are chemicals that we couldn’t live without, for example, water (H2O).
yes, of course 🙂 Artificial chemicals and chemicals that are toxic wen consumed, inhaled, etc.
Also, vinegar and whole cloves simmered on the stove take away odors.
Remember that things we put on our skin get into the blood stream also – so use good Oils they heal the body and prevent disease along with good Nutruition….
A little bit of orange skin and a cinnamon stick in simmering water give a good odor in the house!
people forget that anything you smell gets into your blood stream , if you are smelling chemicals you are practically drinking them {only not as much obviously} why not use something that is GOOD for your body and will actually help make you HEALTHIER! like DoTerra oils.
Great article! Pure essential oils are also great for replacing household cleaning products (and your medicine cabinet!). I use ‘Certified Pure Theraputic Grade’ doTERRA essential oils. Love them!