Not all fragrances are created equal. Fragrances have been around for centuries, made naturally from isolates, oils and resins. However, today, not all fragrances are natural and safe. Air fresheners, plug-ins, aerosols, scented candles are not what they seem. They contain artificial ingredients which are harmful and toxic to our health. The word “fragrance” in your shampoo, for instance, contains dozens, possibly hundreds of questionable ingredients and the FDA allows companies under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) to keep those ingredients hidden. This law cannot force a company to reveal “trade secrets” so the fragrance formulas can be complex mixtures of many different natural and synthetic chemical ingredients, some of which are phthalates, petroleum and neurotoxins.

Recent reports by health experts have reported toxic substances in plug-in air fresheners and other scented air products for the home and office including air fresheners for automobiles. One of the primary concerns is their widespread use of phthalates. According to a study conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), 86% of air fresheners tested contained phthalates. Phthalates, which are also found in many plastics, aerosol sprays, paints, pesticides, cosmetics, and fragrances, are notoriously disruptive to a human’s endocrine system. As the NRDC reported in their research, “Most phthalates are well known to interfere with production of the male hormone testosterone, and have been associated with reproductive abnormalities”. Another chemical, Galaxolide, is a synthetic musk, and is a commonly used fragrance ingredient in household products. According to Woman’s Voices for the Earth, a study in 2015 found 91% of humans tested had Galaxolide in their blood.[6] 100% of humans tested were found to have Galaxolide in their fat tissue.[7] 97% of breast milk samples tested contained Galaxolide.[8] Galaxolide is also toxic to aquatic life and does not break down in our environment. SC Johnson and Sons (makers of Glade, Windex and Pledge) announced in March 2017 that Galaxolide will eventually be discontinued in their products. Yeah!

Plug-in Air Fresheners also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are compounds with a low boiling point that form gas or vapor at room temperature. Unfortunately, they too have been linked to an increased risk of asthma, particularly in children. VOC’s can be found in aerosols, paints, household cleaners, glues, markers and building materials, according to the EPA indoor air quality fact page.  Formaldehyde is a well-known human carcinogen that has been linked to cancers of the nose and throat. It is also known to cause ongoing irritation of the throat and airways, potentially leading to dangerous infections, frequent nosebleeds, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. The elderly, infants, and people with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible. A common place where Formaldehyde is used every day is in hair salons.  Most salons use products contain toxic and unsafe chemicals. Salons must practice good habits by not only implementing safer air ventilation systems, but should carry safer, toxic-free products for the health benefit of employees and customers.

It is important to educate oneself on the hazards of everyday fragrances and chemicals lurking around every corner. VOC levels can be five times higher indoors than outdoors. Instead of masking or covering up odors with unhealthy and toxic fragrances, open windows and let in fresh air preferably in the morning when outdoor air is cooler. If your home or workplace calls for a light fragrance, rather than spend an exorbitant amount of money on “all-natural” products at a fancy store or online, create your own fragrance. Below is a video of some ideas for Do-it-yourself home fragrance.

Scented candles can also contain benzene and toluene, two toxic chemicals known to cause migraines, throat irritations and chronic asthma in sensitive individuals.  More significantly, these chemicals can affect the brain and the central nervous system. Best bet is to go the unscented route and buy natural bees wax candles or soy based candles that have little to no fragrance.  Rather than light scented candles before a party or open house, place oranges or lemons in a bowl and insert cloves for the most refreshing and natural scent nature intended.

Let’s take a deep breath and feel safe. If we want to be healthy, we eat healthy foods, exercise regularly and we surround ourselves with healthy furnishings. Forgo the artificial and fake scents for sale in the market, and instead open a window and enjoy the fresh scent of nature, make your own, or purchase only genuine essential oils from reputable companies.