How many times have you found yourself about to have a room full of guests only to discover that your indoor air does not smell so fresh? This happens to all of us, especially if we have pets or have been cooking something in the kitchen. Indoor odors seem to linger for a very long time, get caught in carpets, curtains, furniture, pillows and other places.
One common way to treat these odors is to mask them with a synthetically made air freshener of some type. A popular brand of air freshener is Febreze, made by Proctor and Gamble, claims to trap odor molecules, thus removing unpleasant scents.
This means that you can spray your carpets, furniture and the air without worry, right? Not so fast… while Febreze and other similar products may see like the answer to your indoor air odors, it is essential to know the health implications of using these sprays.
Febreze and other products that claim to remove odor molecules do not really do so, the molecules are still there but they are masked by the smell of the chemical cocktail you have sprayed.
Febreze does not disclose much information about their extensive line of products, but the Environmental Working Group ( EWG) did conduct a test on one of their products, Febreze Air Effects. The shocking results of this study found that even though the company only disclosed three ingredients in the product, EWG found 87 chemicals in all!
Here is what we uncovered about Febreze. Maybe it is time to switch to a more natural air freshening method? We will let you be the judge.
How do the chemicals in Febreze threaten you and your family?
- Febreze does not remove odor molecules. The room doesn’t smell anymore simply because the chemical odor overrides the other odors. It does not actually clean anything.
- The chemical 1,3-Dichloro-2-propanol has been linked to cancer.
- Methyl pyrrolidone is toxic to reproduction and development.
- Gerinoil irritates skin, eyes, and lungs.
- Hexyl cinnamal is an allergen.
- Propylene glycol also causes cancer, causes allergies, and is toxic to the immune system.
- Ethyl acetate is linked to neurotoxicity.
- Alcohol denatured has been known to cause organ system toxicity.
- Ethylhexanol-irritates skin, eyes, and lungs and is toxic to reproduction and development systems.
- Linalool is an immunotoxin.
Here are some ways to freshen your home without the toxic chemicals:
- Use house plants to clean the air. Certain houseplants can help eliminate odors naturally and leave your air fresh and clean.
- Baking soda and vinegar work great to absorb and remove odors. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming. Wash all surfaces with vinegar and lemon juice for a clean and fresh scent.
- Essential oils are an excellent way to freshen your carpets, closets, laundry or even the air. Fill a spray bottle with distilled water and add in about 20 drops of your favorite scent. Use this spray for the air and on fabrics for a fresh and clean scent. If you want to get real fancy, consider purchasing a diffuser and use essential oils. Lemon oil and eucalyptus are an excellent combination to neutralize odors.
-The Alternative Daily
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Sources:
http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/febreze.html
