by Leslie Coleman

Created on: August 07, 2008   Last Updated: August 22, 2008

Is your family's health paying the price for your lovely scented home? A 2007 Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) report states that home fragrance products represent a real risk to health.

Studies

The cause for concern is volatile organic compounds (VOCs) linked to diarrhea and earache in infants and headaches and depression in mothers, found when researchers followed the health and development of 14,000 children since before birth. (Dr. Alexandra Farrow, lead researcher, Brunel University)

In another study, researchers tested 14 brands of household air fresheners and found that 12 contained chemicals known as phthalates, which are hormone disrupting chemicals affecting nervous & immune system development, reproduction and mental processing. (Kansas City Infozine, October 11, 2007)

In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that potentially harmful smog could accumulate inside homes through the reactions caused by plug-in air fresheners and ozone, (Nature May 10, 2004) causing reduced lung functions and respiratory problems.

Most air freshener's line the nasal passages with an oil film. Scented candles are usually made of chemical waxes and toxic synthetic oils. Even the metal wicks are made of lead or zinc which can end up in the bloodstream.

Alternatives

Does this mean we must sacrifice our penchant for a sweet smelling bathroom? The answer is a resounding no. In fact, most brands of air fresheners and scented candles bear no resemblance to true aromatherapy anyway.

The antibacterial and relaxing qualities of aromatherapy come from pure essential oils derived from pressing the oil from fragrant plant material (leaves, flowers, bark, seeds and peels). Peppermint, lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, rosemary are a few of the many therapeutic oils that may provide a sense of calm, pain relief and/or healing.

* Shop your local health food market or the internet for pure essential oils.
* Fill a spray bottle with distilled water and a few drops of essential oil to mist the air.
* Add a little essential oil to bath water.
* Indoor potted plants clear carbon dioxide and remove toxins from the air.
* Soak cotton balls in pure essential oil; then hide them around the house.
* Drip pure essential oil to freshen potpourri.
* Simmer cloves, cinnamon sticks, and orange & lemon peels on the stove.
* Fill a few cored apples with whole cloves or clove spice and bake in the oven.
* Choose 100% pure beeswax candles with cotton wicks.
* Experiment with woody scents such as sandlewood, myrhh and cedar.
* Mix rosemary leaves or lemon peel with white vinegar to spray down kitchen counters.

Whether the goal is to eliminate an offensive odor or simply infuse an enchanting aroma throughout your home, making the green choice provides better results while keeping your family safe.

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