3 of 12

Write now Article Tools

Are you one of the millions of people sho are obsessed over the smell of their house? Usually, our homes smell just fine; it is a matter of having the absence of any type of scent that bothers us. Over the past few years, home fragrances have risen in popularity and have made it a nearly $10 billion industry. Constant marketing and advertising have made us feel ever more self-conscious of how our homes smell, and how others will judge us on their scents.

However, fragrances are certainly not anything new. They date back to ancient Egyptians, where they made several types of fragrances extracted from plants. The difference is that in the 21st century, the majority of home fragrances are derived from synthetic ingredients that can be more harmful to us than good. In fact, some of these ingredients are labeled as "fragrance" in order to mislead consumers. Some ingredients that have been banned in Europe still exist on market in the United States.

Over 90% of the chemicals in home fragrances are synthetic, or unnatural. According the Environmental Work Group (EWG), the most dangerous of these are: propylparaben, propylene glycol, and methylparaben, which can irritate allergies and the respiratory system. Even more dangerous is butylated hydroxytoluene, which can lead to cancer.

Another culprit consumers don't think about is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are found in incense. Burning incense in an enclosed area, such as your home, can be just as harmful as being in a smoke-filled bar, and can eventually lead to lung cancer.

So what can we do to protect our health as well as enjoy some of the scents we have grown to love? First, if you must purchase home fragrances, be sure to purchase them from a natural foods store. Check the ingredient labels to be sure they are derived from plants (if you can't read it, it is most likely synthetic). Also, if you want to burn candles, the best alternative is soy-based ones. It is best to avoid incense and sprays unless you feel that it is truly worth the risk.

The safest way to protect your health from home fragrances is to avoid using them all together. However, in a society where appearances are everything, we may find that we may give in to impress others who come to our homes; we certainly aren't perfect. If you don't have a natural alternative handy and end up resorting to synthetic-based fragrances, at least open a window so that the fresh hair will help diffuse the harmful chemicals.

Sources:

drbenkim.com
sixwise.com
associatedcontent.c om
fmafragrance.com

Learn more about this author, Kristeen Mandak.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Natural home fragrances: They smell great, but are they safe for your family??
We want to hear your view. Write now!