Airfresheners Stink

I was just watching a little TV while folding the laundry and the amount of air freshener commercials caught my attention.

We are stuffed full of messages that our bodies smell bad, our homes smell bad, our clothes smell bad, our cars smell bad, and the list goes on. Thankfully we are also offered "fabulous" solutions to these "problems" we have.

So, deodorants, scented candles, air fresheners, etc. are the answer, right? WRONG!

First, often there is no "problem". All these messages make us paranoid. (However, my husband's workout clothes really DO smell bad)

Second, life is suppose to have some scent to it. It would suck to live in a neutrally smelling world.

Third, these chemical options to de-smell ourselves are not the way to go. These products are full of chemicals and toxins. Yes, the companies say that their products are harmless but this is far from the truth.

Did you know that these companies are not even required to list all the ingredients?!??! They are allowed to list "fragrance" without disclosing what chemicals that might include.

Many deodorizers use phthalates which are not regulated by the FDA. Phthalates have been shown to cause cancer, developmental and sex hormone abnormalities in infants and can effect fertility.

During my masters program in Public Health I did a project on indoor air quality and the health effects in children. Sadly I found that our kids are not protected by the current systems. Kids metabolisms are higher thus a lower level creates toxicity in their bodies. Most products are NOT tested with kids little bodies mind so these so called "safe levels" of cancer causing chemicals are speaking about adult bodies. And even for adults, why would you choose to breath in a product that has been shown to cause cancer? It just seems to contrary to common sense.

So, stop deodorizing your homes, your carpets, your laundry, your car, and especially your kids rooms and play areas. You precious babies do not need cologne. Choose organic and all natural products for deodorants. Use ecological laundry detergents and house cleaners.

When a real need for improving odors surfaces, try ventilating and it all else fails, use a few drops of an essential oil and water in a warmer. Even then, check the label.