You might be trying to cover up that pet smell, musty basement smell, or any of the other smells/odors that might arise in your house. In your attempt to cover up the odor, you reach for a can of air freshener, plug something into the wall that will constantly emit a new smell, set out or hang up something in hopes of keeping the air fresh. Did you know that while trying to mask an odor, you could be harming your health?
It’s Time to Toss Your Synthetic Air Freshener!
I was guilty of using harmful air fresheners unknowingly before my health started to deteriorate. Now, since I have multiple chemical sensitivity, air fresheners are one of the worst things that I can encounter. I can experience any and all of the following symptoms:
- headaches
- nausea
- swelling in my ears, or throat
- tingling lips, or tongue
- heart palpitations
- brain fog
What Is In An Air Freshener?
Many types of air fresheners contain numerous chemicals. The Natural Resources Defense Council tested 14 air fresheners and found that 12 contained phthalates (pronounced “THAL-ates”), chemicals that can cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects and reproductive problems. Even air fresheners marketed as “all-natural” or “unscented” contained the hazardous chemicals.
Additionally, a synthetic air freshener can contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), benzene and formaldehyde. All of which I am highly sensitive to.
Freshen Your Air Naturally
There are many ideas for freshening your air without harming yourself in the long run. Here are a few ideas:
- Try making a DIY air freshener with baking soda and essential oils
- Set a bowl of potpourri out in each room
- Open windows to freshen the air
- Use an essential oil diffuser in your home
Ditching toxic air fresheners can go a long way to reducing toxins in your bucket.
Here’s to fresh air and good health!
Read Next: Think You Smell Good? Think Again
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