Air Fresheners

We use air fresheners every day, in every shape and form.
We use them in our cars, our kitchens and bathrooms... most likely in almost every room to help eliminate odors and keep our homes smelling fresh and clean. When you look in the supermarket, you'll find a combination of many scents available to purchase.
Personally I do not use them. The chemicals in them are quite harmful to those of us who's lungs are compromised.
Aerosol sprays are also entirely out of the picture for me. That would be like smoking a cigarette. Some candles are ok, but the flowery kind are not good. I usually burn relaxing scented candles. I also use a candle snuffer so it doesn't smoke once the flame has been extinguished and I use a candle topper. This fits on the round type jars and has holes in the top to eliminate the smoke. They can be found in most candle shops and they really work!!

I found an article in our town newspaper about "Air Fresheners" that I would like to share with you:

Q: Some lamps on the market use fragrance oil. Apparently they use a catalytic burner. Do these create an air pollution health hazard in the home?

A: Yes. Air fresheners release volatile organic compounds into the air. These chemicals may cause health problems in some people, according to Dan Tranter with the Minnesota Department of Health Indoor Air Unit.
A U.S. Institute of Medicine report found limited or suggestive evidence that fragrances exacerbate asthma.
Another study found that a chemical (L4 dichlorobenzene, or "L4 DCB") in many air fresheners may reduce lung function. Even a small reduction in lung function may indicate some harm to the lungs. According to the study, the best way to protect yourself, and especially children who may have asthma or other respiratory illnesses, is to reduce the use of products and materials that contain these compounds.
If you are using the fragrance lamps to mask an odor, it's far better to find and eliminate the cause of the odor. Increasing ventilation by using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans also can help.
Information about household products, including air fresheners, can be found at http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov.
Tranter recommends comparing air fresheners and choosing the one with the fewest and least severe warning statements as well as the lowest ratings for health concerns, flammability and reactivity, preferably a "0" for all three.

So my friends, when trying to freshen up your home, please think about this article and your health... take care of your lungs, they are your life... Breathe Easy.

1 2 3 Inhale... 1 2 3 4 Exhale,
Sandy