Some respiratory allergies may be set off by fragrances, which are complex chemical mixtures commonly used to scent air fresheners and cleaners, personal care products and other consumer goods. Fragrances are collectively considered among the top five allergens in the world. Here are some facts by the Environmental Working Group:
Researchers at the Universities of Washington and West Georgia who surveyed everyday Americans’ experiences with fragranced cleaning supplies found that nearly one in five suffered headaches, breathing difficulties or other problems when exposed to air fresheners (Caress 2009).
- A study led by Alexandra Farrow of Brunel University in the United Kingdom linked air fresheners in the home to higher incidence of diarrhea and earaches in infants and headaches and depression in their mothers (Farrow 2003).
- A Swiss study published this year found that use of air freshening sprays 4-7 days a week was associated with reduced heart rate variability, a marker of autonomic cardiac dysfunction (Mehta 2012).
- Because manufacturers routinely refuse to list individual ingredients in fragrances, independent researchers have difficulty conducting targeted studies to identify which fragrance chemicals raise the greatest concern.
- Enzymes added to laundry and dishwashing detergents to break down and remove soils and stains have been linked to respiratory allergies in occupational settings. Manufacturers have taken steps to reduce exposure by encapsulating these enzymes, but workplace studies suggest that problems remain.
Consider making your own natural air freshener spray with simple, non-toxic ingredients, which is a safer alternative to the harmful chemicals found in regular air fresheners. Or try our purifying room spray, which is handmade in small batches with love in Australia from safe, natural ingredients you can trust, by our own team of eco-cleaning professionals to protect your home, your family and our fragile planet.
This rejuvenating blend of essential oils will not only purify but refresh and deodorise any room in your home or office. After you have bought the initial glass bottle we offer a refill price and will refill your bottles on the days that we are in your area, this keeps the cost down and also the dreaded waste.