“A study released last week by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) evaluated 14 air fresheners off the shelf of a local Walgreens and found that 12 contained variable amounts of substances called phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates), a group of chemicals that are used to dissolve and carry fragrances, soften plastics and also as sealants and adhesives …. Studies involving rat and human subjects have suggested that high exposures to certain kinds of phthalates can cause cancer, developmental and sex-hormone abnormalities (including decreased testosterone and sperm levels and malformed sex organs) in infants, and can affect fertility.”
According to this article over at Time Magazine, 75 per cent, yes, SEVENTY FIVE per cent of Americans use some from of air freshener. Why are people obsessed with their homes smelling “fresh” all the time? The answer: marketers have told us that BAD SMELLS are the root of all evil, and that the worst thing in the world is to have a home/car/armpit that DOES NOT SMELL like (someone’s interpretation of) a tropical bouquet.
The last part of the article is a real kick in the pants – like – doh!
“In the meantime, for those who are concerned about phthalates in air fresheners, there are various ways to make the home smell better, au natural. Solomon keeps the house clean and opens the windows – and makes her husband take out the trash. Other common ways to eliminate odors are to keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter (a trick of many a flight attendant); toss baking soda at the bottom of the trash can; and grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal. “Get at the root of the odor,” says Solomon. “Fresh air will do wonders.”
Please, do you and your family a favour and throw out your air fresheners. Gah.
