Saturday, November 10, 2007

Air freshener makes us sick

Did you know that many air fresheners work by deadening the olfactory nerves in our nose? In other words, the odors were trying to eliminate are still there, but we can't smell them.

Did you know that households that regularly use air freshener have a higher asthma rate among kids in the household?

Two new studies, one by the National Resources Defense Council and the other by the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, should make us all think twice about using air freshener products.
Seventh Generation's Non-Toxic Times Newsletter has some good hints for alternatives. My favorite:
• To scent indoor air, place a drop of a natural essential oil like lavender or mint on a cold light bulb, or add a dozen drops to a bowl of water placed on a radiator or wood stove. You can also boil fragrant dried herbs in a pot of water to release a fresh smell.

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