Clean Air or Air Fresheners

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    Clean Air or Air FreshenersBy Clifford Woods

    Do you buy air fresheners for your home or office? Hard to believe thatsomething so small that smells so nice has ingredients in it, which are actuallydangerous chemicals. These are chemicals that you, your family or your co-workers breathe in on a daily basis. And to make it worse, there are no labelingrequirements to warn you and even "natural" products can contain toxicchemicals. It is virtually impossible for the average consumer to know whichproducts may pose a risk or not.

    The chemicals found in air fresheners have been found to be toxic to humansand these chemicals have been recently investigated for their safety.Investigations concluded that these substances might cause or increase healthproblems. Air fresheners that are natural and healthy are now being used asalternatives in order to minimize health hazards and environmental pollution.

    Basic Ingredients in air fresheners are:

    Phthalates

    Formaldehyde

    Petroleum distillates

    DCBs

    1. Phthalates are known as "endocrine disruptors" because they mimic thebody's hormones and have, in laboratory animal tests, been shown to causereproductive and neurological damage.

    Toxic phthalates found in some air fresheners:

    Diethyl Phthalate (DEP): May cause damage to the liver and central

    nervous system.

    Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): May cause damage to the liver and central

    nervous system.

    Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP): May be harmful if inhaled. May cause

    respiratory tract irritation.

    Dimethyl Phthalate (DMP): The substance is toxic to the nervous system.

    Diisohexyl Phthalate (DIHP): The available studies demonstrate significant

    effects on the male reproductive organs and developmental effects.

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    2. Formaldehyde (CH2O) can cause nasal cancer, respiratory tract irritation;reproductive disorders, asthma, dermatitis; multiple organ damage.

    3. Petroleum distillates (PDs) - can affect the nervous system causing headache,dizziness, nausea, and loss of balance and coordination. If inhaled - can irritate

    the nose, throat and lungs. Petroleum Distillates are on the Right to KnowHazardous Substance List because they are cited by OSHA, DOT, NIOSH andIARC. This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List.

    4. Dichlorobenzene (DCBs) - there are three forms of dichlorobenzene. Thesechemicals are man-made and do not occur in nature.

    1,2-Dichlorobenzene, 1,3-Dichlorobenzene, 1,4-Dichlorobenzene

    1,2-Dichlorobenzene: This substance is toxic to kidneys, liver, mucous

    membranes.

    1,3-Dichlorobenzene: Very little is known about the humna health effects

    of this substance.

    1,4-Dichlorobenzene: This substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, liver,

    mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substancecan produce target organs damage. Repeated or prolonged inhalation ofdust may lead to chronic respiratory irritation.

    Some Helpful Tips

    1. Read the lables and you may be able to identify phthalates in some productsby their chemical names or abbreviations:(DEP)(DBP)(DIBP)(DIHP)

    DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and DEP (diethyl phthalate) are often found in nail

    polishes, deodorants, perfumes, cologne, aftershave lotions, shampoos,hair gels and hand lotions.

    DEHP (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) is used

    in PVC plastics, including some medical devices.

    BzBP (benzylbutyl phthalate) is used in some flooring, car products and

    personal care products.

    Be wary of the term "fragrance," which is used to with a combination ofcompounds, possibly including phthalates, which are a subject of recent concernbecause of studies showing they can mimic certain hormones.

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    Preventative Measures

    Ventilation: Good ventilation systems reduce the need for air fresheners

    by stopping the need to cover up odors and naturally eliminate unpleasantodors. Air fresheners cannot substitute for adequate ventilation.

    Use Air Fresheners Less: Chemical air fresheners do not remove odors,they simply mask over them. So avoid using air fresheners as often, butwhen necessary use as little as possible in order to reduce the amount ofhazardous chemicals in the air. Air fresheners should only be programmedto run if needed and should only be used for odors that are unable toavoid.

    Use Natural and Safe Air Freshener Alternatives: many products are

    available that offer healthy alternatives to commercial air fresheners.

    1. Organic Odor Control

    2. Organic soy and beeswax candles3. Natural potpourri4. Fresh flowers or herbs5. Natural essential oils6. Baking soda

    Businesses that are looking to find non-toxic air fresheners should investigateavailable products to ensure not only their own health but also the health of theiremployees.

    References:

    United States Environmental Protection AgencyScience LabSigma AldrichECHA - European Chemicals AgencyMaterial Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): FormaldehydeRefuels Recycling Contaminated FuelsState of New Jersey

    ***

    Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and OrganicEnvironmental Technology

    Find out more about Organic Odor ControlWe brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer EnvironmentallyFriendly products

    http://effens.com/our-products/organic-odor-controlhttp://effens.com/our-products/organic-odor-control