Have you ever had someone walk past you wearing perfume or some other fragrance and received an instant headache? Scented candles, soaps and detergents and even shampoos all contain fragrances that can be harmful to your health, and many can accumulate in your body and increase your toxic load, leading to lowered immune function and future health problems. Let’s explore some of the most dangerous fragrances, where they hide and how you can avoid them.
Why Avoid Chemical Fragrances?
Chemical fragrances contain just that, chemicals. Here are a few statistics that may surprise you:
* Researchers have found that people who were regularly exposed to cleaning sprays were 30 to 50 percent more likely to develop asthma.
* The NRDC study showed that many air fresheners and scented products contain phthalates, which are hormone-disrupting chemicals that can be particularly dangerous for young children and unborn babies. Exposure to phthalates can affect testosterone levels and lead to reproductive abnormalities, including abnormal genitalia and reduced sperm production.
* 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxics and sensitizers, which are all known to cause cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.
* A 1991 study performed by the EPA found numerous harmful chemicals are commonly used in fragrance products, including acetone, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, camphor, ethanol, ethyl acetate, limonene, linalool, and methylene chloride. Alone or in combination with each other, when inhaled these can cause central nervous system disorders, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, drowsiness, irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, lungs and GI tract, kidney damage, headache, respiratory failure, ataxia, and fatigue, among other symptoms and illnesses.
So How Can You Avoid These Chemicals?
There are many wonderful options to go chemical free and still have a good-smelling world around you. Here are a few tips:
* Switch to natural cosmetics, hair-care and personal products. Not only does this eliminate your exposure to harmful fragrances, it’s better for the environment.
* Skip the perfume and use natural oils. Essential oils, and combinations of them, make wonderful natural perfumes and they won’t harm your health.
* Buy non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning products. They won’t use harmful fragrance chemicals, which protects your health and the environment.
* Get rid of your paraffin candles. Use soy or beeswax candles so you aren’t throwing petroleum and chemicals into the air you're breathing.
* Skip the commercial air fresheners. Air fresheners typically work one of two ways; they neutralize your receptors, numbing them so you don’t smell anything, or they cover scents up with stronger scents. Neither is ideal. If needed, use an essential oil diffuser with natural oils to freshen the air in your home naturally.
The fragrance industry, including cleaning products, isn’t heavily regulated. Nor are the chemicals studied for their effects on our health and environment. From mild symptoms like headaches and fatigue, to dire illnesses like cancer and autoimmune disorders, chemical fragrances aren’t doing you or your health any good. Take good care of yourself and switch to scents that are more natural today.
To find natural cosmetics and personal care products, check out The Natural Product Directory. This site offers helpful reviews, as well as safety and other ratings that can help you choose natural products that work effectively.
Showing posts with label reducing toxins in the home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reducing toxins in the home. Show all posts
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Monday, November 28, 2011
Are You A Guinea Pig?
Check out this short video which lists many of the major toxic chemicals that can be commonly found in household products. It's no laughing matter, to be sure. We encourage you to take action today, and for to download a FREE helpful checklist of common household items that can contain these chemicals, as well as some safer alternatives, just go to http://www.newholisticliving.com/toxicload.html.
Click Here to Get your Free Checklist For Reducing Toxins In Your Home Today
Click Here to Get your Free Checklist For Reducing Toxins In Your Home Today
Friday, July 15, 2011
What to Consider When Buying an Air Purifier
Are you a smoker? What about a pet owner? Do you keep all your doors and windows closed most of the time? If so, there is a good chance that the air inside your home isn’t as healthy as it could or should be. That is why you may want to think about purchasing an air purifier. Air purifiers are electronic machines that work to clean up the air. They do this by trapping, and often eliminating, harmful bacteria and air particles, and other toxins in your home. In fact, you don’t even have to be a pet owner or a smoker to benefit from the use of an air purifier; anyone can.
Image via WikipediaIf you are like most other Americans, when it comes to purchasing an air purifier, you may make the decision to purchase one and then go right out and buy one. Although it is nice to get a product right away when you want it, there are disadvantages to doing so. Essentially, you may be purchasing a product that is poor in quality. Without the proper amount of research, you will never know.
As mentioned above, it is important that you examine the quality of an air purifier before purchasing it. You can easily do this online. A large number of online websites allow internet users to comment, rate, or write reviews on a product that they have purchased. These products also include air purifiers. If you know of anyone who uses an air purifier in their home, you may also want to think about asking them for suggestions. Feedback from those who own the same product is the best way to learn about the quality of it.
In addition to the quality of the product, it is also important that you examine the size of the air purifier you are interested in buying. When it comes to the size of an air purifier, you do not necessarily need to focus on the size of the actual machine, but you should focus on the size of the space that it is designed for. With cheaper, low-cost air purifiers, you will find that they only tend to treat the air in small rooms. These rooms commonly have a square footage of about 250-350 feet. If you are looking to treat the air inside a larger room, you may need to spend more money on a larger air purifier.
Image via WikipediaIt is also important to consider the cost of an air purifier. Many individuals, regrettably, make a mistake when doing this. That mistake is believing that the purchase price is the only cost that they need to worry about. While there are some air purifiers that are filter-less, not all are. Many of these air purifiers, the ones that require filters, need to have their filters changed every so often. This can be as little as once every couple of years or as much as a couple of months. It is important that you keep the cost of replacement parts, including filters, in mind. When doing this, you may find that an otherwise low-cost air purifier turns into one that is too expensive for you to afford.
Since, in many cases, air purifiers are considered expensive, you are advised to look for air purifiers that come with warranties. In most cases, you will find that many air purifiers have a manufacturer’s warranty. That warranty typically tends to last about a year. If you are spending more than $400 on an air purifier, you may want to think about getting an extended warranty. If you purchase your next air purifier from a retail store, you may need to pay for the warranty. Despite possibly having to pay for an extended warranty, you will find that it is worth the cost. Should anything happen to your expensive air purifier, a warranty would, in most cases, prevent you from being out of luck.
The above mentioned points are just a few of the many that you need to take into consideration, when buying an air purifier. As previously mentioned, an air purifier can be a large purchase. That is why you are advised to fully research and examine all aspects of that purchase before making a final decision. It is the only way to make sure that you are not wasting your money.
A Few Examples of Air Purifiers:
Image via WikipediaIf you are like most other Americans, when it comes to purchasing an air purifier, you may make the decision to purchase one and then go right out and buy one. Although it is nice to get a product right away when you want it, there are disadvantages to doing so. Essentially, you may be purchasing a product that is poor in quality. Without the proper amount of research, you will never know.As mentioned above, it is important that you examine the quality of an air purifier before purchasing it. You can easily do this online. A large number of online websites allow internet users to comment, rate, or write reviews on a product that they have purchased. These products also include air purifiers. If you know of anyone who uses an air purifier in their home, you may also want to think about asking them for suggestions. Feedback from those who own the same product is the best way to learn about the quality of it.
In addition to the quality of the product, it is also important that you examine the size of the air purifier you are interested in buying. When it comes to the size of an air purifier, you do not necessarily need to focus on the size of the actual machine, but you should focus on the size of the space that it is designed for. With cheaper, low-cost air purifiers, you will find that they only tend to treat the air in small rooms. These rooms commonly have a square footage of about 250-350 feet. If you are looking to treat the air inside a larger room, you may need to spend more money on a larger air purifier.
Image via WikipediaIt is also important to consider the cost of an air purifier. Many individuals, regrettably, make a mistake when doing this. That mistake is believing that the purchase price is the only cost that they need to worry about. While there are some air purifiers that are filter-less, not all are. Many of these air purifiers, the ones that require filters, need to have their filters changed every so often. This can be as little as once every couple of years or as much as a couple of months. It is important that you keep the cost of replacement parts, including filters, in mind. When doing this, you may find that an otherwise low-cost air purifier turns into one that is too expensive for you to afford.Since, in many cases, air purifiers are considered expensive, you are advised to look for air purifiers that come with warranties. In most cases, you will find that many air purifiers have a manufacturer’s warranty. That warranty typically tends to last about a year. If you are spending more than $400 on an air purifier, you may want to think about getting an extended warranty. If you purchase your next air purifier from a retail store, you may need to pay for the warranty. Despite possibly having to pay for an extended warranty, you will find that it is worth the cost. Should anything happen to your expensive air purifier, a warranty would, in most cases, prevent you from being out of luck.
The above mentioned points are just a few of the many that you need to take into consideration, when buying an air purifier. As previously mentioned, an air purifier can be a large purchase. That is why you are advised to fully research and examine all aspects of that purchase before making a final decision. It is the only way to make sure that you are not wasting your money.
A Few Examples of Air Purifiers:
Monday, January 3, 2011
Do You Need An Air Purifier?
It is estimated that each year millions of Americans think about purchasing an air purifier for their home or their business. Are you one of those individuals? If so, have you purchased an air purifier yet? Unfortunately, a large number of individuals think about purchasing an air purifier, but not everyone ends up making that purchase. One of the reasons for that is because many individuals wonder whether or not they really need one.
Image via WikipediaWhen it comes to owning an air purifier, anyone can own one. You do not necessarily have to meet certain criteria to be able to benefit from the use of an air purifier. Honestly, you could just be someone who is looking to breathe clean air. If that is the case, you could definitely benefit from the purchase of an air purifier. Despite the fact that some individuals have no set reason for wanting or needing an air purifier, there are others who do. If you find yourself one of these individuals, as described below, you may want to seriously think about purchasing an air purifier for your home or your business.
Air purifiers work to clean the air. They do this by preventing harmful particles from passing through their collection grids or filters. These particles may even include dust particles. For that reason, if you have allergies associated with dust, you may very well find that an air purifier works to remove or completely eliminate your allergy symptoms. In turn, this may make your days and nights more pleasant and enjoyable.
In addition to reducing allergies associated with dust, air purifiers can also help those with allergies that are related to pets. You will find that multiple air purifiers not only trap pet hair, but they also trap the air particles created by pet droppings. These dangerous particles are not only harmful to those who have allergies, but to everyone else who is in the home. In addition to eliminating particles created by pets in the home, you could also use an air purifier if you have a business that is centered on pets. These types of businesses include pet grooming shops and vet offices.
You may especially want to think about purchasing an air purifier if you have young children at home. Children tend to be more susceptible to illness. With cleaner air, your child’s health may improve quite a bit, especially if your child spends a lot of time indoors. In addition to being used in traditional homes, you may also want to purchase an air purifier if you run or operate a daycare center. An air purifier may not only improve your health, but the health of all of your children. Essentially, this will make for happier and healthier children, which is extremely important when running a daycare business.
Image via WikipediaAn air purifier may also be ideal for those who are smokers. Even if you are not a smoker, there may be someone inside your home who is. If this is the case, you will want to seriously consider purchasing an air purifier. Most air purifiers, especially those designed specifically for smoking households, may help to reduce secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is bad for everyone, but it is especially bad for children. Of course, you will want to try and not smoke around your children, but if you do, you will want to purchase an air purifier, if not for your own benefit then for the sake of your children.
As mentioned above, those operating a business centered on pets or kids could benefit from the use of an air purifier; however, they are not the only types of businesses who could benefit. If you are business owner, whether you run a small retail store or an office, you may want to think about getting an air purifier. As mentioned above, air purifiers help to keep the air clean. In reality, this means that your employees will be healthier. In addition to better performance, you may also find that an air purifier helps to reduce the illnesses being spread throughout your building. In turn, this may not only result in better performing employees, but employees who end up requesting less sick time.
If any of the above mentioned examples are true for you, you may want to consider purchasing an air purifier. Whether for your home or your business, you will reap an unlimited number of benefits to owning and using one.
Examples of some popular air purifiers:
Image via WikipediaWhen it comes to owning an air purifier, anyone can own one. You do not necessarily have to meet certain criteria to be able to benefit from the use of an air purifier. Honestly, you could just be someone who is looking to breathe clean air. If that is the case, you could definitely benefit from the purchase of an air purifier. Despite the fact that some individuals have no set reason for wanting or needing an air purifier, there are others who do. If you find yourself one of these individuals, as described below, you may want to seriously think about purchasing an air purifier for your home or your business.Air purifiers work to clean the air. They do this by preventing harmful particles from passing through their collection grids or filters. These particles may even include dust particles. For that reason, if you have allergies associated with dust, you may very well find that an air purifier works to remove or completely eliminate your allergy symptoms. In turn, this may make your days and nights more pleasant and enjoyable.
In addition to reducing allergies associated with dust, air purifiers can also help those with allergies that are related to pets. You will find that multiple air purifiers not only trap pet hair, but they also trap the air particles created by pet droppings. These dangerous particles are not only harmful to those who have allergies, but to everyone else who is in the home. In addition to eliminating particles created by pets in the home, you could also use an air purifier if you have a business that is centered on pets. These types of businesses include pet grooming shops and vet offices.
You may especially want to think about purchasing an air purifier if you have young children at home. Children tend to be more susceptible to illness. With cleaner air, your child’s health may improve quite a bit, especially if your child spends a lot of time indoors. In addition to being used in traditional homes, you may also want to purchase an air purifier if you run or operate a daycare center. An air purifier may not only improve your health, but the health of all of your children. Essentially, this will make for happier and healthier children, which is extremely important when running a daycare business.
Image via WikipediaAn air purifier may also be ideal for those who are smokers. Even if you are not a smoker, there may be someone inside your home who is. If this is the case, you will want to seriously consider purchasing an air purifier. Most air purifiers, especially those designed specifically for smoking households, may help to reduce secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is bad for everyone, but it is especially bad for children. Of course, you will want to try and not smoke around your children, but if you do, you will want to purchase an air purifier, if not for your own benefit then for the sake of your children.As mentioned above, those operating a business centered on pets or kids could benefit from the use of an air purifier; however, they are not the only types of businesses who could benefit. If you are business owner, whether you run a small retail store or an office, you may want to think about getting an air purifier. As mentioned above, air purifiers help to keep the air clean. In reality, this means that your employees will be healthier. In addition to better performance, you may also find that an air purifier helps to reduce the illnesses being spread throughout your building. In turn, this may not only result in better performing employees, but employees who end up requesting less sick time.
If any of the above mentioned examples are true for you, you may want to consider purchasing an air purifier. Whether for your home or your business, you will reap an unlimited number of benefits to owning and using one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)