A Fragrance-Free Future for All?

I am a second-generation Vietnamese American who grew up in Anaheim. I had a variety of friends but I was very conscious about the smell of my house. The Vietnamese are notorious for not only pho (beef noodle soup) but also their nguoc mam (fish sauce). My mother was aware of it too, and we usually wanted the house to smell more "American" so she clipped out coupons for Glade Plug-Ins every weekend.

I remember how the plastic Glade Plug-Ins would soften and eventually burn its plastic cover if we left it in for too long. At one time each power outlet had a Plug-In, but the combination of "Tropical Breeze" and "Pinewood" started to give me dizzying effects. My mother eventually stopped buying them...and now she has turned her passion into buying air filters.

It led me to wonder about the fragrance industry in the world. With Americans generally bathing or showering each day, it's quite amusing to research history. In Elizabethan times, about 500 years ago, bathing once a month was the epitome of cleanliness. Perfumes and potpourri were created from dried organic materials, but nothing was really synthetic at that time. Nowadays, it's much cheaper to create chemical compounds imitating the scents of these fragrances without environmental threats (ex. musk).

I read an article that was reprinted online. It made me think about the fragrance industry and the chemicals we create in pursuit of fragrances.

Synthetic fragrances are used to scent products, and sometimes to mask odors or unpleasant smells that a chemical compound may produce. One good example is a product that I've used in my home for years, Comet, which I recently bought in a lavender scent. I was not particularly happy with the change, as it smelt nothing like lavender.

Since the rise of synthetic fragrances we've been layering ourselves day in and out with chemicals. I have eczema-prone skin and while I lived in Riverside, the dry air caused several major outbreaks. I thought air purifiers would help, which it did, but my condition did not improve as much as simply using oatmeal-based skin products and moisturizers. But beware, just because it is unscented or fragrance-free does not mean that they are chemical free.

Not to mention that some people are just plain allergic to some fragrances. Do you remember any product you've used that caused your skin to break-out? I remember that applying anything on my inflamed skin would cause a burning, itching feel. And have you tried any scented product that gave adverse reactions? For you lucky ones, no. But for those who have...there's a good reason for it. Reactions in fragrances can quickly become medical lawsuits, so much that magazines must adhere to a strict fragrance protocol to prevent accidental exposure.

It is very creepy to know that most fragrances can be launched on the American market without any approval process. Basically, until it makes some kind of adverse reaction, the fragrance manufacturer can go about its business and the FDA would not have any jurisdiction over the matter.

I would recommend simply investing in a good air purifier over the hundreds of dollars you may spend in home fragrances and to begin using organic and wholesome chemical-free products. Granted, some individuals prefer the scent of ocean in the morning, or dew in the evening, but the truth is that it is most likely chemicals and toxins you are exposing your body to. Potpourri may also be an alternative, but keep in mind that some potpourri is also soaked in fragrant chemicals. Fragrance yourself free from chemicals. I am sure it would not only be good for the environment but for your body, too.

Air Pollution Linked to Developing Asthma While in the Womb

A recent study has proven that air pollution causes genetic changes while babies are still in the womb and often increase a child’s risk of developing asthma. This study was conducted from 56 children. Scientists discovered that when exposed to traffic fumes which include a wide variety of airborne impurities; children’s genes were actually reprogrammed. These genes just so happened to be the ones that were associated with asthma symptoms that usually develop around age five.

This is a significant study because it is the first time that pollution has been shown to actually influence and change genes. The study also happens to record the mothers exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are a by product of combustion and are usually present in heavy traffic areas. Researches discovered that there is a connection between chemical changes and high levels of air pollution exposure.

This is an example of epigenetic change which is where environmental factors are able to change the activity of genes without creating structural or mutation changes. There is still plenty of research to be done however. Results have shown that exposure to pollution can interact with genes that effect you later on in life. The benefit of the study is that scientists believe that this could help reduce 25% of asthma or at least reduce the potential damage it could have in the early stages of life.

While the test moves on with continued research for more clear solutions, there are some steps that you could take now to reduce the chances of asthma in your baby while pregnant. It is best that if you are pregnant to stay away from air pollution, but if you are unable to there are other options. If you live in a high traffic areas, look towards vacuum cleaners and air purifiers with HEPA to help control the air pollution within your household , office or apartment. These household appliance have been shown to greatly improve indoor air quality up to 99.97%. Remember proper protection will only aid in help preventing or reducing any potential asthma problems while your child is still in the womb.

How to Solve Your Dust Mite Problems

How would you feel if your house or apartment had thousands of microscopic insects that are known to cause health problems? There is a good chance you already do. Dust mites are small insects that have a tendency to feed on organic detritus and flourish inside human households. 40,000 dust mites can inhabit up to one speck of dust and their fecal matter, which is produced up 20 times a day is a common cause of asthma and allergies making them uninvited guests in your home or office. So how can you stop these nuisances from invading your personal dwelling? Do you call an exterminator? Use harsh toxins to stop shorten their life cycle? A recent study has shown that none of these are needed. There are plenty of inexpensive options to help stop the spread the of dust mites that are cheap, safe and efficient.

Bedding:

Bedding like sheets and pillow cases are prime real estate for dust mites. Remember to keep your bedding cleaned and changed regularly. If you have a tendency to suffer from significant allergies, look into purchasing special covers that help eliminate dust mites.

Washing:

Like bedding, remember to frequently wash your clothes as well. Washing in 130 F water instantly kills all dust mites. Cold water only kills 90 percent of dust mites. Try adding a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil for added efficiency. If you are sensitive to eucalyptus, try lavender of rosemary instead.

Heating:

Steam cleaning your carpets is a great way to eliminate mites found on the floor as they hate heat. Other great ways to use heat to your advantage to help stop dust mites is to tumble dry rugs and carpets in a dryer or open up windows for direct sunlight as dust mites can’t stand it.

Air Conditioning:

Air conditioning is another great way to help dust mites from spreading. Air conditioners help dry out humid indoor environment which tend to be a dust mite feeding ground. By reducing humidity you are in turn reducing the food supply for dust mites.

Air purification:

The best tool against dust mites is a quality air purifier. Through constant air filtering you not only eliminate their food supply but also the mites themselves. Air purifiers are the best way to allow allergy sufferers to breath easy.

Cleaning:

Remember that dust mites do have the word dust in their name and the best way to stop dust is constant and through cleaning. A quality vacuum cleaner will help this problem. Also remember to dust or get a dusting attachment for your vacuum so you can clean hard to reach places.