air fresheners Archives - Amazing Health Advances

DIY Poo Spray

The AHA! Team — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 05:40:53 +0000

Candice Bruhn via Dr. Axe – Our bodies were made with a perfect system to bring energy in through eating and allow the waste to exit through, well, you know. As perfect as this system is, our poo does not always smell very neutral. In fact, depending on our diet, digestive health and overall health, odors can vary from mild to extreme. For many years, people have been sold on spray fragrances and fragrant candles to mask odors; however, these scents are often made of very toxic ingredients that pollute indoor air with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Synthetic fragrances – host of health issues In addition to concentrating pollution inside of our homes, synthetic fragrances can cause a host of health issues, ranging from male reproductive problems, allergies, hormone disruption, cancer and much more. Before ever reaching for your synthetically scented poop spray again or purchasing the pricey Poo Pouri, try this all-natural bathroom spray — call it a DIY poo pourri — that serves as an affordable and effective alternative. How to Make A DIY Poop Spray It’s surprisingly easy and only requires three ingredients. In a small glass spray bottle, add 1 teaspoon of isopropyl alcohol (or rubbing alcohol). Next, add 40 drops of essential oils to rubbing alcohol, and gently swish to combine. I choose 15 drops lavender, 15 drops lime and 10 drops lemongrass. You can swap out whatever essential oils you have on hand, or go with a seasonal aproach, such as flower-like scents for the spring, citrus for summer, woodsy for fall and spices for the winter! Lastly, carefully pour in 3 ounces of distilled (or purified) water. Boiled water completely cooled (!) is a good alternative. Give it a good shake and you’re good to go. 🙂 How to use your DIY poo pray? Simply spray 3–4 pumps into toilet bowl, misting the water with this essential oil spray prior to using the bathroom. BONUS: This also works as an effective air freshener for after bathroom use as well. How does poo spray work? Essential oil–based bathroom sprays leave a film on top of the water that is said to trap odors from bodily waste and keep them below the surface. As waste hits the film and enters the water, a pleasant bloom of essential oil fragrance is released into the air, not only masking unpleasant odors, but also leaving a pleasant smell behind. The next time you feel the urge, give this natural bathroom spray a try and toss out the synthetic products. DIY Poo Spray Author: Candice Bruhn | Total Time: 5 minutes | Yield: 40 uses Before ever buying a synthetically scented poop spray or purchasing the expensive Poo Pourri brand, try this all-natural bathroom spray that serves as an affordable and effective alternative. Ingredients 1 teaspoon isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol 40 drops of essential oil (I used 15 drops lavender, 15 drops lime, 10 drops lemongrass) 3 ounces distilled water (boiled water completely cooled is a good alternative) Instructions In a small glass spray bottle, add 1 teaspoon of isopropyl alcohol. Add 40 drops of essential oils to rubbing alcohol, and gently swish to combine. Carefully pour in 3 ounces of distilled (or purified) water. Shake and use when ready! Notes Spray 3–4 pumps into toilet bowl, misting the water with this essential oil spray prior to using the bathroom. BONUS: This also works as an effective air freshener for after bathroom use as well. Prep Time: 5 min | Method: Mixing To read the original article click here.

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Scented Wax Melts May Not Be as Safe for Indoor Air as Initially Thought

The AHA! Team — Mon, 19 May 2025 05:14:36 +0000

American Chemical Society via EurekAlert! – Researchers monitored the nanoparticles produced from scented wax melts using lab equipment set up inside a model home. Traditional candles vs. Scented wax melts As traditional candles burn, they can contribute to indoor air pollution by emitting volatile compounds and smoke, which may pose inhalation risks. Scented wax melts are often marketed as safer alternatives to candles because they’re flame- and smoke-free. But in a study in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters, researchers describe how aroma compounds released from the melted wax can react with ozone in indoor air to form potentially toxic particles. Previous research has shown that scented wax melts emit more airborne scent compounds than traditional candles. The direct heating of the wax maximizes its surface area, thereby releasing more fragrance – such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) made of hydrocarbons – into the air. Researchers know that these chemicals can react with other compounds in the air to form nanometer-wide particles, which have been linked to negative health effects when inhaled. However, the potential for nanoparticle formation during wax-melt use was unknown. So, Nusrat Jung, Brandon Boor and colleagues set out to investigate this process using wax melts in a full-scale house model that mimicked a typical residential house. Experiments on 15 commercially available wax melts The researchers conducted experiments on 15 commercially available wax melts, both unscented and scented (e.g., lemon, papaya, tangerine and peppermint), in the model house. They first established a baseline of indoor air pollutants and then switched on the wax warmer for about 2 hours. During and after this period, the researchers continuously sampled the air a few yards (meters) away from the wax melts and found airborne nanoparticles, between 1 and 100 nanometers wide, at levels that were comparable to previously reported levels for traditional, combustion-based candles. These particles could pose an inhalation risk because they are small enough to pass through respiratory tissues and enter the bloodstream, say the researchers. Literature data Additionally, using literature data, the team calculated that a person could inhale similar amounts of nanoparticles from wax melts as from traditional candles and gas stoves. Previous studies have found exposure to high levels of nanoparticles in indoor air can be linked to health risks like decreased cognitive function and increased prevalence of childhood asthma. The experiments In the experiments, the main VOCs emitted from the wax melts were terpenes, such as monoterpenes and monoterpenoids. The researchers identified that the airborne terpenes reacted with ozone and formed sticky compounds, which aggregated into nanoscale particles. However, after warming an unscented wax melt, the team observed no terpene emissions or nanoparticle formation, which suggests that these aroma compounds contribute to nanoparticle formation. The researchers say this study challenges the perception that scented wax melts are a safer alternative to combustion-based candles; however, they emphasize that more toxicology research is needed on the risks of breathing in nanoparticles formed from wax melts. A deeper analysis by the researchers of how airborne nanoparticles form indoors from volatile scent compounds was published in 2024 in ACS ES&T Air. The authors acknowledge funding from the National Science Foundation; Purdue University; and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers. Journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters DOI 10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00986 To read the original article click here.

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Can Your Air Fresheners be Destroying Your Health?

The AHA! Team — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 07:15:35 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – According to a newly published study in The Science of the Total Environment, air fresheners can be dangerous as they significantly increase the concentrations of particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in vehicle cabins, which can cause adverse health effects such as cardiovascular disease, systemic inflammation, and autonomic dysfunction. There’s no denying the appeal of a scent. Whether it’s the rejuvenating odor of lemon or the calming scent of jasmine, certain fragrances have the ability to evoke energy, ease anxiety, and uplift mood. But, when it comes to the ‘value’ of a typical air freshener product, researchers have learned that a pleasant fragrance can mask a cloud of toxic chemicals. According to a newly published study in The Science Of The Total Environment, air fresheners can be dangerous as they significantly increase the concentrations of particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in vehicle cabins, which can cause adverse health effects such as cardiovascular disease, systemic inflammation, and autonomic dysfunction. Moreover, renowned researcher and scientist Dr. Anne Steinemann has studied the damaging effects of most commonly used air freshener products on human health and the environment – and the impact is so serious and widespread that she refers to it as an “epidemic.” Warning about your air fresheners: Don’t be deceived by the ‘fresh’ smell Air fresheners and deodorants – variously marketed as sprays, gels, disks, plug-ins, candles, and oils – are virtually everywhere. Due to the commercial practice of “scent branding,” custom-designed signature fragrances may be wafted into the air of stores, offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, independent living centers, and even churches. Chemical scents also permeate cleaning products and personal care items – including laundry detergents, fabric softeners, shampoos, conditioners, hairsprays, moisturizers, cosmetics, sunscreens, and soaps (and this is only a partial list!) We have even taken our national scent obsession “on the road,” relentlessly scenting the air of airports, airplanes, rail stations, trains, buses, and cruise ships. Not surprisingly, a recent study showed that 99 percent of Americans are exposed to chemical fragrances – on a daily basis. But what are the health effects of this national cloud of scent? Air fresheners are a “toxic cocktail” consisting of hundreds of chemicals The truth is that commercial air freshener formulations may include literally hundreds of toxic chemicals – which include respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxins, and carcinogens. Shockingly, there is no law compelling manufacturers of air fresheners and deodorizers to list every product ingredient on a label or website – even if these compounds are hazardous pollutants and known carcinogens (for which the EPA says no safe level exists). So (no surprise here), these compounds tend to remain unidentified – although manufacturers may choose to describe select ingredients in the most innocent-sounding terms possible. What is labeled as a “biodegradable softening agent” or a “perfume” is more than likely a collection of VOCs featuring such compounds as ethanol, benzyl acetate, chloromethane, and acetaldehyde – all classified under federal law as toxic or hazardous. Almost a third of the population suffers adverse effects from air fresheners Dr. Steinemann, an internationally recognized expert on environmental pollutants, conducted a population survey examining the effects of scented products on the health of 1,136 adult participants. The study, published in the scientific journal Air Quality, Atmosphere, and Health, exposed a litany of harmful side effects, impacting a substantial percentage of the study group. Almost a third of the participants – a whopping 30 percent – reported breathing difficulties and headaches after exposure to air fresheners and fragrances. Dr. Steinemann found that respiratory problems were the most common adverse effect – followed by congestion and migraines. Other adverse effects included rashes, muscle cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and rapid or irregular heartbeat – even from low-level exposures. Immune system problems – such as swollen lymph glands, fever, and fatigue – have also been reported from exposure to air fresheners, along with even more serious conditions such as anaphylaxis, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Dr. Steinemann notes that air fresheners are also linked to autoimmune disorders, weakened immune systems, and adult and childhood cancers. Significantly, the study revealed that many of those experiencing adverse effects had not used the product first-hand. Almost a quarter of all Americans have adverse effects from somebody else’s perfume or cologne – while one in five people suffer adverse effects simply from being in a room previously cleaned with scented cleaners. We’ve all heard of “second-hand smoke” – maybe it’s time to raise awareness of the dangers of “second-hand scents.” But surely products labeled as “green” are safe, right? Although it’s tempting to think otherwise, it turns out that fragrances and deodorizers labeled as “green,” “natural,” and even “100 percent organic” are no safer than their conventional counterparts. Studies have shown that they cause the same level of toxic emissions and are likely to contain the same “witches’ brew” of carcinogenic pollutants. As used on air freshening products, these marketing terms are meaningless – not only undefined but unregulated. (By creating a false sense of safety, they are actually worse than meaningless!) The wisest alternative is to use the non-toxic and inexpensive cleansing and freshening agents you can find in your kitchen: baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice. Unscented castile soap and hydrogen peroxide also get the thumbs-up as safer alternative cleaners. Here’s a health tip: Some natural health experts recommend a mixture of baking soda, water, and vanilla extract for a light, pleasing room spray. You can also create an inviting fragrance by simmering water, orange peels, and cinnamon on a stovetop. You can craft your own personal care products – such as shampoos and moisturizers – using tried-and-true natural ingredients such as rosemary, avocado, olive oil, and lemon juice. Of course, improving room ventilation and identifying and removing the sources of odors could be the most effective solution. And, finally, don’t forget about the ability of houseplants – particularly palms, orchids, and lilies – to purify and sweeten the air naturally. In the end, chemical air fresheners do nothing to clean or purify the air – only release pollutants that temporarily mask odors and cause grave harm to many. We hope you agree with us: It’s time to truly clear the air – especially our indoor air space. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov ChemicalFreeGal.com WSIMG.com WSIMG.com To read the original article click here.

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Toxic Fragrance Chemicals Cause Over a Dozen Adverse Health Reactions

The AHA! Team — Wed, 29 May 2024 08:10:50 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – The dangers of secondhand smoke are well known. But what about the dangers of “secondhand scents? According to a recent study published in The Science of The Total Environment, air fresheners can cause severe adverse health effects such as cardiovascular disease, systemic inflammation, and autonomic dysfunction. Another study showed that a stunning 34 percent of the American population suffers adverse effects after exposure to air fresheners and other scented products. Fully half of those affected experience health problems severe enough to be classified as “disabling.” Keep reading to discover how ordinary scented products can present serious risks to environmental quality and your health. Harm caused by fragrance products is at “epidemic” proportions In a population survey published in Air Quality, Atmosphere, and Health, researcher Professor Anne Steinemann examined the impact of common scented products on the health of 1,136 adults in the United States. Dr. Steinemann, an internationally recognized authority on environmental pollutants’ health effects, concluded that these problems’ adverse effects constituted an “epidemic.” Fragrances are found in a wide variety of commercial products, including laundry detergents, fabric softeners, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, shampoos, hair sprays, soaps, perfumes, and scented candles. Exposure also results from the practice known as “scent branding,” in which fragrances are wafted through the entire indoor environments of public spaces such as hotels, airports, and shops. In fact, Dr. Steinemann reported that 99 percent of Americans are regularly exposed to fragrance products – whether through their own use or through involuntary exposure from someone else’s use. The study revealed that almost a quarter of all Americans experience adverse effects from proximity to someone wearing fragrance products – such as perfumes, colognes, or lotions. 19 percent of the population has problems being in a room that has been cleaned with scented products, while a significant 14 percent experience health problems from the scent of laundry products being vented from homes or businesses into the environment. Reactions to fragrances can be debilitating Exposure to synthetic chemicals in fragrances can cause a range of symptoms, including migraines, dizziness, rashes, muscle cramps, mucosal symptoms, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea or diarrhea. Immune system problems – such as swollen lymph glands, fatigue, and fever – can also occur, along with even more serious conditions such as anaphylaxis, loss of consciousness, seizures, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. Dr. Steinemann reported that the most common adverse effects were respiratory problems at 18.6 percent, congestion at 16.2 percent, and migraine headaches at 15.7 percent. Important note: When it comes to triggering asthma attacks, the Institute of Medicine has placed fragrances in the same category as secondhand smoke. For at least half of the individuals affected, the effects are severe enough to be potentially disabling – as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. In other words, the adverse effects can substantially limit major life activities such as seeing, hearing, eating, walking, learning, reading, communicating, or working. According to the survey, 15 percent of the population reported losing workdays – or even jobs – due to the effects of fragrances. In addition, 22 percent reported having to avoid specific areas because of possible exposure to a fragrance that would sicken them. And 20 percent typically decide to leave an area upon detecting a fragrance. The word “fragrance” is used to disguise a witches’ brew of toxins Outrageously, manufacturers can use a single word – “fragrance” or “perfume” – on a product label in order to designate a cocktail of up to 100 noxious chemicals and synthetic compounds. An analysis of 37 fragrance products showed that they emitted 156 different VOCs (volatile organic compounds), 42 of which are classified as toxic or hazardous under U.S. federal law. Yet, fewer than 3 percent were disclosed on the products’ labels or websites. Fragrance chemicals include human carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxins, respiratory irritants, and toxins such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, chloromethane, and ethanol. Toluene, a hazardous waste product that has been shown to damage the central nervous system, is often found in fragrance samples. According to Dr. Steinemann, even low-level exposure to these toxins can cause serious (unwanted) effects like asthma attacks, anaphylaxis, seizures, and unconsciousness. In addition, synthetic fragrances have been linked to adult and childhood cancers, neurological problems, immune system weakening, and autoimmune disorders. Are we really willing to sacrifice our health for the sake of a pleasing scent? Let the buyer beware: Deceptive labels conceal toxins Warning: a label claiming the product is “green,” “natural,” or “organic” is no guarantee of safety – as even products labeled in this way can emit hazardous environmental pollutants. In another example of deceptive labeling, “unscented” products often contain perfume – a “masking fragrance” that hides the telltale scent of the synthetic chemicals. Fortunately, safe alternatives to toxic cleaning supplies and personal care items do exist. Natural health experts advise using non-toxic standbys such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, lemon juice, and unscented castile soap – while substances such as rosemary, avocado, and olive oil can be used to create natural beauty products. Dr. Steinemann, who says her study has “important implications for businesses, schools, homes, and other private and public places,” strongly recommends the institution of “fragrance-free” policies. As her study makes clear, most Americans do not want to be assaulted by unwanted fragrances – and many have shown they are willing to vacate the premises to avoid these obnoxious irritants. Maybe businesses and manufacturers will take notice. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Sciencedirect.com Link.springer.com Link.springer.com Link.springer.com Drsteinemann.com To read the original article click here.

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Unhealthy “Beauty” Products: The Reason You Need to Get Rid of Fragrances

AHA Publisher — Wed, 13 May 2020 07:00:38 +0000

Rhonda Cowan via NaturalHealth365 – Health and beauty products including shampoos, conditioners, makeup, and, most of all, fragrances of any kind are loaded with thousands of toxic chemicals, and America has banned only 9 of these from public use, even though 40 other countries have banned some 1,300 or more chemicals from their products. Why? Indeed, fragrances contain some of the most dangerous toxins to human health – and why use them, really, when there are healthy alternatives we can use to scent our homes and the air about us that do not endanger our health or the health of the planet? Why Would Flammable Ingredients and Formaldehyde Be Inside “Beauty” Products? Fragrances, whether found in perfumes, dish detergent, or air fresheners, typically contain some of the most dangerous and flammable ingredients known to mankind. Some of the big baddies in terms of chemicals are propane, butane, 1, 4-di-chloro-benzene (1,4-DCB), a proven carcinogen, benzene (a known cause of leukemia), formaldehyde (a well-known cause of respiratory cancers in humans), plus too many other chemicals that are not disclosed to the public or researched for their toxic effects on humans. One of the most shocking ingredients in air fresheners and “plug-ins” is naphthalene, a dangerous chemical found chiefly in mothballs and banned from the EU back in 2009. Naphthalene is known to cause aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, retinal hemorrhage, cataracts, and is strongly linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Synthetic “fragrances” are some of the worst inventions on the planet. They are linked to a long list of frightening health risks, including its neurotoxicity – which can trigger respiratory illnesses of all kinds, including asthma. They are also known hormone disrupting agents that can cause a long list of hormone-based cancers, from breast to prostate cancer. How can this be legal? Supposedly, the United States requires full disclosure of fragrance ingredients if they are used in cosmetics. Really? Well, because fragrance formulas are classified as “trade secrets,” individual components within the fragrance do not have to be disclosed. So either way, we are subjected to an onslaught of harmful chemicals no matter what kind of fragrance product we are using. Keep in mind, those air “fresheners” are completely unregulated. So, What Are Some of the More Dangerous Chemicals in Fragrance? The biggest offenders in fragrance today are: Phthalates: Fragrances contain harmful chemical called phthalates that act as preservatives, helping perfumes and colognes stay on the shelves longer. These phthalates cause numerous deadly health problems including endocrine disruption, decreased sperm motility, respiratory problems, birth defects, low birth weight, premature birth, miscarriage, and damaging children’s IQ in the womb. Parabens: Parabens like phthalates are preservatives that prevent molds in cosmetics. They have a long list of negative health impacts, but most of all, they’re highly estrogenic, meaning they can cause estrogen-based cancers including breast, prostate, and endometrial cancer. Styrenes: Styrene is used to make a wide variety of products, including fragrance. Styrene is also in cigarette smoke and auto exhaust. It is a known carcinogen. Synthetic Musks: Synthetic musks, including nitro-musks and polycyclic musks have been linked to cancer and harm to the nervous and reproductive systems. Healthy Alternatives to Dangerous Synthetic Chemicals in Fragrance The good news is that it’s easy to scent your home naturally. It’s called natural aromatherapy. For natural aromatherapy, you’ll need some 100% pure essential oils like lavender pure essential oil, lemon, orange, or grapefruit essential oil, eucalyptus pure essential oil, or rose pure essential oil – these are just some of the delicious scents you can buy at a low cost. These wonderful scents not only make your home smell great, they also improve human health with plant compounds like antioxidants and other constituents that can benefit health in a long list of ways from helping to ease harmful stress levels to helping to detoxify the home of viruses and bacteria. Think tea tree oil. You can use these pure essential oils in a environmentally safe (meaning, no plastic!) diffuser, dab them on light bulbs, or you can blend them with water and spray them about your home as a natural air freshener. You can also try spraying the fresh scents of lemon and water or pure lavender and rose oil onto fans and then let those scents go about the room. Another great trick is boiling homemade potpourri on the stove, which means basically some orange peel and cinnamon steeped in water. Bottom line: we don’t need the chemicals when we have such a great alternatives. To read the original article click here.

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