We’d all probably like our homes to smell nice, but is it worth risking our health and the health of our planet for it? Many people don’t think twice about using air fresheners, enjoying scents like “Summer Breeze,” without realizing the potential harm to their health, their family’s health, including unborn children and pets.
While plug-in air fresheners are better than sprays – which contribute to ozone depletion – they still aren’t free from environmental and health concerns. Air fresheners often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals known to be harmful to both our health and the environment. For instance, a study by Anne Steinemann from the University of Washington found that several leading air freshener brands contain acetaldehyde, a probable human carcinogen and a federally-designated hazardous air pollutant.
The chemicals in air fresheners can build up in our bodies over time, leading to health issues that might not immediately be traced back to these products. Although plug-in air fresheners seemed like a great advancement in home scenting, scientists have discovered many toxic substances in them, including:
– Phthalates: Linked to reproductive issues and testosterone production interference. The Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC) found phthalates in the majority of air fresheners tested. These chemicals can cause birth defects, reproductive harm, asthma, and allergy symptoms.
– Naphthalene: Common in plug-in air fresheners and has been shown to cause lung cancer in lab rats; it may have similar effects on humans.
– Formaldehyde: This known carcinogen is used in many household products and is linked to nose and throat cancer, chronic irritation, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
– Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Used to disperse scents but are harmful. For example, 1,4-Dichlorobenzene has been found in the blood of 96% of U.S. adults and is linked to lung damage. Dichlorobenzene has also been linked to pet bird deaths and is a primary ingredient in DDT, a dangerous pesticide.
Even occasional use of these fresheners can increase the risk of developing asthma by up to 71%. Instead, consider making your own air fresheners, which are much safer for your family and the environment.
Make Your Own Gel Fresheners
For a natural and safe way to freshen your home, try making gel fresheners. They’re easy to make, customizable with any scent and color, and fun to look at! Here’s a quick guide on how to make them:
Supplies
– 1 packet unflavored gelatin
– 3/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup vodka or 1 tablespoon of salt
– 15 drops essential oil (e.g., Plant Therapy Lemon and Spring Blossom)
– 1-2 drops food coloring
– Small glass jars (e.g., half-pint mason jars)
– Lids with vents or holes (e.g., mason jar lids with a straw hole)
Instructions
1. Boil 3/4 cup of water in a small saucepan.
2. Add the gelatin packet and stir until dissolved. When the water boils more aggressively, turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Add 1/4 cup of vodka (or substitute with one tablespoon of salt).
4. Pour the mixture into small jars.
5. Add food coloring and stir.
6. Add 10-15 drops of essential oils and stir.
7. Refrigerate until set.
8. Place a lid with vents or use cheesecloth over the jars. This keeps debris out and allows the scent to flow.
Fun Scent Combinations
Here are some scent combinations you can try:
– The Flower Garden: Lavender, Geranium, Grapefruit
– Pure Joy: Tangerine, Lavender, Lime, Spearmint
– A Walk in the Woods: Cedarwood, White Fir, Frankincense
– Citrus Refresher: Mandarin Orange, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit
– Bugs Be Gone: Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Basil, Thyme
– Fall Cider: Ginger, Orange, Cinnamon
– Pumpkin Pie: Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove Bud, Nutmeg
– Candy Cane: Wintergreen, Sweet Orange
– Christmas In the Air: Fir Needle or Spruce, Orange, Wintergreen
Other Homemade Air Freshener Alternatives:
1. Scented Wood Blocks: Coat wooden blocks with essential oil for a reusable and customizable scent source.
2. Baking Soda/Essential Oils: Mix baking soda with essential oils. Replace when the baking soda starts to harden.
3. A Relaxing and Uplifting Room Spray: DIY room sprays with essential oils tailored to different moods and purposes.
4. Simmer Pot: Simmer water with ingredients like apples, cloves, and cinnamon sticks for a natural home fragrance.
5. Potpourri: Combine fragrant herbs, essential oils, and dried flowers.
6. Coffee: Use bowls of fresh ground coffee to neutralize strong odors.
These DIY options not only keep your home smelling fresh but also protect your health and the environment.
