JUST SAY NO TO CAR FRESHENERS
You have all seen the little tree shaped designs hanging from car rear-view mirrors. They are cute and they make the car smell good—what is bad about that? Car interiors tend to be slightly neglected in terms of cleaning. Forgotten food spills, the kids cast off clothes, the pet blanket and more can add up to some funky smells. It is tempting to exchange those odors for something nice smelling like one of those “little trees” (thus putting off the cleaning job a bit longer). They and other products like them are everywhere and they are inexpensive. Besides, the smell makes you feel good—until you don’t. Unfortunately, you might never connect your health- related symptoms to something so innocent as a little scent infused do-dad in your car.
According to the International Fragrancy Association, there are in excess of 4000 chemicals that can be combined in different formulas to produce pleasant odors. This group goes on to say that 95% of these chemicals are derivatives of petroleum and many of them are known to cause a range of health issues. Usually these health-related studies have been on these chemicals one at a time. In our “little tree” example, there is an unknown mixture of chemicals (differs with different scents) gassing off continually. The humans and pets using this enclosed space (in the car cabin with windows shut for the most part) over a long period of time are being exposed more than one would expect. Of course, different people (and different ages) may react more to one chemical over another. However, the list of possible chemicals makes one decide that the nice smell is not worth the risk. Some of the chemicals are phthalates, known to cause endocrine system disruptions, acetaldehyde, affecting lung function and said to cause cancer, benzene, said to cause cancer and many others dangerous chemicals. Some of the health risks are asthma, breathing difficulties, contact dermatitis, brain fog & low- grade depression, headaches, migraines, lung and liver disorders, nervous disorders, dizziness, vertigo, endocrine disorders, reproduction disorders and cancer.
You can make your own cardboard cut-outs infused with essential oils, or you can purchase a vent diffuser to use with essential oils. Remember that these oils are potent and a drop or two are all that you need. You can make a bag of potpourri to place in the car—or make your own odor absorber with baking soda in a cloth bag. Also, it is good to know that some products labeled unscented are likely to have one or more of the chemicals listed above to mask the odor of glues and dyes. The manufacturer is not required to list it. If all else fails—clean the car and crack open a window.
EARTH STEWARD ACTION: Natural remedies are usually best. Make your own car freshener.
SOURCES: https://naturallivingfamily.com/are-air-fresheners-bad-for-you
https://nourishedessentials.com/blog/home/the-hidden-risks-of-using-car-air-fresheners
