House Hunting?

by | building biology, buildings and health, chemical sensitivities, chemically sensitive, ehs, electric fields, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, EMR, family, gases, health, heavy metals, house hunting, indoor air quality, informed choice, lead, mold, mould

Moving (and house hunting) is a highly stressful time…

Add to the mix the need to avoid environmental stressors, keep to a tight budget and manage with low tolerance – house hunting becomes almost impossible.

Sound familiar?

I get it – not only have I been there myself, but I've also guided many clients through this process.

I have also seen things go pear-shaped. Very pear-shaped… Like one of my earliest pre-purchase inspections. 

You would not believe what happened…

My client arranged for me to do the inspection… So I arrived on this sunny afternoon, excited to determine if this house was suitable for him.

“Let's go in!” I said.

“Uh-uh! Not me. Every time I go in there, I get sick. You go in and assess it.”

I did a double-take.

Why would he want me to assess the place if he can't be in while I inspect it????

I explained the scenario to him – all set to head back to the office. But he wanted to go ahead. So, I did. And my report recommended that he keep looking. My professional advice was disregarded. He bought the place…

And moved out almost as fast as he had moved in.

There is no need to make the same mistakes.

If you have been looking for a new place no doubt money is tight. You may not have enough time to organise a professional indoor environmental health assessment done. Stress levels are through the roof.

You've moved before, and it is essential that you don't have to move again because you can't end up in another place that is unsafe, nay, uninhabitable.

The track running in your mind goes something like this:

What do I do? 

How can I avoid the things that make me sick? 

How can I protect your health and that of my loved ones? 

Am I right?

So here's what you can do:

  • Learn my “Crystal Ball” method;
  • Draw on my training, experience and insight so that you can keep a property on or your list or cross it off with confidence; and
  • Become EMPOWERED to make sound decisions for your health and that of your loved ones.

You don't need to invest tens of thousands of dollars or years of time training and equipment…

You just need someone to show you #PROtips and tricks so that you can shortlist properties for yourself with confidence…

eco-health-solutions natural

Thus, I have curated this course.

I want you to:

  1. Be able to confidently cross places off your list, keeping only the good ones;
  2. Avoid having to gather the energy to look at places, only to be sick for weeks after;
  3. Save time, money and energy.

All of my years of training, experience, up skilling and knowledge have been consolidated into 13 online lessons, complete with worksheets, my black book of online resources and the essential 122-point checklist so you know you've covered all bases.

Just what the doctor ordered, hey?

  • Do you suffer from environmental sensitivities?
  • Desperately trying to find a home that isn’t going to make you sick, or sicker?
  • Feel forced to settle on a less-than-ideal home because funds are tight?
  • Multiple home assessments haven’t helped you find the perfect place, but you can’t afford to keep coughing up cash?

A LIFE-CHANGING ONLINE COURSE THAT’S ONE-OF-A-KIND 

In Looking for a New Place? How to Avoid the Pitfalls, indoor environmental health expert Lucinda Curran reveals how to streamline the house-hunting process, eliminate uninhabitable homes with confidence, and make a promising shortlist of homes for professional assessments.

No more:

  • Time wasted on pointless inspections
  • Money spent on unnecessary assessments
  • Needless exposure to toxins at inspections
  • Settling for uninhabitable properties
  • Heartache on learning that the ‘perfect’ home wasn’t right after all

“THIS COURSE IS A MUST” 

“I am now better able to rule out unsuitable properties from the comfort of my home which saves me time, energy and cuts down on exposures. The checklist of what to look for in and around the property is very comprehensive and makes it so easy to look for the potential dangers that may be lurking. This course is a must have for anyone wanting to know what to look for and avoid when searching for a healthy home.”

– Genevieve, VIC

Check it out here. 👉

Please note: this course does NOT take the place of a professional Indoor Environmental Health Assessment.

BUT it does mean you don't have to have so many! 🙂

Do You Ventilate Your Home?

by | building biology, fragrances, health, indoor air quality, indoor environmental health, mold, mould, VOCs

Do You Ventilate Your Home?

What did I notice when I first started assessing homes? I discovered something that surprised me – and still does. A vast number of people don’t ventilate their homes.

This means, that in many cases they rarely (or never) open windows and doors to air the place out.

Why is this a problem?

Put simply, it means that everything builds up. Statistics have shown that the indoor air can be anywhere from 5-10 times MORE polluted that the outdoor air!

The indoor air is not diluted, which can result in dangerous levels of indoor air contaminants, including the deadly carbon monoxide.

If you use pesticides, including plug-ins, the levels of neurotoxins will build up.

It means that levels of volatile organic compounds build up – this is obviously made worse with the use of “air fresheners,” scented reeds and the like.

It means that moisture builds up – from bathing and cooking, but also breathing and perspiring. This can create the right environment for mould to flourish.

*Every day* open your windows and doors to exchange the air.

#ventilate #openwindows #diluteIndoorAir

“Bake Outs,” Ozone and Our Indoor Air

by | building biology, buildings and health, chemicals, indoor air quality, indoor environmental health, VOCs

I want to share some information about ozone, VOCs and our indoor air.

From here, I will share my stance on “bake outs,” so let's start at the end to make sure it all makes sense.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

The best example of VOCs is the smell of the cleaning aisle in the supermarket.

That smell – the waft get when you are approaching the cleaning aisle… You know the one?

That is the VOCs being released from the cleaning products.

What is a “Bake Out”?

A “bake out” is a process that utilises the notion that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released at a higher rate where there is an increase in temperature. To carry out this technique, you would close up a room or building, crank the heating, and bake out the VOCs. But wait!

BUT, where do they go?

Some can be absorbed by building materials (eg plasterboard) and furnishings (eg curtains, couches, carpet) and much remains in the air.

AND, what happens?

That is part of what I wanted to talk about today.

What is Ozone?

Ozone, is a pale blue gas that is a natural part of our atmosphere. At ground level, ozone can cause damage to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The US EPA have created a guide relating to the risks it can pose, as well as offering a proactive approach to protecting health. You can read it here.

Ozone can be introduced to our indoor air via some “air purifiers” – namely ones that deliberately produce ozone, and as a byproduct of ionisers (Britigan, et al, 2006). This can result in levels being well in excess of exposure standards.

Indoor Air Concerns

Ozone, apart from its known health risks, can be very problematic in the indoor environment.

Due to it's molecular structure, ozone readily interacts with other gases (particularly VOCs) to form byproducts – some known, some unknown.

Summary: In a Nutshell

  • Avoid doing bake outs
  • Avoid anything that produces ozone, including ionising air purifiers
  • Introduce more plants in and around your home

And…

Open your doors and windows several times a day to exchange the air and reduce the build up of VOCs and other indoor air contaminants.

Join our Healthy (and Safe) Living Group to discover more
References

  • Britigan, N,  Alshawa, A, and Nozkordoc, SA (May 2006) Quantification of Ozone Levels in Indoor Environments Generated by Ionization and Ozonolysis Air Purifiers J Air Waste Manag Assoc (Online) available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16739796
  • US EPA (August 2015) Air Quality Guide for Ozone (Online) available at https://www3.epa.gov/airnow/ozone/air-quality-guide_ozone_2015.pdf (3 November 2017)

#ozone #airpurifiers #bakeouts #indoorairquality

Indoor Air Pollution and Health

by | chemicals, environmental sensitivities, health, indoor air quality, indoor environmental health, mold, mould

Indoor Air Pollution and Health

Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.

Immediate effects

Immediate effects may show up after a single exposure or repeated exposures. These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Such immediate effects are usually short-term and treatable.

Sometimes the treatment is simply eliminating the person's exposure to the source of the pollution, if it can be identified.

The likelihood of immediate reactions to indoor air pollutants depends on several factors. Age and pre-existing medical conditions are two important influences. In other cases, individual sensitivity determines whether a person reacts to a pollutant. Some people can become sensitised to biological pollutants and to chemical pollutants as well.

Certain immediate effects are similar to those from colds or other viral diseases. This can make it difficult to determine if the symptoms are a result of exposure to indoor air pollution. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to the time and place symptoms occur.

If the symptoms fade when a person is away from home, an effort should be made to identify possible sources. Some effects may be made worse by an inadequate supply of fresh air. Fresh air can come from outside, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems within the home.

Long-term Effects

Other health effects may show up either years after exposure has occurred or only after repeated periods of exposure. These effects, which include some respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. It is so important to improve the indoor air quality in your home. This is the still the case even if symptoms are mild or barely noticeable.

While pollutants commonly found in indoor air are responsible for many harmful effects, there is considerable uncertainty about what concentrations or periods of exposure are necessary to produce specific health problems. People also react very differently to exposure to indoor air pollutants.

This is where getting a professional in to assess the situation can be helpful. It is important to determine the cause and what actions can be taken to remedy the situation.

eco health solutions fresh

10 Steps You Can Take To Improve The Indoor Air Quality of Your Home

Clean the air in your home your goal by both keeping outdoor pollution out and also by increasing the ventilation within your home by ensuring a thorough exchange the air on a daily basis.

  1. Make your home a shoe-free zone
  2. Ensure your home is smoke-free
  3. If you have a leaks, drips or water damage, attend to it immediately. Anything that is wet must be completely dried out within 24 hours – if not, mould remediators may be required
  4. Keep food in sealed containers – jars, tins – whether they be in the pantry or the fridge
  5. Dispose of rubbish, recycling and compost every single day
  6. Do the laundry regularly
  7. Avoid idling your car in the driveway or garage
  8. Close the windows during peak-hour traffic
  9. Avoid using anything that is scented, particularly scented candles, reeds and air fresheners
  10. If you have gas appliances, be sure that they are flued and vented to the exterior. If you have a gas stove, use an externally vented extractor fan.

Book a Call to Resolve Your Healthy Home Issues

Non-Stick Pans – Should You Stick With Them?

by | building biology, chemicals, cooking, diet and lifestyle, health, indoor air quality

The introduction of non-stick pans has allowed us to use less oil in our cooking, which is great. It is also easy to clean, make it a “tool of choice” for kitchen staff.

However there are a number of concerns about these products.

Non-Stick Pans: History

I love to understand why and how things come about, so here’s the story on non-stick pans.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Back in 1938, there was a fellow by the name of Plunkett who was working for a chemical company. His job was to make refrigerants using tetrafluoroethylene gas. He noticed the canister registered empty before it weighed empty, so, he cut open a canister and discovered a slippery white waxy coating lining the inside of the tin. In 1945, the Teflon trademark was registered for PTFE.

By 1948, it was being used by DuPont in their marine products. In 1954, the wife of an engineer urged him to use the product he was using on his tackle (“Teflon”) on her cooking pans ~ and thus was born the first Teflon coated cooking pan! In the US, Marion Trozzolo had been using Teflon on scientific utensils, and in 1961 marketed the “Happy Pan.”

Perfluorooctanic Acid (PFOA) (aka C8)

The story isn’t so interesting here, just that 3M began using it in 1947 and DuPont in 1951. In 1999, the US EPA began investigating the toxicity of it, which resulted in 3M phasing it out. Not only is it used in non-stick pans, but waxed papers, dental floss and tape, stone, tile and wood sealants, and textiles products, particularly outdoor clothing.

eco health solutions health

Dangers

PTFE pyrolysis is detectable at 200oC (392oF) – which means it begins to break down from heat.

Studies have documented bird deaths from PTFE at 202oC (396oF), with reports of bird deaths from non-stick cookware being heated to 163oC (325oF). Interestingly, it is the degradation by-products that are lethal to birds and can cause flu-like symptoms in humans.

In 2003, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) petitioned the US government to have warning labels on products with non-stick coatings.

In terms of the temperatures I am talking about, this will give you a better guide:

Meat is usually fried from 204-232oC (399-450oF)

Smoking point for many oils is 260oC (500oF) – but safflower and avocado oil have a higher smoking point

Empty cookware that is heating can exceed this

Persisting…

PFOA persists in the environment – meaning that it does not breakdown. It is toxic and carcinogenic to animals. In 1961, DuPont was aware that it was causing hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver) in mice fed with PFOA (Arneson 1961, Clapp).

2012 studies have linked PFOA exposure to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, hypercholesterolemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension (Nicole, 2013). It is thought the general population is exposed to it via stain resistant treatments, carpet cleaning liquids, house dust, microwave popcorn bags, water, food and some PTFE cookware.

Carcinogenic…

PFOA is recognised as being carcinogenic, toxic to the liver, toxic to the immune system, and as being an endocrine disruptor (particularly thyroid) (Lau, 2007). As well, it alters fat metabolism and oxidative stress.

New Generation

The new pots and pans are making a range of claims. Collecting adequate data from the companies was a tad difficult, so the following represents information gathered from websites, and where assumptions have been made, I have made it clear.

Woll

Woll have a video to show the manufacturing process.

There is no mention of PTFE or PFOA, but I assume from what they have said, that these are not used in creating this surface.

They use “diamond crystals” to create their non-stick surface. These are not really diamonds, but titanium dioxide (TiO2 CAS 13463-67-7). My research showed that titanium dioxide has the potential to react with aluminium (used in Woll cookware) and other metals at high temperatures resulting in a “violent or incandescent reaction” (you can read this in the MSDS here: http://www.chemicalbook.com/ProductMSDSDetailCB0461627_EN.htm). What constitutes a high temperature is unclear.

My other concern is that it appears that Titanium Dioxide Type 4 is used in cookware, and this is in the form of nanoparticles.

Due to the current lack of understanding of the safety of nanoparticles, I must err on the side of caution and not recommend this product.

eco health solutions fresh

Stonedine

Stonedine claim to be free from PTFE and PFOA. Two big ticks for these.

I really struggled to get meaningful information from the company to my specific questions – I really only had a staff member cut and paste information from their website that I had already read.

Stonedine says that the surface of their products “actually contains real stone particles that are directly bonded to the aluminium then fused to a 1/8 inch thick ferromagnetic stainless steel base plate…”

What I understand of this is that aluminium makes up some of the cooking surface.

I assume, because it has not been stated and I could not get answers, that the stone surface is something at least similar, if not the same as Woll’s.

Again, I would not recommend this product based on the information that I currently have – namely the nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and the aluminium on the cooking surface.

FlavorStone™

These pans are claimed to be PFOA-free. Here’s a quote direct from their site “FlavorStone™cookware is manufactured using the latest advances in technology and design.  FlavorStone™ cookware is highly durable and is designed to last as long as the tough sapphire gemstone that inspired its name.”

In terms of more helpful information, it has, “multiple layers of water-base [sic] non-stick coating” and has an aluminium alloy core with a stainless steel induction base.

It sounds like the aluminium is not in contact with the food – which is a good thing.

However, there does not seem to be enough information provided about what the non-stick coating is.

I have trawled through their site and manuals, and have come to the conclusion (an assumption) that the surface may in fact be PTFE. This is based on the care instructions which are very much focused on temperature, and the durability seems less than the two mentioned above – suggesting that the surface is quite different.

eco-health-solutions natural

My Recommendations

Stove-Top:

  • Good old-fashioned stainless steel pots and pans win hands-down for me.
  • If you have a problem with nickel, you can get a form of stainless steel that is 18/0 (ie 0% nickel). SolidTeknics have a range (Nöni™) which are stainless steel and nickel-free
  • Ceramic cookware, such as Silit Silargan
  • Wrought Iron, such as SolidTeknics Aus-Ion™ Satin range

Other options:

  • Pottery pots and pans (where the glazes do not contain lead);
  • Enamel pots and pans

Baking:

We haven’t really focused on this at all here, but I do need to say very clearly, that I do NOT recommend silicone bakeware. Also, please avoid baking sheets and bags as these are coated with silicone.

What I do recommend is:

  • Borosilicate glass;
  • Glass ceramics – such as Corningware; and
  • Traditional pizza stones.

#nonstick #cooking #healthyfoodprep

UPDATED: 16 December 2019

References:

Arneson, Gerald J. (November 1961) “Toxicity of Teflon Dispersing Agents” DuPont, Polychemicals Department, Research & Development Division, Experimental Station

Clapp, Richard; Polly Hoppin, Jyotsna Jagai, Sara Donahue “Case Studies in Science Policy: Perfluorooctanoic Acid” Project on Scientific Knowledge and Public Policy (SKAPP)

DanozDirect (2014) FlavorStoneTM(multiple related pages) viewed online at http://www.danozdirect.com.au/flavorstone/

Lau C, Anitole K, Hodes C, Lai D, Pfahles-Hutchens A, Seed J (October 2007) “Perfluoroalkyl acids: a review of monitoring and toxicological findings” Toxicol. Sci. 99 (2): 366–94

Nicole, W. (2013). “PFOA and Cancer in a Highly Exposed Community: New Findings from the C8 Science Panel” Environmental Health Perspectives 121 (11–12)

StoneDine (n.d.) Stonedine (multiple related pages) viewed online at http://www.stonedine.com/

The Chemical Book (2008) Titania (13463-67-7) viewed online at http://www.chemicalbook.com/ProductMSDSDetailCB0461627_EN.htm

Woll Cookware (2014) Woll Cookware (multiple related pages) viewed online at http://www.woll-cookware.com.au/

photo credit: Marty Harrington on Unsplash

Chemical In Baby Wipes Linked To Rise In Skin Problems

by | babies, chemicals, perfumes, personal care products

Australian newspaper The Age reported yesterday that a chemical ingredient used as a preservative in baby wipes and other personal care products is being linked to an increase of dermatological conditions.

In her article, Bridie Smith quotes Rosemary Nixon, dermatologist from the Skin and Cancer Foundation, who identifies that methylisthiazolinone (MI) was linked to 11.3% of skin reactions in the 353 patients seen in 2013 at two of their clinics.

The Chemical?

I am sharing this because I think that there is more at play that the isolated preservative methylisothiazolinone. I want to draw your attention to the information contained in the material data safety sheet (MSDS) about this ingredient.

Eye contact – Contact may cause severe eye irritation or chemical burns, which may result in permanent eye injury.

Skin contact – Contact may cause severe burns with symptoms of pain, local redness, swelling, and tissue damage. Prolonged or widespread contact may result in allergic skin reactions. 

Ingestion – These products can be toxic if swallowed. Large amounts may cause serious injury, even death. 

Inhalation – Heated vapor or mist may cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat) and lungs. 

Other – Similar materials have not caused cancer, birth defects, or fetal effects in animal testing.

(The Dow Chemical Company, 17 December 2010, Product Safety Assessment: DOW™ Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) Antimicrobial Products available at https://msdssearch.dow.com/PublishedLiteratureDOWCOM/dh_07ee/0901b803807ee59c.pdf?filepath=productsafety/pdfs/noreg/233-00792.pdf&fromPage=GetDoc)

Please note that prolonged skin contact can result in allergic skin reactions.

This is the sort of information that I procure when I determine the safety and/or the associated risk of ingredients and products for my clients.What upsets me, is that manufacturers KNOW about these risks of exposure while formulating their products, but choose to use these ingredients anyway.

I am going to also point out, that apart from alcohol, which is drying to the skin, and can damage the integrity of it, and this preservative that is known to cause allergic skin reaction with use over a long period of time, there are other ingredients to be mindful of in these kinds of products.

My #1 RED FLAG Ingredient is “Fragrance”

Fragrance is made up of a cocktail of chemicals that is never listed, in order to protect “trade secrecy” – that is the secret recipe to creating that scent.

Commonly, upwards of 100 chemicals are used to create a fragrance. Of the 10,000+ ingredients used to make fragrances, less than 10% have been tested for the safety for human use. As I have mentioned, due to trade secrecy, manufacturers are not required to list their ingredients for consumers – which makes it hard to avoid certain chemicals.

In an effort to create some transparency, the International Fragrance Association has listed ingredients commonly used in this industry. Scanning through the list, I was alarmed to see the number of known or suspected carcinogens, known skin and lung irritants and others that have been linked to adverse health effects. I have written more about this in a previous post “Perfumes Stink” – which you can read here.

eco-health-solutions-home

What To Do?

One thing I want to point out is that I have had a significant proportion of my clients report thrush-like symptoms. On my recommendation, they have begun to use UNSCENTED toilet paper. Interestingly, most of these symptoms disappear.

So, for babies to adults, I would highly recommend keeping products simple – particularly in those delicate areas.

  • babies: use water and microfibre cloths
  • children and adults: use unscented toilet paper
  • bathing: unscented and un-dyed natural soaps
  • menstruation: organic cloth pads that can be washed in unscented soap (ie avoid plastic-lined, scented, bleached products)

Join our Group on social media to find out more on a regular basis.

Perfumes – Their History

by | chemicals, diet and lifestyle, health, indoor air quality, ingredients, perfumes

The History of Perfumes

Perfumes have a long history…

Once upon a time in a land far away there lived a wise and wonderful woman.

Her name was Tapputi-Belatikallim, or Tapputi for short.

She worked within the palace with flowers, oils and balsam. Relying on her skills as a chemist, she made perfumes from these natural wonders that were available to her.

perfumes rose

Tapputi lived around 3000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Her work was referenced on a cuneiform tablet – a clay tablet into which messages were impressed or engraved. Tapputi is the world’s first recorded chemist.

Something else was happening in another land not too far away… At around the same time, there was an enormous perfume factory on the island of Cyprus. Amazingly, this factory covered 4000m2, which suggests that it was being made on a large scale.

Clearly, men and women have used perfume throughout the ages. It is also clear that there has always been a close interplay between chemistry and perfumery.

More Recently

During the first millennia, two Iraqi chemists established the perfume industry. Their names were Jābir ibn Hayyān (known as Geber) and Al-Kindi (known as Alkindus). They developed techniques that are used today. These include distillation, evaporation and filtration.

Al-Kindi extensively researched perfumes and pharmaceuticals, and wrote a book (during the 9th century). This book contained over one hundred recipes, “Book of the Chemistry of Perfume and Distillations.”

During the 14th century, a perfume was made for Queen Elizabeth of Hungary from scented oils in an alcohol solution. This became known as “Hungary Water.” During this time, it was mostly the royalty of the West that used perfumery.

As time went on, perfume became more and more popular. The perfume industry responded to this demand. This meant that they found ways to make large quantities of perfumes quickly, cheaply and without relying on crops.

Predominantly, perfumes today are made from chemicals, which are not so costly for the manufacturers and provide a reliable source.

eco health solutions health

My history of perfumes…

When I was little, Mum had a bottle of perfume that she would wear on special occasions. That single bottle, I think, lasted my whole childhood. It was precious and used to mark an event.

From a young age, I recall knowing where Mum was taking us because I could identify the smell. As a teenager, I retraced Mum’s steps and sniffed out the shop where she bought her freshly-ground coffee… An aroma that I still cherish!

Scents are strongly emotive and can cause the memories of places, thoughts, people, emotions and more, to resurface quickly.

Being blessed with an acute sense of smell, I count myself as super lucky. I have greatly enjoyed working with and blending essential oils since I was 18 years old.

I feel honoured to be using more traditional methods in my work. Using essential oils, to me, is using something as close to nature as possible. Not only the fragrance, but also the energetic qualities are captured through cold-pressing and distillation.

Now, with my allergies and sensitivities, I am grateful that I am absolutely fine with anything natural. A while back, a mere waft of a chemical fragrance and the story is very different.

In hindsight, Mum's sparing use of perfume probably kept my tolerance at a decent level… Hilariously, the only perfume that I was given, and I was 17 at the time, was “Poison”!!

Wishing you all the best of health!

(c) 26/10/12

Perfume Stinks

by | air fresheners, building biology, chemicals, endocrine disruptors, indoor air quality, perfumes, scents

They may smell nice, but perfume stinks in terms of what it is made of.

Prompted by the discovery of a list of ingredients used in perfumery on the International Fragrance Association, I felt it time to write, about the toxic chemical cocktail used in fragrances and perfumes.

Perfume – A Brief Overview

Perfumes are as old as humanity ~ in ancient times, perfumes were made from flowers and other naturally scented things, including wood (sandalwood), rind (orange), blossoms (jasmine, rose) and so on.

As technology “advanced,” (I always cringe at the idea that the industrial revolution only improved or advanced humankind), manufacturers found chemicals (esters and other aromatic compounds) that could mimic these smells.

These allowed for a cheap alternatives (although you would hardly think so when you consider the price of perfumes).

I remember in high school making smells from chemicals – banana and other sickly sweet smells that permeated our erasers, paper, pens and similar at the time.

Due to the “trade secret” aspect of perfumery, there is no need for manufacturers to list their ingredients (or potential allergens, for that matter) anywhere for the public to see.

Perfume – And It's Effects

Until now, I have felt like some eccentric spokesperson out on a limb far far away from reality, ranting and raving about the chemicals used, the toxic effects on our health, and the insanity of the inclusion of untested chemicals in our perfume and personal care products.

Added to this, there is the complete unknown consequences of using these chemicals together (known as the synergistic effect).

Rachel Carson (in “Silent Spring”) wrote about this in the 1960s.

Scientists are beginning to notice that there are changes to many species, these changes are particularly affecting the males. Male genitals are not developing normally, male are becoming “feminised.”

There is a lot that is being discovered, and a lot that is being brushed aside by the wealthy manufacturers and big businesses.

The WHO, in 2012 recognised that many chemicals contained in perfumes and other personal care products are in fact endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) – this means that they are disrupting the normal functioning of the hormone system which can have developmental, reproductive and longer-term health repercussions.

Recently, I saw this question: teen pregnancies are lower now ~ is this due to the marketing/education campaigns or the effects of the chemicals being used?

I can only guess at the answer, and no doubt, you will be able to guess at my guess.eco health solutions fresh

Perfume – Some Ingredients

But let's look at some of the chemicals used in perfume, from the list from the International Fragrance Association… and I will list the potential effects as per The Chemical Maze (Bill Statham's book).

Triethanolamine (TEA) made from ethylene oxide and ammonia

potential effects: allergic contact dermatitis; skin irritation; may react with nitrates to form nitrosamines [carcinogenic]; on NIH hazard list

Yikes! It is included in personal care products, perfumes too, that are applied to the SKIN even though it is a skin IRRITANT!

Benzyl Cinnamate

potential effects: Cinnamates can cause a stinging sensation in some people; on NIH hazard list

And another one!!

Acetal (derived from acetaldehyde)

potential effects: CNS [central nervous system] depressant; respiratory depression; cardiovascular collapse; no known skin toxicity; possible high blood pressure; on NIH hazard list

How reassuring (please excuse my tongue being firmly wedged in my cheek) that there is no skin toxicity… If my central nervous system and cardiovascular system collapse, I hardly think I would be worrying about the skin irritation…

What is ultra-scary, is that these chemicals, because they are “misted” are easily inhaled… This means that they bypass the skin and can directly enter the blood stream, and also affect the brain (hence the CNS involvement).

I won't keep going with the list. I randomly picked three… and to me, that says enough to know that at the very least CAUTION IS WARRANTED.

eco-health-solutions-house

Perfume – Why Do We Need It?

As a health care practitioner, I also have to ask: why do people need perfume???

  • Is it to mask body odour?
  • Or because their indoor air is polluted?
  • Do you smoke in the car? Why??

If it is any of these reasons, then I would be seeking to address the underlying problem: I would look into diet (including medications) and lifestyle, and probably prescribe herbs; I would suggest opening windows and increasing ventilation, and if the outside air is bad, suggest getting a decent air purifier; I would explore why they smoke and assist them with quitting, if they were ready…

A Word on Air Fresheners

Did you also know that “air fresheners” do three things: they inhibit your ability to smell properly, they coat everything with a layer of scent held there with phthalates and they add a synthetic fragrance.

What this means, is that the problem isn't addressed – and as such, they are hardly freshening the air.

The smell is still there, but –

  1. You can't smell it properly,
  2. Your nasal passages, skin, clothing and hair are all coated with fragrance and phthalates, and
  3. There is now an abundance of chemicals in your home ~ adversely affecting the indoor air quality.

Please think before using a synthetic fragrance of any kind…

And, if you need further advice please get in touch.

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References:

#perfume #fragrance #chemicalsandhealth
(c) 3/2/12, rev 11/2/16