Katrina Rosales
Home fragrances are a popular way to enhance the ambiance of a living space, but are they safe? The answer is nuanced. While some natural fragrance options like beeswax candles and essential oils are generally considered safe, synthetic fragrances made from various chemicals and blended with substrates like petroleum-based wax can release harmful chemicals and smoke particles. Even natural fragrances may not be as natural as they seem, as the term natural fragrance is not well-defined or regulated. To ensure safety, it's important to consider the ingredients, substrates, and dispersion methods of home fragrances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe ingredients | Beeswax, 100% cotton wicks, 100% soy wax, essential oils, water |
| Ingredients to avoid | Petroleum-based wax, benzophenone, methyleugenol, styrene, benzene, phthalates, aldehydes, parabens |
| Safe products | Non-toxic room sprays, Zero Odor, Maison Berger unscented alcohol, Grow Fragrance |
| Unsafe products | Aerosol sprays, candles |
| Other considerations | Do not use essential oils in a diffuser if you have pets |
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What You'll Learn
- Beeswax candles are a safer alternative to scented candles as they produce fewer particulates to inhale
- Avoid using essential oils in a diffuser if you have pets, as it can be deadly
- Avoid aerosol sprays, as they may contain harmful chemicals such as benzene, acetone, and propane
- Avoid synthetic fragrances, which are made by blending chemicals and sometimes plant extracts, and are linked to reproductive harm and asthma
- Address the source of any bad odours in your home, rather than simply covering them up with fragrance
Beeswax candles are a safer alternative to scented candles as they produce fewer particulates to inhale
Home fragrances can be made up of a variety of synthetic chemicals and plant extracts. While some may be harmless, others can be toxic. For example, some home fragrances contain benzene, a known carcinogen.
Candles are a common source of home fragrance. Most candles are made from paraffin wax, which is a petroleum by-product. Paraffin candles are bleached and refined using carcinogenic chemicals. When burned, they produce toxic fluoro-carbons and other polluting by-products. Inhaling these toxic fluoro-carbons can damage your olfactory senses. Paraffin candles are also known to cause headaches, allergic reactions, and sinus and lung problems.
Beeswax candles are a safer alternative to scented paraffin candles. They produce fewer particulates to inhale and do not contain the same toxic chemicals as paraffin candles. Beeswax candles also emit negative ions, which attract pollutants in the air, improving the air quality in your home. However, it is important to note that beeswax candles are not entirely soot-free and still produce some indoor air pollution. To minimize indoor air pollution, ensure your beeswax candle is made from 100% pure cappings beeswax and has a natural fiber wick without a metal wire.
When choosing a home fragrance, it is important to consider the scent, what it is blended with, and how it is dispersed into your home. For example, a healthy essential oil may be blended with a petroleum-based wax, releasing unhealthy chemicals and smoke particles when burned. Therefore, it is important to read labels and choose products that are not harmful to your health or the environment.
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Avoid using essential oils in a diffuser if you have pets, as it can be deadly
While essential oils have been touted for their health benefits and medicinal qualities for humans, the same cannot be said for our furry friends. In fact, using essential oils in a diffuser if you have pets can be potentially deadly.
Essential oils in their concentrated form (100%) can be a danger to pets. Cats and dogs who come into contact with these oils, either by walking through them, getting them on their coat, or having them placed directly on their skin, can develop health issues. If ingested, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression may occur.
The sensitivity of pets to essential oils is due to their much stronger sense of smell compared to humans. What might seem like a light scent to us can be overwhelming for them. Citrus oils, for example, are known to be dangerous to cats as they lack the necessary enzyme to break them down. This can lead to heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, and lethargy.
Birds are another type of pet that is particularly sensitive to essential oils. Their respiratory tracts are very sensitive, and exposure to essential oils can lead to serious problems.
If you have pets and are considering using essential oils in a diffuser, it is important to take the necessary precautions. Consult with a holistic veterinarian or pet aromatherapist to understand how to use essential oils safely with your specific pet. Always ensure that your pet can move away from the diffuser if needed and has access to fresh air. Additionally, keep the diffuser out of reach to prevent potential ingestion of the oils.
While diffusion is considered safer than direct application or ingestion, it is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health and safety of your pets.
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Avoid aerosol sprays, as they may contain harmful chemicals such as benzene, acetone, and propane
When it comes to home fragrances, it is important to be mindful of the potential presence of harmful chemicals. One type of product that may contain such chemicals is aerosol sprays. These sprays can sometimes include substances like benzene, acetone, and propane, which can have negative health impacts.
Benzene, for instance, has been identified as a known carcinogen. Its presence has been detected in various aerosol products, including spray sunscreens, deodorants, shampoos, and conditioners. In fact, the discovery of benzene in certain Neutrogena spray sunscreens led Johnson & Johnson to recall affected products, and the issue has prompted further investigations by the Food and Drug Administration into the presence of this chemical in aerosol personal care items.
The inclusion of acetone in aerosol sprays can also be concerning. While acetone is commonly used as a solvent or for cleaning purposes, it has a strong odour and can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Prolonged exposure to acetone vapours may result in adverse health effects, including central nervous system depression and possible reproductive harm.
Additionally, propane is often utilized as a propellant in aerosol cans. While it helps maintain constant pressure and facilitates the consistent dispersion of the product, propane is flammable, increasing the risks associated with using and storing aerosol sprays. The flammability of propane, coupled with the potential presence of other hazardous or flammable liquids in aerosol cans, underscores the necessity of safe storage and disposal practices.
To ensure your safety, it is advisable to avoid aerosol sprays that may contain these harmful chemicals. Opt for alternative fragrance options that do not rely on these potentially dangerous compounds. Your health and well-being are paramount, so staying informed and cautious about the products you use in your home is essential.
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Avoid synthetic fragrances, which are made by blending chemicals and sometimes plant extracts, and are linked to reproductive harm and asthma
Synthetic fragrances are made by blending chemicals and sometimes plant extracts in a lab. The word "natural" is not defined or regulated in the United States, so the phrase "natural fragrance" can be legally used, and make the product seem healthier than it is. Therefore, it is important to look for products labelled "100% essential oil" if you want to avoid synthetic fragrances. Synthetic fragrances contain phthalates, aldehydes, parabens, and are linked with reproductive harm, asthma, heart disease, neurotoxicity, and more. There are 3,600+ synthetic fragrance chemicals currently in existence, and dozens can be combined into a single scent.
To avoid exposure to synthetic fragrances, you can opt for natural alternatives such as beeswax candles, which produce fewer particulates to inhale. You can also try using a candle lamp, which does not require burning the candle. For a spray fragrance, you can try using half a lemon with or without a few drops of essential oil. If you are looking for a non-toxic air freshener, there are many options available on Amazon, including products from brands like Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, Grow Fragrance, Citrus Magic, and ATTITUDE.
When choosing a home fragrance, it is important to consider not only the scent itself but also what it is blended with (the substrate) and how it is dispersed into the air (the throw method). For example, a healthy essential oil may be blended with a petroleum-based wax and burned, releasing unhealthy chemicals and smoke particles. On the other hand, a less healthy essential oil may be safely diffused in pure water, making it a healthier choice. It is also important to note that some essential oils can be harmful to pets, so it is recommended to check with your vet before using them if you have pets.
To ensure the safety of your home fragrance, you can look for products that are transparent about their ingredients and do not rely solely on claims of IFRA approval, as this does not guarantee the absence of harmful chemicals. Additionally, you can address any underlying odour issues in your home, such as drainage problems or mould, instead of overlaying fragrances that may not be safe.
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Address the source of any bad odours in your home, rather than simply covering them up with fragrance
When addressing bad odours in your home, it's important to identify the source and address it directly, rather than simply masking it with fragrances. Here are some tips to help you tackle the problem at its root:
Firstly, locate the source of the odour. This may be as simple as checking your garbage or noticing a smell coming from a particular room, like the kitchen or bathroom. Kitchens, in particular, can be a source of bad odours due to food particles trapped in hard-to-reach places, spoiled food in the fridge, or spills on cooktops and inside ovens. Try cleaning your cooktop and oven regularly, including the hood's grease filter, to prevent burning smells and improve air circulation.
Another common source of odours is the garbage. Avoid putting perishable items in your indoor bin, as they can decompose and cause unpleasant smells. Take out the garbage regularly, and if there are particularly strong smells coming from your trash can, clean it with soapy water or a bleach solution.
Your refrigerator could also be the culprit. Spilled or spoiled food in the fridge can cause odours, so it's important to clean it regularly and dispose of expired food promptly. An open box of baking soda can help absorb these odours.
In the bathroom, check your sink drain and disposal for any built-up food residue or grease, which can encourage bacteria growth and cause unpleasant smells. Use disposal cleaner tablets to clean and deodorize your garbage disposal.
Additionally, be mindful of fabrics and textiles in your home, such as bed sheets, clothes, and towels, which can retain body odours. Wash these items regularly, especially in hot and humid climates.
If you're dealing with a persistent odour that comes and goes, it could be due to mould or mildew, sewer gas, or even a natural gas leak. In such cases, it's important to seek professional help to address the issue safely and effectively.
While fragrances can help enhance your living space, addressing the root cause of bad odours is a more sustainable and healthier approach to maintaining a fresh and pleasant-smelling home.
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Frequently asked questions
Essential oils are generally safe to use as home fragrances, but it is important to ensure that they are 100% essential oil and not blended with any other harmful chemicals. If you have pets, it is best to avoid using essential oils in a diffuser as it can be deadly for them.
Scented candles may release unhealthy chemicals and smoke particles into the air, depending on what they are made from and what they are blended with. It is recommended to look for candles made from 100% soy wax and cotton wicks, or to use a candle lamp as a safer alternative.
Some aerosol home fragrances may contain harmful chemicals such as benzene, acetone, and propane. It is important to check the ingredients and choose products that use safer alternatives such as nitrogen gas as a propellant.
Yes, there are non-toxic alternatives to traditional home fragrances. For example, using a product like Zero Odor to remove offending scents, or natural alternatives such as placing half a lemon with or without a few drops of essential oil in your garbage disposal and running it with hot water.
