http://health.msn.com/centers/asthma/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100168251>1=10402
In recent years, sales of air fresheners-especially plug-in air fresheners-have soared. But while sales are up, so are complaints from people who are exposed to the scents at home, at work, in public places, and in the homes of family and friends. Not-So-Pleasant Scents Curiosity about anecdotal reports of negative responses to synthetic scents prompted University of Washington professor Anne Steinemann to conduct two epidemiological studies about air fresheners. Each time, she asked more than 1,000 people if they suffered from any adverse health effects, such as respiratory problems and headaches, after breathing in air fresheners. The results were striking: In the first study, more than 17 percent of the general population and 29 percent of asthmatics said they experienced health problems following exposure to an air freshener. In the second study, reports of problems were 20 percent and 37 percent respectively. The higher percentages for asthmatics aren't surprising. "Air fresheners can cause problems for people with asthma or lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis," says Dr. Norman Edelman, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association. "Some people with these diseases are exquisitely sensitive to anything in the air that's not natural and will develop allergic-type reactions." As a result, the organization advises against the use of these products if anyone in the home suffers from respiratory problems. The number of people who are potentially sensitive to these chemicals is significant. Edelman estimates that 20 million Americans are asthmatic, and another 20 million suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases like emphysema and bronchitis. In addition, Edelman cautions that even those with garden-variety allergies may want to avoid air fresheners as well: "People with allergies are already suffering from an inflammation of the mucosa. Why add to that inflammation?" Uncertainty in the Air? Steinemann's research, which relies solely on people's perception of a problem, not on scientifically controlled studies, is not conclusive proof that air fresheners are problematic. However, Steinemann stresses that it would be unethical to conduct direct experiments on people. "You can't put someone with asthma into a chamber and expose them to chemicals that may trigger an asthma attack," she says. While experiments haven't been conducted directly on humans, research on mice seems to support Steinemann's findings. A study published in Toxicological Sciences in 2007 found that volatile organic compounds, which are a common component of air fresheners, caused respiratory problems in laboratory mice. In addition, a 1997 study published in the Archives of Environmental Health found that mice experienced significant respiratory distress and irritation, as well as neurological problems, when exposed to a commercially-marketed solid air freshener. Although more research is needed to conclusively prove that air fresheners are problematic, it's still worthwhile to take action now, especially if anyone in your household suffers from chronic respiratory diseases (like asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema) or complains of problems after breathing chemically-scented air. After all, using air fresheners is not a necessary part of keeping house: Why take the chance that they will bother you, other members of your household or potential guests? "Air fresheners are not an essential product," says Edelman. "If you keep your house clean, you won't need to cover up bad odors." Freshening the Air without Chemicals Air fresheners don't actually clean the air. Instead, they merely cover up unpleasant odors with strong chemicals. "If you're constantly overpowering these smells with chemical air fresheners, you're less alert to the actual problem," says Annie Bond, an expert in natural home cleaning. "Once you deal with problem, the smell will dissipate-especially if you open a window to ventilate the room with fresh air." Below are some sources of common household smells, along with practical advice for how to address underlying problems and create a truly cleaner home. These tips are all courtesy of Bond, author of Better Basics for the Home, a book that has become an essential resource for those interested in maintaining a clean home without strong chemicals. Must, Mold, and Mildew Molds can cause a variety of respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, congestion, and recurring infections. They can also cause serious structural damage to your home. If any place in your house smells musty, it's important that you deal with the underlying problem instead of simply covering up the smell. To learn more about how to identify and treat mold problems in the home, visit Care2.com and search for mold, or check out Bond's latest how-to book, Home Enlightenment. For stubborn mold problems that you can't identify or control, Bond recommends consulting with a certified mold professional. Kitchen Smells Many nasty kitchen smells are often the result of rotting food, especially fresh produce like potatoes, onions, apples, and oranges that are kept on countertops. Instead of masking the scent of something spoiling, seek it out and promptly remove it from the house. This will also help prevent infestations with pests like flies and cockroaches, pests that can spread diseases and trigger asthma attacks. Garbage and Compost Bond recommends taking out garbage and compost at least once every two days, more frequently during hot weather. If empty garbage pails and indoor compost bins still smell, they can easily be deodorized by washing with dish detergent, and scrubbing with a brush if need be. If possible, wash outside with a hose and let air dry in the sun. Once dry, spray it with straight white vinegar. The detergent neutralizes acidic smells while the acidic vinegar neutralizes more alkaline smells. This cleaning process also helps remove bacteria and other pathogens, and clean pails will be less likely to attract pests. Kids' Bedrooms Kids' rooms can be a source of a variety of unsavory aromas. "Maybe that's why air fresheners are so popular on college campuses," speculates Bond, the mother of a teenager whose bedroom isn't quite up to Martha Stewart's standards. Bond's strategy for teenage odors: Seek out-and remove-the source of the smell, which is often a hygienic problem like spoiled food or damp, musty towels. Animal Smells a.. Clean out litter boxes regularly. If they still smell after filling with fresh litter, try cleaning the box itself with an unscented pet smell neutralizer, such as Nature's Miracle. These liquid products, found at most pet supply stores, use biological enzymes to digest and neutralize pet waste. b.. Wash blankets, sofa covers, pet beds, and any other fabric your pet sleeps on regularly. This will help remove odors as well as allergens like pet fur, dander, and fleas. c.. Treat accidents promptly with a biological pet smell neutralizer. d.. For general pet odors on carpets, sprinkle baking soda onto carpeting and vacuum up. For bare floors, wash with a plant-based detergent, then rinse with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water. *************************************************************** I find that air fresheners make breathing a bit difficult. xponent More Oxygen Please Maru rob _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
