The Rising Scent Industry

Refreshing, Cleansing Smells or Hidden Menace?

Sales of scented products, from candles to cleaning supplies, increase yearly. Scented candles sales alone gross over $2 billion yearly. Walking down the cleaning products aisle in the grocery store assaults my senses with an overpowering stink. Companies sell their products as the solution to problem odors or attempt to mentally whisk us away to some serene natural experience.

In truth, the majority of products sold contain multiple chemicals that increase indoor air pollution. Often the sprays and scents mask the existant odor with synthetic fragrances without actually cleansing the air. For some, the smell of synthetic scents results in significant physical illness. Those with multiple chemical sensitivities experience nausea, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, and more when exposed to these chemicals.

Scented Candles

As stated above, the scented candle industry grossed over $2 billion this past year. Yankee Candle must be ecstatic. I for one could do without the fragrance assault around Exit 24 when I drive south to Northampton.

Recent studies show that burning scented candles reduces indoor air quality. Many of the scented candles burn inefficiently releasing soot particles into the air similar to diesel exhaust. Scented candle exhaust mainly impacts the indoor air quality of homes due to poor ventilation. The soot may also damage walls, furniture, and carpeting depending on the extent of candle burning.

If you notice that your candle leaves soot inside its glass container, stop using the candle because it's emitting soot into your environment. In addition, some candles with a wire core wick released significant amounts of lead into the air. Wire wicks are made from one of three metals: Lead, tin, and zinc. Candles burned in a metal container also emitted significant amounts of lead. Always choose candles with a paper or cotton wick for clean burning and don't burn candles packaged in metal containers.

Scented Cleaners and Sprays

Most commercial cleaners and sprays contain multiple toxic chemicals that can be hazardous to your health. The addition of synthetic scents adds to your body's chemical burden. Exposure to these organic chemicals may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; fatigue; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Extent of exposure and length of time exposed usually determines the level of negative health effects.

Popular citrus, lemon, and pine scented cleaners contain terpenes. In and of themselves terpenes are safe. However, when mixed with ozone formaldehyde forms. The risk for this combination remains low for the relatively clean air of rural Vermont. However, on high pollution days (stagnant summer air) indoor ozone levels may increase and pose a risk. Additionally, the use of ozone air purifiers in conjuction with these cleaning products will increase formaldehyde exposure.

What Can You Do?

• Use non-scented beeswax candles with cotton wicks.
• Burn good quality essential oils in a diffuser for aromatherapy.
• If you notice that your candle leaves soot inside its glass container, stop using the candle because it's emitting soot into your environment.
• Keep the wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch to ensure even buring and efficient combustion.
• Eat organic foods- Look ma, No Pesticides!
• Use "green" cleaning products.
• If you must use a heavy duty cleaner, limit exposure and ventilate the area well. Save this type of cleaning for spring or summer when windows can be opened.
• Use Dr. Renee's Cleansing Schpritzer to clear your air of unwanted odors.

Our level of toxin exposure grows each year. Each American carries and stores over 100 different kinds of pesticides and chemicals in their body. We can't eliminate all that we're exposed to, so we build up stores mainly in our fat cells. We don't have immediate control over factory and auto pollution. Nor can we escape to a pristine environment in an isolated place on the globe; they no longer exist. However, we can control what we eat and our home air quality. Make these important changes today to protect and ensure your health in the future.