We have noticed this can be perceived as a sensitive and personal issue. However this is not a personal matter. Rather, it an awareness issue. Just perhaps take a moment to widen your perspective and awareness.
We have thought many times after a guest takes a shower and fills our house with a perfumed odor. Or, when we pass someone several feet away who smells of dryer sheet. What’s that odor???? Yep, we can identify dryer sheet, it is a particular scent.
Over the past few years, in all the places we have been, we have noticed a trend of an increase heavy fragrance use in the general population.
For us, and me in particular is causes a quick reaction. The reaction is strong. My eyes nose and throat can burn.
Why? Is this just a sensitivity? The simple answer is yes, I still have my senses intact. They are telling me something in the air is harmful. And, I am not alone.
If they can be smelled, they are toxic to those who are breathing them. Irregardless of reaction or non-reaction.
In attempts to request for guests, particularly overnights, to not bring this into our space, we have encountered resistance, and some appreciation, depending on the individual. Some people react strongly in denial or even anger. Why?
Our allure with natural fragrances is embedded into our DNA as a way to find food and mates.
An idea and question I’ve had for years is…
Why if our sense of smell is to assist us in determining what is or isn’t healthy, including choosing a bio-compatible mate, is it promoted to cover our natural body scent, and block our sense of smell with synthetics?
Over time, the use of synthetic fragrances kill our sense of smell. So, why are we covering it and killing our sense of smell?
Is this a program of propaganda? Why is chemical fragrance pushed so heavily as to cause such a reaction to a simple request?
May I sniff your armpits please?
Okay, maybe that’s too much. And, if you are wearing a synthetic fragrance deodorant, I wouldn’t want to anyway. However, it would tell me a lot about you on a subconscious and conscious level?
Are you using them?
Do you really know?
Are your senses in full working order?
Look at what you have that carries a scent. I know plenty of people who I have talked to who say no. But, I have seen and smelled their shampoo and other body products. And they do.
Why is this important?
Synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum and are high in toxic volatile compounds. The scents have been found to be more carcinogenic than cigarette smoke. Yet as a society we have been taught to fill our lives with them. Sometimes to even shun those who don’t Or, call them overly sensitive, weird, dirty, or fill in an insult.
Did you know that . . . . . . .
Fragrances are one of today’s major sources of indoor air pollution.
Fragrances, although under FDA jurisdiction, are one of the least regulated substances.
Some fragrances contain chemicals designated as hazardous waste disposal chemicals such as methyl chloride, toluene, and ethanol.
Secondhand smells are as much a problem as secondhand smoke.
Some products labeled “unscented” may contain toxic “masking” fragrances.
Some common symptoms, whether recognized as related or not are….eye, nose, and throat irritation, dry, cracking skin, rashes, and headaches.
Dangers of Synthetic Scents
| *Cancer *Child Autism *Birth Defects *Allergies *Neurotoxicity *Asthma | *Reproductive Toxicity *Liver & Kidney Damage *symptoms of ADHD *neurological disorders *pulmonary irritation *sinus irritation | *Respiratory Issues *vertigo *blood pressure changes *fatigue *nausea and vomiting *And, in rare cases, death. |
If you don’t know for sure whether or not they are in your home you can check….
| – laundry detergent – air fresheners – shampoo – perfumes – aerosols | – scented candles – lotions, creams, and serums – dryer sheets – colognes – moisturizers | – cleaners – cosmetics – deodorants – body sprays – gels | – plug-in air fresheners – soap – sunscreen – other personal care products – diffusers |
According to statistics, these popular products have an average of 14 known toxic chemicals. But the worst part is that none of them are even labeled on the ingredients list.
They can be recognized on ingredient lists as “fragrance”, “parfum”, or “proprietary blend”. When a company puts “fragrance” on the label, this is a catch-all term actually can stand for thousands of different ingredients (literally, at least 3,000). And when you use a product containing “fragrance” or “parfum,” all of those mysterious ingredients are absorbed right into your bloodstream.
A National Academy of Sciences points out some vital facts: About 95 percent of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum (crude oil). They include benzene derivatives (carcinogenic), aldehydes, toluene and many other known toxic chemicals. And many on the list are known or suspected endocrine disruptors, compounds that tinker with hormonal health that can trigger weight gain and even set you up for diseases decades later.
The FDA does not currently require fragrance and cosmetic makers to disclose exactly what they are using to scent products. The FDA website also states how the agency cannot legally require companies to warn about allergens in cosmetics like they do with food.
Are you wondering why companies would continue to use synthetic scents if they’re so bad for our health? The answer is straightforward — they are cheaper to produce. Unfortunately, just because you enjoy a scent, doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
In general, there at least 3,000 ingredients that could possibly be used to form a product’s scent. I encourage you to take a look at the list, derived from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, to see just how many fragrance chemicals we’re possibly exposed to every day.
Removing synthetic fragrances from your own home and personal use is something you can do to improve your health as well as raise your personal vibration. And, it is considerate of the health those around you, as well as lowering the toxic load for the environment and all beings living on this planet.
If you are super sensitive or just don’t want to deal with smelling anything at all then choose fragrance-free or unscented products. Just make sure to still read labels carefully because sometimes companies will use other questionable ingredients to create that lack of a scent.
If you do like scented products and want a safe alternative, switch to essential oil based products or add your favorite essential oils to something that is fragrance free.
