I smell a migraine
Why Synthetic Fragrances and Toxic Cleaners Are Harmful
We always ask our guests to use the cleaners we provide in our homes. We are mindful about the cleaners we use in the homes we host our guests in. Heavy fragrances and air freshers are no substitute for cleaning or maintenance of home systems. Plastics and synthetics do not belong in our air and bodies. These are the beliefs that drive how we host the guests in our homes. It is one of the many things I feel passionate about, thus a blog post may allow me to retire my soap box on this topic, or at least give it a vacation.
Many common household cleaners, including products like Fabuloso, release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are linked to various health concerns. VOCs are chemicals that can vaporize at room temperature, often found in indoor environments at higher concentrations than outdoors, posing a significant health risk over time. Products with synthetic fragrances, such as air fresheners and multi-purpose cleaners, contain VOCs, which may cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and more serious conditions like cancer if exposure is prolonged or intense. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights that long-term exposure to VOCs has been associated with cancers, cardiovascular issues, and respiratory diseases. We have all had family and friends die of some kind of cancer and the numbers are not decreasing. I do not need to read anything the AMA or any other medical “expert” to know what my body requires.
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Fabuloso and similar products often contain synthetic fragrances, some of which have been identified as endocrine disruptors. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) emphasizes that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with hormone systems, leading to reproductive, developmental, and immune problems, along with an increased risk of cancer.
Ag & Natural Resources College
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The Case for Residue-Free Cleaning Products
Residue left behind by many cleaners can attract dirt, making surfaces appear dirtier over time. Cleaners like Windex and Bona are formulated to leave no residue, helping to maintain cleaner surfaces longer. I buy the Nantucket Footprints glass cleaner strips. I use the whole box to make a refill for the Costco sided windex jug I already had. These type cleaners prevent dirt buildup that might occur with other products, especially those containing synthetic fragrances or wax-based ingredients. Using these residue-free products also minimizes exposure to harmful VOCs, promoting healthier indoor air quality.
By choosing products that avoid synthetic fragrances, you reduce the risk of introducing harmful VOCs into your home. This proactive step can improve overall air quality, lessen potential health risks, and avoid the buildup of allergens or irritants, especially important in homes with vulnerable individuals, such as children or those with respiratory conditions.
For further information on VOCs and their health risks, you can explore the EPA’s guidelines here and other insights from the Center for Research on Ingredient Safety.
In addition to routine cleaning and mindful cleaning products, air filtration is another factor in providing a healthy living space. Generally, air filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days under normal conditions. However, with pets that shed, filters may clog more quickly, requiring changes every 20 to 60 days.
Pets and Air Filters: Pet hair and dander can significantly impact filter performance, reducing airflow and causing your system to work harder. Homes with multiple pets often need filter changes as frequently as every month to prevent buildup and avoid strain on the HVAC system【489】.
Allergies and Air Quality: If any family member has allergies or asthma, you may need to change filters every 20-30 days. A clogged filter not only hinders airflow but can recirculate allergens, dust, and dander, impacting health and comfort【490】.
Signs It's Time to Change the Filter:
Increased dust on surfaces.
A rise in energy bills, suggesting your system is working harder.
Reduced airflow through vents.
In addition, consider using filters with a higher MERV rating for better filtration, though these may clog faster. Regular maintenance and monitoring can help ensure your HVAC system functions efficiently and extends its lifespan【489】【490】.
Strong fragrances from synthetic perfumes in any carrier, cleaner, air freshener, laundry soaps and fabric softeners all smell great when I first smell them. When my kids were younger, I loved Gain detergent with the Lavender Vanilla Downy Fabric Softener. NOSE BLIND. When someone within close proximity is wearing Downey especially the enhanced fragrance ones. Migraine. I have had this sensitivity since I was young but had no idea it was scent related. My dad was a smoker and I was constantly spraying fragrance to hide that fact. I had a five year relationship with Bed Bath and Works. I loved some toasted marshmallow Wall Flower plug in air fresheners. They were supposely natural and used essential oils. Nah. Getting ride of the smells has decreased the number of migraines pretty drastically for me. Like most everything else, it’s a process. I have ben gradually eliminating the synthetic fragrances and changing air filters more frequently.
Then I got an ozone machine. As a host of homes that house people from all over the world, there are food smells. and perfumes, and pets, and people, and ozone is sometimes called for. This machine has been the only way to remove the odors left by guests who leave strong odors long after their check out.
