What’s That Smell????

Several years ago, in an effort to reduce the number of chemicals floating around my home, I decided to stop purchasing household necessities that contained artificial fragrances. Gone were the scented soaps, lotions, candles, cleaners. Everything switched to unscented, and my life is better for it!

As has been pointed out in numerous scientific studies, fragrances are among the top five allergens in the world and are known to trigger asthma attacks. Fragrances often contain ingredients suspected of neurotoxicity and known hormone disruptors. Many lotions and shampoos that list “fragrance” on their ingredient list actually contain phthalates, which may cause reproductive disorders.

Still not convinced that fragrance-free is the way to go? The government does not regulate artificial fragrances and does not require manufacturers to disclose what ingredients make up any given fragrance. Why cover your body with a mysterious mix of chemicals and additives???

Now that everything we use is unscented my husband and I have developed a very strong aversion to anything with a fake scent. The whiff of a scented candle makes my stomach turn and when I pass by someone whose clothes stink of scented laundry detergent I want to run in the other direction! If I use scented body lotion, my skin now gets red and itchy. I have to assume that our distaste for artificial fragrances is because our bodies are no longer accustomed to their toxic effects. While we were once able to tolerate the hidden side effects associated with such dangerous chemicals, our bodies have since “flushed” out fake fragrances. We are back to square one when it comes to how our bodies react to the chemicals that make up an artificial scent. Makes me wonder how babies must feel when their mothers slather them with scented baby lotion and wrap their bottoms in “baby powder fresh” disposable diapers.

I now wonder why people wear perfume — the wearer becomes desensitized to it within minutes of a spritz, yet she insists that everyone in her path for the day inhale her selected scent? Seems kinda selfish to me…

So, what do we do when the house needs refreshing? Open a window!
What do I inhale when I need a little pick-me-up? A bouquet of basil, a stick of cinnamon or the top of my daughter’s head!
How do I know my bathroom, clothes and floor are clean if they don’t have that fake “spring fresh” scent? Well, if they don’t smell like anything they smell great to me!

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1 Comment for this entry

  1. Josepha says:

    I have heard that girls long ago put a touch of vanilla behind their ears for a little scent. I think most guys would appreciate that. I love the smell of natural lemons and lavender.

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