Babies stink. Having a baby can bring a lot of fun and joy, but every one I’ve ever met has also brought with it some unpleasant smells. When the nursery gets stinky and the diaper pail is full, it can be tempting to whip out some air freshener, room fragrance or scented candles to cover up the stink. However, new research is confirming previous indictments of these common household products. A press release from the National Resources Defense Council raised serious concerns about toxic chemicals used in these products.
Of 14 brands tested in the NRDC study, 12 contained endocrine-disrupting chemicals called pthalates. Pthalates are in a class of chemicals called plasticizers, agents used to soften plastics and make them more pliable. The are also used in many commercial fragrances. A company’s proprietary fragrance can contain dozens of different chemicals, none of which are required to be disclosed on the packaging. Some of the products that tested positive for pthalates were even labeled as being “all natural” and “unscented.” Exposure to pthalates has been shown to affect testosterone levels and cause reproductive abnormalities. Exposure is even more harmful for babies, who’s bodies are still growing and developing, and for whom the toxic load is higher than a full grown adult.
Pregnant woman should be especially wary of pthalates. Exposure has also been linked to genital abnormalities and reduced sperm counts. The state of California declared that pthalates are ”known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm” and has called for them to be banned from children’s toys by 2009. Other bills are addressing pthalates in other products such as children’s skin products. The European Union has started to phase out pthalates and other states in the US are taking action as well.
Pthalates are common in household fragrance products, and while 75% of US households use such products, it’s likely that the industry will see a downturn as more information comes out about the hazards of the chemicals used in these products. While products such as air fresheners aren’t required to list pthalates as an ingredient, it is possible to avoid pthalates by avoiding conventional fragrance and odor products and sticking to natural solutions.
The easiest way to deal with bad odor is to remove it and/or clean the area. Since fragrance only covers up the smell, it is a temporary solution. If you enjoy the smells of household fragrance, try diffusing natural essential oil, or simmer water with lemons, oranges, cinnamon, cloves or herbs. There are fragrance products on the market that are made from natural essential oil. Check out your local Whole Foods, or health food store for alternate products. Popular brands include Aura Cacia and Earth-Friendly Products.
{ 0 comments… add one now }