If you frequently use scented products to clean your home or as part of your beauty routine, you may want to rethink which product you choose for daily use. Many scented products contain harmful chemicals that could do long-term damage to your health and cause unpleasant symptoms upon exposure. When you read ingredient lists for your scented products, be sure that you only select products with full ingredient listings and avoid these harmful additives.
Acetone
Nearly all types of nail polish remover contain this chemical, but it may also be found in cologne and dishwasher detergent. The EPA lists acetone as a central nervous system depressant that may cause dryness of the mouth, slurred speech, drowsiness, and coma in severe exposures.
Benzaldehyde
Benzaldehyde not only has a long list of potential symptoms following exposure , but it is also found in a large number of scented products. Look for this skin, lung and GI-tract irritant in perfume, dishwasher soap, shaving cream, bar soap, lotion, and shampoo.
Benzyl Acetate
Benzyl Acetate is a carcinogen that has been linked to pancreatic cancer and it may also be dangerous to the eyes and respiratory passages. Plus, this chemical can be damaging for sewer systems and septic tanks. It is most often found in air fresheners, detergents, fabric softener, and deodorant.
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl Alcohol is irritating to the upper respiratory tract, and it may lead to death due to respiratory failure following prolonged exposure. Laundry care products, perfume, cologne, shampoo and nail polish all commonly contain benzyl alcohol.
Camphor
Found in many personal care products such as shaving cream, nail polish, and fabric softener, camphor is easily absorbed by the body and may lead to serious side effects in the nervous system. Irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat are also common.
Ethanol
Even low concentrations of ethanol can cause symptoms like fatigue and upper respiratory tract irritation. It is found in a wide range of products, including perfume, hairspray, laundry products, nail color, paint and varnish, and air fresheners.
At the Optimum Health Institute (OHI) you can learn how to bring your body, mind and spirit into balance. The OHI holistic healing program consists of three week-long sessions offering classes and activities drawn from 24 ancient spiritual disciplines that promote healing. To learn more about our program, visit us at www.optimumhealth.org or call (800) 993-4325 .