The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
"I Saw it on TV, So It Must be Okay" Say this with a straight face and you too can be an advertising executive with a large company. Take a product, fill it with Volatile Organic Compounds like benzene and carcinogenic formaldehyde (which are linked to headaches, diarrhea in infants, and depression) and call it an air freshener. Give it a name that creates 'smell' memories, such as a walk through the forest, a rainy day at the lake, or a freshly baked pie. People will believe you. Honest. Every day, thousands of plug-in deodorizers, odour 'neutralizers,' and artificially scented oils are purchased for dealing with unpleasant odours in the home. The cat's litter box, the dinner that didn't turn out, and any teenage boy's bedroom can create the desire for something fresh, or at least neutral, in the air. But consumer products with the word 'fragrance' listed will usually contain thalates, a plastic substance which is known to disrupt hormones. The US Environmental Protection Agency found that plug-ins containing pinene and d-limonene can combine with ozone in the air to create harmful smog, right in your house. So the woman dancing around in the television ad, a happy smile on her face as she sprays the sofa, is causing some serious indoor pollution, as well as potential health problems for herself. A better, less expensive idea is to sprinkle your carpets with baking soda, let it sit, and then vacuum. You can also make your own natural spray by shaking together a bottle of water with a quarter cup of baking soda and a few drops of natural vanilla extract or any essential oil, like lavender. Shake it before you spritz it on the offending boy. (Just kidding) There are a few natural air fresheners and air purifiers being manufactured, but I'm not sure of their availability in local stores. And if they are truly natural, the scent won't hang around for long. Perhaps we need to change our definition of what 'fresh' really means. Opening a window or door for a few moments to let in some outside air is probably the healthiest alternative. Got a suggestion? Direct your e-mails to: the [email protected]
