The Smell that Surrounds You
Perfumes are made to smell fabulous, right? But they cause 30% of allergies and can contribute to asthma. Some alternatives. . .
Bergamot Flower
Have you wondered what the ingredients of your fragrance are? According to a report released by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Environmental Working Group, the average fragrance product contains 15 disclosed ingredients and 14 undisclosed ingredients. These undisclosed ingredients are considered trade secrets—companies are not required to list them on labels.
Manufactured fragrances cause 30% of all allergic reactions and can react with ozone to form hazardous pollutants. These secondary pollutants have been linked to cancer and can cause asthma.
The Idaho Conservation League works to protect Idaho’s air quality and provide you with resources to help reduce toxins in your home. Reducing or eliminating the use of personal fragrances, as well as fragrances from cleaning products or room fresheners, may reduce allergies and toxins in your home. As an alternative to perfumes, you can use try essentials oils (like peppermint, lavender, or my favorite, bergamot) or dried or fresh flowers. Or you can simply go fragrance free.
--Sara Cohn, Community Conservation Associate
