DO OTHERS THINK YOU STINK? Some Safe Alternatives

For millions of people, I'm preaching to the choir---

You already know what it's like to have an immediate reaction to your neighbor's dryer vent as they're doing laundry, or to hotel sheets, or to someone walking past you marinated in alcohol-based perfume or cologne, sitting next to them at a stage performance- or even worse- standing next to them at the gym:

• gagging
  
• breaking out in a sweat
• immediate onset of headache or migraine
• heart palpitations
• sick to stomach
• feeling disgusted and repulsed by the sickeningly sweet smell

But even if it doesn't make you sick immediately- for those who DON'T have that reaction/sensitivity, do you realize what you are exposing yourself (AND YOUR PETS) to?

Do you realize that your skin and lungs are absorbing these chemicals 24/7 through your clothes, sheets, pillowcases and bath towels? You may not "feel" it today, but one day it might show up as something worse (see below).

Please- read the list below of common fabric softener, dryer sheet, and alcohol-based cologne/perfume ingredients and think about it. These ingredients are often NOT listed on a label- the loophole being that they are protected as "Trade Secret" ingredients. Please consider the easy, safe, inexpensive alternatives:

• 1/4 cup white vinegar added to wash instead of fabric softener will leave your clothes smelling clean (not like vinegar) and soft

• lavender flowers tied in an old nylon stocking and added to dryer will cut down static cling

• wearing a pure essential oil instead of alcohol-based scent will eliminate the absorption of harmful chemicals through your nose and skin and make the world a better place for the millions with chemical sensitivities not to mention children and pets

Alpha-TERPINEOL -- Causes CNS disorders ... "highly irritating to mucous membranes"... "Aspiration into the lungs can produce pneumonitis or even fatal edema." Can also cause "excitement, ataxia (loss of muscular coordination), hypothermia, CNS and respiratory depression, and headache." "Prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact."

BENZYL ACETATE -- Carcinogenic (linked to pancreatic cancer). "From vapors: irritating to eyes and respiratory passages, exciting cough." "In mice: hyperaemia of the lungs." "Can be absorbed through the skin causing systemic effects." "Do not flush to sewer."

BENZYL ALCOHOL -- Causes CNS disorders. "...irritating to the upper respiratory tract" ... "headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, CNS depression, and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure."

CAMPHOR -- Causes CNS disorders. On EPA's Hazardous Waste list. Symptoms: "local irritant and CNS stimulant" ..."readily absorbed through body tissues" ..."irritation of eyes, nose and throat" ..."dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions." "Avoid inhalation of vapors."

CHLOROFORM -- Neurotoxic. Anesthetic. Carcinogenic. On EPA's Hazardous Waste list. "Avoid contact with eyes, skin, clothing. Do not breathe vapors ... Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness." "Inhalation can be fatal." "Chronic effects of overexposure may include kidney and/or liver damage." "Medical conditions generally aggravated by exposure: kidney disorders, liver disorders, heart disorders, skin disorders." "Conditions to avoid: HEAT..." Listed on California's Propostion 65.

ETHYL ACETATE -- Narcotic. On EPA's Hazardous Waste list. "...irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract" ..."may cause headache and narcosis (stupor)" ..."may cause anemia with leukocytosis and damage to liver and kidneys" "Wash thoroughly after handling."

LIMONENE -- Carcinogenic. "Prevent its contact with skin or eyes because it is an irritant and sensitizer." "Always wash thoroughly after using this material and before eating, drinking, ...applying cosmetics. Do not inhale limonene vapor."

LINALOOL -- Narcotic. Causes CNS disorders. ..."respiratory disturbances" ... "Attracts bees." "In animal tests: ataxic gait, reduced spontaneous motor activity and depression ... depressed heart activity ... development of respiratory disturbances leading to death."

PENTANE -- "Danger -- Harmful if inhaled; extremely flammable. Keep away from heat and Avoid breathing vapor." "Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness. Repeated inhalation of vapors may cause central nervous system depression. Contact can cause eye irritation. Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis (skin rash)."

TOP 3 THINGS I WOULD NEVER USE AROUND MY PET

"But they're sold in my favorite store, how can they be bad?" I hear this all the time in consults.


Truth is, many commonly used chemicals have been shown through government studies to produce respiratory problems, tumor growth and brain damage in laboratory animals. And yes, they find their way into household products and into the organ tissue of our 2 and 4-legged loved ones anyway. Why? Because manufacturers put profit before well-being.


Therefore, it is up to us to be informed and vigilant. You've got a computer- it's easy to do a little research. Start googling and substituting. Things like fresh lemons and white vinegar can effectively replace many chemical-laden products. So far, I doubt lemons have ever caused tumor growth or brain damage.


That said, I would never use:

1. Fabric softener
2. Dryer sheets
3. Most carpet stain remover and a fourth bonus one:
4. Plug-in air freshener

What substitutions have you made recently to ensure a safer environment for your pet? (no product names, please)