Fall is here, that means sweaters, boots, pumpkin pie and holiday scented decorations. But before reaching for that holiday room spray there could be potential hazardous ingredients you could be exposing you and your family to. So instead, make your own clean holiday room spray with health benefits!
What’s in your air freshener
The EPA says air fresheners contains four basic ingredients: formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, aerosol propellants, and p-dichlorobenzene.
Formaldehyde can cause a number of health effects including:
- Watery eyes
- Burning eye, nose, throat and other mucous membranes
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Asthma attacks
The National Cancer Institute outlines studieswhere researchers have found links between formaldehyde and leukemia.
Petroleum distillates come from petrochemical manufacturing, which contribute to air, soil, and groundwater pollution. The effects on human health include:
- Respiratory problems
- Asthma
- Chemical pneumonia
- Pulmonary damage
Aerosol propellants can harm earth’s ozone layer. Likewise, they can damage human health including:
- Increased cancer risk
- Breathing problems
- Development of chronic health issues
Paradichlorobenzene (p-DCB) is often found in mothballs and may cause:
- Anemia
- Skin lesions
- Liver damage
- Loss of appetite
- Changes to the blood
How does air fresheners work
According to the Global Recognition Campaign for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, air fresheners work in one of four ways:
- By using nerve-deadening chemicals to kill your ability to smell
- By coating the nasal passages with an undetectable oily film
- By covering up one smell with another
- By breaking down the offensive odor (rarely)
DIY Pumpkin Spice Room Spray, Healthier Alternative
Using essential oils extracted from leaves, fruit peels, petals, and other plant parts can capture nature’s subtle fragrances and can refresh your living space. They are all-natural and allow you to experience health benefits at the same time.
This pumpkin spice DIY room spray will not only help refreshen your room, but it will also help boost brain function, boost immunity and ease depression.
Witch hazel helps the oil and water combine and will help the scent linger for a longer period of time.
- 3 ounces of all natural witch hazel
- 1 ounce of water (preferably filtered or distilled)
- 10 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 10 drops orange essential oil
- 7 drops cloves essential oil
- 5 drops sandalwood essential oil
- 5 drops coriander essential oil
- 5 drops cypress essential oil
Add to a glass spray bottle.
Shake well before each use.
To use: Spray into air throughout the room.
