Women are more sensitive to VOC exposure!
I would urge you to be very careful with scented candles, air freshners and perfumes. These contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are linked to an increased risk of cancer, damage to the liver, kidneys, and damage to the central nervous system. VOCs are chemicals that readily evaporate into the air at room temperature.
There are over 3,000 individual fragrance ingredients used in our favourite perfumes, body lotions, hair products, make-up, and baby products to name a few. While some of these chemicals are safe for our health and the environment, others have never been tested for safety.
According to scientists, some of these chemicals are even known to cause cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive harm. They may cause respiratory, and systemic effects such as headaches, asthma attacks, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular and neurological problems, mucosal irritation, and contact dermatitis.
VOCs exert direct toxic effects on kidney cells, causing cellular damage and impaired kidney function
Females appear to exhibit greater sensitivity to impaired kidney function resulting from VOCs exposure.
One of the toxic compounds contained in air freshener is formaldehyde. Metabolism and detoxification of formaldehyde occur in the liver that produces toxic metabolites which can damage the liver.
Some VOCs are identified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), interfering with the effect of sex hormones. Recent research is suggesting that the VOCs are partly responsible for pushing females towards an earlier menopause than we have encountered before – This is also true for earlier puberty. Research from this year is linking VOCs and infertliity.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024169332
Where may you be able to make changes at home?
- Air Fresheners: Phthalates in air fresheners are toxic to your ovaries and impact fertility. They damage follicles in their development into eggs, and mess with your ovaries’ ability to produce oestrogen and progesterone, further throwing off your hormonal balance. For safer ways of freshening your indoor air, open windows and use fans.
- Fragranced personal care products: Fortunately, fragrance isn’t necessary for a product to function well or be effective. Choose fragrance-free skincare products.
- Scented candles: These are popular gifts but those with harmful fragrance chemicals added to them can be released into the air and inhaled. In addition, fragrance oils can soften the wax so that the candle does not burn cleanly, emitting more black soot which is dangerous to health.
Essential oils are a great alternative, where you can mix with a carrier oil such as a little bit of coconut oil. You can make your own solid perfume by using natural ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter and essential oils, where it will then melt when you rub it on your skin.
Have any of you made changes here?
What are your favourite non toxic nice smelling products?
