As we are all known that air fresheners are a kind of consumer products that mitigate unpleasant odors in indoor spaces. They can be in the form of candles, aerosol sprays, potpourri, gels and mechanical or heat release products.
But just how "fresh" is air freshener? A study released last week by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) evaluated 14 air fresheners off the shelf of a local Walgreens and found that 12 contained variable amounts of substances called phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates), a group of chemicals that are used to dissolve and carry fragrances, soften plastics and also as sealants and adhesives. Phthalates are commonly found in a variety of products, including cosmetics, paints, nail polish and children's toys - and have long been at the center of a larger international controversy over their health effects.
Of course, there are many dozens more air fresheners on the market that haven’t been vetted for phthalates. What to do? So, when you decide to choose an air freshener as a gift to give out, here are some useful suggestions for you to consider:
1. Look Before You Spray.
Read labels. If you see the word “Fragrance,” it’s likely that the manufacturer is taking an advantage of an FDA labeling loophole that allows users of synthetic fragrance to avoid mentioning specific ingredients—including phthalates, used to disperse synthetic scents.
Look instead for specific essential plant oils, preferably organic.
2. Do a Sniff Test.
But just how "fresh" is air freshener? A study released last week by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) evaluated 14 air fresheners off the shelf of a local Walgreens and found that 12 contained variable amounts of substances called phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates), a group of chemicals that are used to dissolve and carry fragrances, soften plastics and also as sealants and adhesives. Phthalates are commonly found in a variety of products, including cosmetics, paints, nail polish and children's toys - and have long been at the center of a larger international controversy over their health effects.
Of course, there are many dozens more air fresheners on the market that haven’t been vetted for phthalates. What to do? So, when you decide to choose an air freshener as a gift to give out, here are some useful suggestions for you to consider:
1. Look Before You Spray.
Read labels. If you see the word “Fragrance,” it’s likely that the manufacturer is taking an advantage of an FDA labeling loophole that allows users of synthetic fragrance to avoid mentioning specific ingredients—including phthalates, used to disperse synthetic scents.
Look instead for specific essential plant oils, preferably organic.
2. Do a Sniff Test.
Before buying any fragranced product, natural or not, spray some from a tester to see whether it produces sneezes or itchy eyes. Strong fragrances, particularly citrus or pine, can provoke irritation and allergic/asthmatic reactions. And remember, when it comes to any perfume, a little goes a long way, so you needn’t overdo it.
3. For greener air freshener tips, pls see: http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/99/1/Green-air-fresheners.html
Actually, the majority of air fresheners you buy in the supermarket do not destroy odors, but simply mask them. They create a coating on your nasal membranes that fool your brain into thinking that the smell has gone. As for those air fresheners that claim to kill bacteria, our bacteria paranoia is leading us to kill good bacteria while creating strains of drug resistant bad bacteria.
Pass this info on to your odor-phobic college student, teen or preteen. Advertising heavily aimed at their demographic urges them to spritz and spray rather than open windows, do laundry and wash with plain soap and water.
Last, here are some good ideas about air freshener:
* Car Air Freshener
Car air fresheners displaying your logo make an excellent gift for a promotion.
Lightweight, flat, high profile, low cost, personalised air fresheners make an ideal promotional product. Just perfect for increasing the response to your mail-shots and becuas ethey are light they won't cost any additional postage.
3. For greener air freshener tips, pls see: http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/99/1/Green-air-fresheners.html
Actually, the majority of air fresheners you buy in the supermarket do not destroy odors, but simply mask them. They create a coating on your nasal membranes that fool your brain into thinking that the smell has gone. As for those air fresheners that claim to kill bacteria, our bacteria paranoia is leading us to kill good bacteria while creating strains of drug resistant bad bacteria.
Pass this info on to your odor-phobic college student, teen or preteen. Advertising heavily aimed at their demographic urges them to spritz and spray rather than open windows, do laundry and wash with plain soap and water.
Last, here are some good ideas about air freshener:
* Car Air Freshener
Car air fresheners displaying your logo make an excellent gift for a promotion.
Lightweight, flat, high profile, low cost, personalised air fresheners make an ideal promotional product. Just perfect for increasing the response to your mail-shots and becuas ethey are light they won't cost any additional postage.
* Duracraft Vehicle Electronic Air Freshener
Why we love it: I imagine this is the perfect gift for any mom who chauffeurs sweaty little athletes to and from practice. No need to suffer through the stench. Pair with a couple of scented oils and plug it in for a breath of fresh air. - Megan H.
* Golden Retriever Gifts - Air Fresheners
Why we love it: Golden Retriever gifts for use in cars, homes or offices. These Golden Retriever picture air freshener gifts have a double sided image. The Golden Retriever air fresheners have not been tested on animals.
* Custom Air Fresheners
Why we love it: Custom air fresheners are a cost efficient and effective means of drawing attention to your company and message in a BIG way!
You can demand the seller imprint your design, logo or message in any color on any shape deodorizer to make your car air freshener unique.
It's an effective advertising specialty item re-introduces your product, service, and message time and time again to your current and future customers. So your air fresheners are professionally made from the best raw materials available in the world and so it's great act as a original gift for a host or hostess.
* Paper Car Air Freshener
Why we love it:
Paper car air fresheners are light and small, excellent for mailing.
Attract More Attention!
Increase repeat business
Multi-purpose promotion - Maximize budget
Create awareness and excitement in target products or services
Incorporate coupon or store information.
Co-op advertising opportunity
Cross Sell - Motivate customer to visit web site to view other great offers
Add value and increase enthusiasm for promotion!
All for pennies a piece!
