Did you know that fragrances were named the "allergen of the year" for 2007, by the National Contact Dermatitis Society? And a study of more than 10,00 mothers and their infants found air fresheners, deoderants, and aerosols caused headaches in moms, and earaches, vomiting and diarrhea in the infants? Article here

Most fragrances are now made from petroleum chemicals(the same stuff gasoline is made of) and many people are sensitive to these chemicals. They can either act as a true allergy causing asthma, hives, respiratory distress and collapse(anaphylactic shock), or they can build up in the system, causing headaches, neural dysfunction(including symptoms of ADHD, ODD and Tourettes), respiratory distress, and depressed immune systems.

Given that we are exercising heavily, we ask that no one wear fragrant products, but rather choose unscented deoderants, laundry detergents and fabric softeners. You may find you family will become healthier as a result.

It is important to know that certain "fragrant" products such as room fresheners and fabric softeners(even un-scented ones) also contain ether, a chemical that was once used as surgical anesthesia. At the very least, change to enzyme cleaners that destroy the source of the odor, and make sure your dryer system vents outside with no inside leakage! You can soften and de-static your clothes by crumpling up some aluminun foil and putting it in the dryer. Use an old nylon for the foil if you're doing a load with delicate fabrics, or place a few drops of a natural hair conditioner(such as Sauve naturals) on a wash cloth and place in your dryer as you would a dryer sheet. This gives you a very faint natural and healthy scent, softer clothing, and saves money at the same time.

Here in Coquille, we are fortunate to have local crafters who make goat's milk soaps with natural fragrances. They are available at the Thursday and Saturday crafter's markets and next door at the Oddity Shop

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