Smell Your Health
It seems these days that we face a constant barrage of scents and smells. Febreze the house, shower with scented gel, fine smelling conditioner, lather in body lotion, apply deodorant and spray some perfume for good measure. Don’t forget to light that scented candle, use extra fabric softener and clean with that floral floor polish. We’ve eliminated all of life’s offensive smells, but at what cost?
Most popular scented products are laced with phthalates, a chemical known to be one of the leading causes of disruption in human and animal endocrine systems. Disruption to the endocrine system has been linked to everything from reproductive system dysfunction, increased risk of cancer and even disturbances to both the immune and nervous systems. With such a wide range of health issues being caused by the continued use of these products I have over the last 5 years set about ridding my house of the offending parties.
It can seem overwhelming and completely unaffordable to do an entire overhaul of all the personal and household products we use, but when done consciously and one step at a time it is very doable. Personally I started with laundry products. Buying the free and clear option of most brands you already use is a simple switch, though the more hardcore out there will tell you you can make your own. Next I did the same with dish liquid, most large chain stores have a store brand that comes in a free and clear or scent free option. Just these two small switches can remove harmful fragrances from two of the things we come in contact most with daily.
My hair has been one of the biggest challenges. As a black woman who had been putting chemical hair straighteners in her hair at least a few times a year since grade school, it was quite the adjustment to abruptly stop when I found out I was pregnant. It was an unspoken rule that you don’t perm your hair while pregnant, but I never really knew why. Turns out that hair straighteners and other products primarily marketed to black women contain some of the highest levels of endocrine disrupting chemicals around. It felt never ending.
Fast forward 3.5 years, and I am currently 3 months into my loc journey. I wash my hair with castile soap or a phthalate, paraben, sulfate free shampoo. And for moisture I’ve taken to making my own blend of hair oil. I can add scent using a single drop of organic oil. Clove, rose and lavender are all lovely and also contain their own antioxidant properties.
Women use and are exposed to on average dozens of these products each and every day. Continual use is wreaking havoc on our collective health. Taking small incremental steps towards ensuring the products we come into contact with each day will make a huge impact on not only individual health, but also the health of generations to come.
Dear Readers, please leave any suggestions you have for healthier product swaps in the comments below!
Studies and Further Reading:
Endocrine Disruptors and Fertility
Harvard Study- Some Black hair products may harm users’ health