Air fresheners
 

Air fresheners

I have told you before about my chemical sensitivity.
I am unable to go into any venue that uses them.
(Also, I cannot use a taxi with the windows closed, if they have a 'smelly swinging thing', and most do.
So if you see a taxi with an old biddy hanging out of the window - it's me.)

Today I have added a third venue to my local list -
1. Empire Bingo
2. Oswaldtwistle Mills
3. The Spectacle factory on Union Rd Ossy

I went to get some minor frame repairs done to two pairs of specs.
As I opened the door I gasped for breath. I managed to explain, between gasps, why I couldn't enter.
I then went for my annual dental checkup nearby, and as I waited there I wondered where else I could get the repair done.

I decided to go back and ask to be served on the pavement - the lady obliged and told me to return in 30 minutes.
The owner of the launderette opposite kindly let me sit in his place as I waited.
There was a smell of laundry detergent in there, but it was 'low level' because the louvre windows were open and no-one was actually using the machines at the time.

Guide to Less Toxic Products
Air Freshener, Deodorizer, Odour Remover

Far from freshening air, chemical-based air fresheners and deodorizers add dangerous chemicals to the air we breathe. Air fresheners work by using a nerve-deadening chemical that interferes with our sense of smell, by coating nasal passage with an oily film, by masking an offending odour with a different odour, or by deactivating the odour.

Air fresheners are made from a number of chemicals including formadehyde, a carcinogen and sensitizer, naphthalene, a suspected carcinogen, xylene, a neurotoxin and possible reproductive toxin, butane gas, a neurotoxin, cresol, ethanol, phenol and strong fragrances. Some solid deodorizers include the pesticide paradichlorobenzene, a carcinogen which can also cause liver and kidney damage. Aerosol air fresheners release chemicals as tiny particles which can be inhaled deeply into lungs and transferred into the blood stream. Plug in air fresheners break chemicals into even smaller particles.

The key to freshening air is to remove or dilute the offending odor (by cleaning, ventilation or absorption), not to cover it with another chemical.

The Canadians and some US states have legislated against the use of 'fragrances' in public buildings.

So this thread is a plea to all those who work in places where the public have access, please advise your employers of this problem, You might not be affected YET ( I have had this for 3 years only), but be aware that the effect is culmulative, so if you are exposed too much, you may end up gasping like me.

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I don't use them as standard in our retail store.

Unfortunately from time to time we get stink bombed by kids, or have a visit from those with an allergy to soap & water, but I always check with all customers in store before spraying round, you never know who has allergies, asthma etc.

When any chemical is used on business premises there has to be a Health & Safety sheet kept in a folder highlighting the risks & danger to health etc. We have them on everything including the washing-up liquid we order! May be worth checking with the offending stores to see if they are fully compliant on their Health & Safety folders!

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Thanks for that useful info - I didn't know that.

I will be websearching for the legislation, and will be writing to the Health Centre on Blackburn Rd where I go for chiropody. I get mild symptoms when there is a strong smell of the floor polish they use.

I suppose they use contract cleaners for the premises, but that shouldn't mean loss of control over the substances used.

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Look at COSHH regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) that's the specific one especially where cleaning products are concerned. ;)

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Thanks again - found this leaflet
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg95.pdf
It is directed at safety of employees, but will apply to safety of visitors to premises too, as all Health and Safety regs do.

I wondered why I was not aware of these COSHH regulations before, because I once was responsible for maintenance of a government building, and they were 'red hot' about conforming to safety standards.
Then I noticed that the first legislation was passed soon after I retired.

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Air fresheners of any type are a nono for me

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Try serving the less than fragrant customers in Accy ( where the soap and now it would appear, mirror famine is obviously hitting hard). I have on more than one occasion followed a smelly round the shop and sprayed air freshener in it's wake, sadly this doesn't seem to make them even slightly embarassed , maybe their skins are as thick as the nauseating pong coming from them!:eek:
( so glad I am now out of retail!!!)

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we keep a can of Fabreze air freshener handy behind the counter :eek:

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I hope the police are taking note.

As a stated anarchist, if the powers that be sometime in the future need to control Margaret, they don't need to go to the expense of employing Taser guns, or Mace.

One quick squirt with a pound shop air freshner and she'll come quietly.

:D

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You recon a cheap air freshener won't stop our Margaret's tongue from wagging :D

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I cant stand em, if I stink out the bathroom I open the window instead of picking up the can of fabreeze.

:D :D

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OOH I HAVE ONE IN EVERY ROOM,,2 IN THE BATHROOM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,:eek:

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I have revived this old thread because there is a new development in my battle against Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

My problem began with an air freshener overdose when, in the aftermath of the smoking ban, a social club I visited several times a week, installed numerous plug in air fresheners - 2007 (5 years ago)

In the years since, I have altered my lifesyle, to avoid ALL petrochemical products.

There was one which I overlooked - natural gas!
I did notice that I became breathless when using a frying pan, and blamed it on Tefal fumes, so I got non coated steel pans, but the breathlessness persisted.

I have websearched and found -
the health hazards of natural gas, by agnes malouf and david winberly
"The British medical journal, The Lancet, reported in1996 that the use of domestic gas appliances, particularly gas stoves, was linked to increased asthma, respiratory illness, and impaired lung function especially in young women. Women using gas stoves had double the respiratory problems of women cooking on electric stoves. The same study showed that using extractor fans which vented the cooking fumes outside did not reduce adverse effects of gas."

Today my gas cooker has been shipped out and an electric cooker shippped in.
My gas central heating boiler is in a large cupboard in the bathroom.
I may well decide to switch that off too. I have an electric shower, a dishwasher and 3 electric heaters, so lack of central heating and hot water at sink and basin is not a dramatic problem.

The adverse effects of natural gas affects anyone who has respiratory problems.
(So Jaysay please read the link)

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Your gas boiler should not affect you if it is a new boiler. It will be roomed sealed with a balanced flue drawing its air from outside via the flue and sending the exhaust gases out that way.

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My gas central heating boiler is in a large cupboard in the bathroom.
I may well decide to switch that off too. I have an electric shower, a dishwasher and 3 electric heaters, so lack of central heating and hot water at sink and basin is not a dramatic problem.
There should be no adverse effects from the central heating boiler, they are a sealed unit taking air from outside, and venting to outside.
The adverse effects of natural gas affects anyone who has respiratory problems.
(So Jaysay please read the link)[/quote]
Retlaw

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Thanks to the two gents who gave info ref boiler.
I have also read that 'side vented' (which it is) can cause the fumes to re-enter the building via widows and badly fitted window frames.

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Do you let many ladies whose husbands are deceased into your flat Margaret?

And are they fuming when they enter? :p

Sorry couldn't resist... ;):rolleyes:

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OK :) did a typo - missed an N

Incidentally, I can smell deodorants on either sex if they get within six feet of me.

When you stop bombarding your respiratory system with toxins, you gain a better sense of smell.

I have some carbon fliter masks to wear when I venture out (rare).

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Margaret, I absolutely detest being near people wearing heavily scented perfume or deodorant and like you I can smell them from afar To me it's a form of assault if you are in the street and get that whiff. Sometimes my other half comes home from the pub and I just know he's been sitting with someone who wears a lot of perfume and perhaps given her (or him?) a quick cuddle (he's like that).

Years ago I used to do a lot of sewing alterations and I hated it when I was given clothes that had been freshly washed in overpowering detergents or were covered in perfume/deodorant.

The latest one - I like Windolene to clean my windows and had a bottle which had lasted me for years. It smelt of the cleaning ingredients, including white spirit. I just bought a new bottle (very hard to find, incidentally) and it now has the most horrible cloying perfume added to mask the ingredients smell - which I much prefer.

Fortunately I don't suffer any longterm effects from all these but I don't have perfumed cleansers or cosmetics etc in the house if I can do without - might have to get rid of the Windolene.

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Don't use Windolene - an E cloth works better
e-cloth — e-cloth - perfect cleaning with just water

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Never did see the point of air fresheners ... we had a rain this morning; so, right now, my house smells of wet JRT and wet Golden Retriever:alright: My couch always smells a little like dog. I like it that way. Sure, I can open the sliding door to my deck, and a couple of windows and it, more or less, goes away. I clean the cat litter boxes a couple of times a day. And I keep my garbage outside. The coons get into it sometimes, and last nite I sense that a skunk stopped by.:eek:

When my pits start to get a little ripe after being outside in the heat, I take a shower. I use soap, not Irish Spring or Dial or garbage like that, but soap. I actually have some carbolic soap. I don't know if it is good for me, but I don't give a rats ass ... I like the smell. Brings back memories of my youth.:D Don't need after shave ... don't shave much.;)

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Dr Bronners soaps have no petrochemicals - only organic natural ingredients.
I wash my hair with it too - no need for shampoos and conditioners.
If you want to add a bit of shine to hair, use apricot kernel oil.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps: History: Overview

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I use it about once a year Margaret - that's why the bottle lasted so long!

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With a nice perfume anyone can cuddle me. except Eric

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To be honest Margaret Its pointless me reading anything really I'm to far gone to start worrying about whats good or bad for my health, I'm living on borrowed time as it is;)

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I choose not to be a victim - I will continue to try to be well.

In a way I am more fortunate than you because the NHS does not recognise my problem, so self reliance is my only option.

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I actually admire you Margaret, but its just a little pointless me starting to bother now, I said years ago that I didn't expect to see my 65 birthday, its my 66th next month (all being well) but there again its like the old story isn't it, the old chap going into his local and celebrating his 90th birthday, a young lad stood next to him says I would want to live till I'm 90 granddad, tha would if tha were 89 he replied:rolleyes:

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Of course the fact that Maggie smokes her Golden Virginia roll-ups without having any effect whatsoever on her multiple respiratory ailments must be down to smoking them through her mask.:D:D

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Roll-ups do not contain petrochemicals - factory made cigs are bulked up with chemical additives to increase addiction and produce a faster burn (so you smoke more).


Ignorance of the nature of chemical sensitivity is common

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PS - the scent of natural plant perfumes (known as essential oils) does not affect me either

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They do contain a touch of nicotine though Margaret, that's why I've never really understood you take so much care to try and look after yourself then you stick a fag in your mouth, roll up or no roll up:eek:

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It is a 50+ year addiction.

Everything else that I have bodily contact with is pure unadulterated and natural.

My toxic load is far less than most people's.

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Well I smoked 40 a day for over 20 years, but the first time a doctor asked me to cut down, not stop, I gave up, that was 34 years ago no patches no nothing just never put one in my mouth since, no doubt if I hadn't given up I would have long since vacated this earth

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24 hours with no exposure to natural gas and I notice I have more energy - moving about faster than usual.

I fondly remember doing the Gay Gordons in Geordieland 5 years ago - if this energy level increase continues I could well resume gallavanting ;)

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;)From th' Oxford Dictionary.:D

Definition for psychosomatic - Oxford Dictionaries Online (World English)

psychosomatic

Pronunciation: /ˌsʌɪkə(ʊ)səˈmatɪk/
adjective

1(of a physical illness or other condition) caused or aggravated by a mental factor such as internal conflict or stress: her doctor was convinced that most of Edith’s problems were psychosomatic

2relating to the interaction of mind and body: hypnosis involves powerful but little-understood psychosomatic interactions

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Just because few medical practitioners acknowledge it exists doesn't mean it doesn't.
The health effects of lead and asbestos were similarly ridiculed less than a century ago.
As for 'It's all in the mind' and 'due to stress' - balderdash!

If you fast forward to 6.10 of this video, this doc refutes your assumption.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Reflections by Dr. L. Christine Oliver and Alison Johnson - YouTube!

I defy anyone here to live at the same level of stress avoidance that I do.
Avoiding people (such as yourself) is my lifestyle choice.
When you consider what causes stress in your life, you may well conclude 'the actions of others'.
My own company is delightful and guaranteed stress free.

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Which is cheaper gas or electric cooking?

Air Freshners smell very chemically and the smell is unnatural - better off with incense! :)

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When one makes you gasp and the other doesn't the cost is irrelevant.

Some incense sticks contain petrochemicals.

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Now you've got me there Margaret, if you find avoiding the likes of yerself stressful, why do you come on the site:confused::confused:when you live on your own you have to learn to amuse yourself and be prepared to send lots of time on your Jack Jones (no relation to Graham:rolleyes:)I'm in the same boat but hell do I like it when somebody pops in for a chat, its like winning the pools

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Exchanging news/views on forums isn't stressful.
If Yerself turned up on my doorstep he wouldn't be invited in - subtle difference.

I use my time alone reading, web browsing and listening to the radio.
It suits me. I am so content that I often notice my cheeks ache from smiling too much.:D

Well done Jaysay. I've never smoked myself but seen family members try and stop

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I understand exactly where you're coming from Margaret. I have at times fancied a life of solitude myself, I'm quite happy with my own company, but I do have a partner of 36 years and I'm actually quite fond of him!. As for other people, including family, I don't really have any great desire to see them. Funnily enough I'm happy in a crowd, being anonymous, and I like going to places like pubs and passing the evening talking to folks I might never meet again.

Posting on forums is as you say not stressful and I'm glad I discovered Accyweb.

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Well the thing is if you have any illness there isn't much point in trying to get help if your not going to take their advice. I can remember watching people in hospital in the chest ward sat on their bed using a nebulizer then the next minute they were stood at the door having a fag, absolutely crazy, I actually think that I'm only still on the planet because I've looked after myself and have had a good team of clinicians helping me for the last 30 years, but the help is no good if your not prepared to play your part and heed what they say

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Georgie Best being a prime example!

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Absolutely spot on cashy and lets face it George got the help of a new liver and blew it, I actually felt sorry for that consultant who tried so hard to help Besty, it must have felt like a smack in the face, and also remembering that another genuine case was deprived of that much needed liver and for the family of the person who made the ultimate sacrifice so that he could have another chance and threw it away

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Margaret, not sure if you're making a good health choice though!
I smoke Silk Cut away from home but make roll-ups to smoke at home(cost!!). I use Amberleaf, Golden Virginia too strong for me.

I fit one and a half filters in the roll-ups and always smoke them and the Silk Cuts using a little plastic filter(I know, why bother smoking at all).
The plastic filters are quite effective and easily last 10 to 15 Silk Cuts but after 4 or 5 roll-ups they are a disgusting mess, all 600 poisons collected in thick brown goo. I wonder how I've survived so long! If you can smoke neat Golden Virginia your lungs are tougher than mine.

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I use filters and a 6" cigarette holder - tar is cleaned from the holder regularly.

I have found I smoke far less than when I used to when I smoked factory made cigs. It took me a year to lose the craving for whatever addictive junk was added to factory made cigs.

Lately I have been adding the herb Mullein
Herbal Smoking Mixtures

"Mullein is a fine medicinal for the lungs, even when you smoke it. It soothes inflamed or infected lungs, and prevents coughing until infection or inflammation is broken. Then it aids in expectoration, helping to break up congestion and promote "effective" coughing. It was smoked to stop the coughing of tuberculosis years ago. It is wonderful for any kind of lung cleansing. Very gentle and non-toxic, you can use it anytime."

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Margaret, you always have an answer! You make it sound quite a healthy habit.
6" filter? Stylish!
Where can you get Mullein- I might try it(I could certainly do with it).

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I buy everything on line - got mine here -
Mullein <em>(Verbascum thapsus)</em> at Woodland Herbs

I doubt that you will find it in any high street shop.
The 6" cigarette holder doesn't contain any filter, but collects tar just as a pipe does.

PS it is very dry so you get a lot in 50grams - needs moistening

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I'm saying nowt. Have a read at this Gordon.

Weeds for Witches Part V: Mullein The Witch of Forest Grove:D:D:D

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Interesting read - scroll down and it reads
"The leaves are used internally (drunk or smoked) to treat pain, colds, coughing, lung and throat problems (asthma, brochitis, infections), and indigestion"

PS i am not a pagan (although I recall I used to tell doorstep god botherers that I was) - my present interest is Zen.

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We used to have lots of mullein in our last two gardens, but it seems to have disappeared from the garden we have now, sadly. It's one of my favourite plants, tall and covered in silky silvery hairs. These have led to a past use of the dried plant as candle wicks and torches, when dipped in fat. Didn't know you could smoke it though!

It also has its very own moth, which has spectacular caterpillars which will strip leaves bare. You can watch them starting off tiny and getting as fat as your little finger as they gorge on the plant.

Verbascum thapsus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mullein Moth - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Beam me up Scotty I'm a jedi:D

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I like the way you keep wriggling and trying to justify smoking when your so very meticulous with your health Margaret, I think if we were meant to smoke there would be a chimney incorporated in our anatomy;)

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I'm not justifying it - just lessening the side effects.

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There are none if you give up:rolleyes:

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I wish my mother would give up. She is 86 and still smokes, then complains of being breathless. She has been in hospital twice in the last two months because her oxygen levels were low. But her answer is " I've smoked so long why give up now?

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Does she use oxygen at home Frank?

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No ,she asked the district nurse for a nebuliser but the nurse said she couldn't have one , she has to use her inhalers more. But my mother being my mother ( being a nurse all her life) is as they say the worst type of patient.

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The non smokers who are still using petrochemical products in their homes, and breathe in exhaust fumes when they are out, have a greater toxic load on their system than I do.

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Can't have a nebuliser, I've had one at home for 30 years and have used it everyday for the last 26 years, seems strange they won't let her have one, you can buy them yourself very cheaply something I've always done and all the servicing and spare parts so it doesn't cost the NHS anything except the drugs which aren't that expensive really, seems a nonsense if she could get some relief from one

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But if you didn't smoke you'd be completely free:dancedog::D

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The 'medicine' can be worse than the disease.

Inhaled anticholinergics and risk of major adverse card... [JAMA. 2008] - PubMed - NCBI
"Inhaled anticholinergics are associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular death, MI, or stroke among patients with COPD."

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Interesting Article Margaret, but there is no mention of Salbutamol (Ventolin), which is one of the main relievers of Asthma and which I've used for 32 years, however I do also use ipratropium bromide, one of the things mentioned in that article, not sure if this is prescribed very often these days, but its taken in conjunction with Ventolin, I nebulise both together, I have never had any problems with my cardiovascular system in fact my BP often causes amusement among medical staff because its near on perfect, which is very rare in some one with advanced COPD

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Just when I thought I was on an upward track, having stopped using natural gas, a new neighbour below me has today saturated the communal stairwell with air freshener.

I put on a carbon filter mask and ventured onto the stairs to ask him to 'please don't use' it. He said he wouldn't in future, but today I now have a splitting headache.

I am looking for any ground floor accommodation to rent that doesn't have gas appliances - they are rare.

One that is all electric is the notorious 'Puddleside' flats.
Another is that new housing on Pickup St, but who in their right mind wants to live in Springhill!

Locally Puddleside seems the only option but has some drawbacks concerning vehicle access and there are no flats at ground floor level.

The area at the back has locked gates and only the 'pay extra to park there' residents can use it. I have tried to look at the front access on google maps and it appears that there is nowhere my grocery delivery van could park.

I have mailed the landlord to clarify this access problem.

If I get a favourable reply I might be on the move.

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I think air fresheners should be banned. They are one of the most antisocial inventions ever. A relative of mine had the plug in ones all over her house and I couldn't breathe in there, don't know how she managed.

On the subject of grocery deliveries - if the company wants your custom, I bet they'd find a way to get the van there - surely you wouldn't be the only one in that complex who has a delivery?

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The occupancy rate there is low due to the high rent and 'no central heating'. From what I have heard they are targeted at 'young professionals' who usually are car owners who don't need grocery deliveries.

Another avenue for me to explore is Anchor Sheltered housing - there are several places locally - I have mailed them asking about natural gas in their flats.

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Before we came north, in my experience it was the young professionals were we lived who did have their groceries delivered - too knackered after working hard to earn money to pay for posh housing to be arsed to go to the supermarket.

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Thanks - I may be in with a chance there :D

Another reason for me actively seeking to move is a 'nasty' letter I got from Hyndburn Homes this week about the annual Gas Appliance Check.

When their 'checker' called recently I explained that I don't use gas anymore and he just went away. They say I refused entry (I didn't) and that they could evict me for non cooperation.

I have mailed them with an explanation and await a reply.
Why should I let them turn the meter back on and use gas to test a boiler which I don't use, thereby incurring gas cost and exposure to fumes. I am willing that they do it provided that -
the workman they send wears no perfumed products and that they choose a good weather day when I can have all my windows wide open.

My parents lived in Anchor Housing at Morecambe. The heating was operated from a boiler house, so most flats would not be exposed to any exhaust fumes from it. I recall they had an electric cooker.
Today I have flung my window open wide because the fly problem has lessened, but will have to shut it because an alottment holder has decided to have a bonfire nearby and they tend to burn old furniture (foam).

I feel like I am battling with the world today.:(

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Anchor have one in Darwen Margaret, Jambutty lives there:D but on a serious point I agree about aerosol sprays, there's only one which doesn't effect me that's Nutrodol, but I haven't even had one of those for ages, I can't use aerosol deodorants or talk can only use roll on

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Well I haven't noticed you keeping quiet :rolleyes::p

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And there's no chance of you doing it either with a gob like yours, bet your teeth and glad when your mouth goes to sleep at night:rolleyes:

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Now come on Mag's, part of where you live is about your own input, however considering the flats off Pickup St. I can agree with that.

Back in 2007 when I was forced to move because they wanted to turn Holland St into a pile of wasteland. I looked at those flats, the one offered had scars on the door from when the tenant had gone on holiday, before leaving switched off his electric.
He didn't know the community TV was powered on his meter!
Door kicked in, power back on, when he returned badgered out of the place.

I was offered that same flat with an option of cleaning it out myself, repairing the remains of the door, paying for everyones community TV at the knock down price of £95 a week.
What a bargain.

Don't go near that Landlord.

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I'd be more concerned about Jays spray, it is spelt how you meant isn't it Jay? :eek:

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You'd have thought so this Morning Eric:eek: