CLEAN+GREEN

Chemical Fragrance Just Got Unlucky!

At SeaYu, we love animals and we care about the world we live in.  As a mom with a large family, I am always searching for information that will help me keep my loved ones safe, and preserve the earth for my children’s future.

I guess it helps with all the online tools available now, but I am uncovering more information than ever.  Did you know that we should really take a hard look at the safety of fragrances we bring into the house and put on our bodies?

According to the Environmental Protection Association (EPA), fragranced products such as typical household cleaning products, candles and air fresheners are one of the leading contributors to poor indoor air quality. The agency reports that poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues like asthma, and exposure to chemical fragrances has been linked to everything from skin irritation to cancer.

Here at SeaYu, chemicals in the home are of special concern.  I know that animals have faster metabolisms and smaller lungs than humans, and not only are they processing these chemicals at a faster rate, they are also breathing them in more rapidly. And, because animals are closer to the ground, they are more often in direct contact with these harmful substances.

According to the report by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Environmental Working Group in their report, “Not So Sexy, the Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrances, they found 14 secret chemicals not listed on the labels that are associated with hormone disruption and allergic reactions, and many substances that have not been assessed for safety in personal care products.

As a mom, I want to make sure that my children — both girls and boys — are aware of the possible dangers of using perfumes, colognes, scented moisturizers  and other scented personal care products on their bodies.

There is a growing awareness amongst consumers around the world of a need for greater vigilance in monitoring the products being used in our homes.  

That’s why we’re starting Fragrance Fee Day!  Fragrance Free Day  – August 13, 2010 – gives concerned consumers a chance to help spread awareness by pledging to go “Fragrance Free” via their social networks– no perfumes/colognes, scented lotions or cleaning products with added fragrances – for one full day.

So, what can you do? For one day, help the world breath easier and pledge to not use any products that contain chemical additives and fragrances.   Use your Facebook or MySpace status and your blog to let everyone know “I am going Fragrance Free on August 13^th because…”

On Twitter, we’ll be hosting a live Q&A with several experts (including chemical experts and holistic veterinary medicine expert Dr. Carol (http://www.drcarol.com/) on the dangers of chemical fragrances – participate, share your thoughts and what you learn with hashtag #fragrancefreeday to help us spread the word.

Knowledge, as they say, is power, so we are sharing ours with you, so you can share yours and help empower your friends and family to take steps to care for themselves, their family, their pets and our planet!

Quincy and Simon