Green Treehouse

Did you know that fragrances found in perfumes, cleaning products, beauty products, and in air fresheners usually come from petroleum-based chemicals? Did you know that there are millions of people who are highly sensitive (some more so than others) to chemicals and scents? Did you know that some places have “scent free” or “reduced” scent zones?

Chemicals in our environment can affect people in ways that we might not realize. Synthetic fragrances contained in shampoos, hair care products, and body soaps can induce headaches, mood changes or breathing difficulties. Some studies suggest that man-made fragrances are more than simply annoying–they claim that chemical fragrances can damage the body, like the nervous system, and even lead to cancers or depression, among other health problems.

New parents concerned about the safety of synthetic fragrances have options. Parents can opt for fragrance free baby products, like California Baby’s Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion (fragrance free) or TenderCare Tushies Unscented Wipes. Parents can also look for bath and body care products that are free of synthetic fragrances and are made of natural or organic ingredients like Little Twig’s line of baby skin and bath products. Parents can also switch to natural laundry detergents, such as BabyGanics Laundry Detergent that is specially formulated for babies, and choose natural air fresheners.

When it comes to health, the environment, and air quality, even small decisions, like deciding what baby shampoo or body wash to buy, just might have a big impact on future generations.