Today, I received 11 emails regarding the toxicity of car air fresheners, so I thought it was my duty to set the record straight!
Let's face it, not everyone has a vehicle that smells like roses. As a matter of fact, a whooping 57 percent of drivers spend their time in cars that are messy and smelly...go figure, when a car wash, I'm sure, can be found in practically every town.
The solution that many folks resort to when their vehicles smell like old swiss-cheesed socks is to pop an air freshener somewhere within and call it a night. Have you ever stopped to think what kinds of toxins are in those car deodorizers?
Car deodorizers have allergens that can cause some people to experience symptoms like headaches or eye irritation. These conventional fresheners also contain toxic chemicals like petroleum distillates, which can irritate or damage your lungs; phthalates, which can interfere with hormone production; and benzene compounds, which have been found to be carcinogenic, according to the Children's Environmental Health Network, a nonprofit Washington, D.C.-based consumer safety organization.
If you need to get rid of the stench in your vehicle, why not opt to go a more natural route? Baking soda works wonders for a fridge, try placing a box under your vehicle's seat. The boxes now come with a sheer-ish mesh across the front so spillage should not be a problem.
A fabric softener sheet is also great for sweetening up the bad deal in your car. Duct tape one sheet across the air vent, or strategically place them all about for a sweet smell throughout the cabin.
Like coffee? Coffee beans are notorious for getting rid of bad odors. Throw some beans in an open container or simply fill your ashtray and presto!
Here's to a sweeter smelling ride!
--Car Chick
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