Safety of cleaning product fragrances

[Anonymous]

I posted on Off-Topic, but this is mainly a safety-related question ... TIA for any input:

I find the scent of some cleaning products, like one of my shower gels or even liquid Tide, quite pleasant ... Not to use them as aromatherapy, but I admit that occasionally I'll take a whiff or two from the bottle, say before using it in the shower or when I'm going to hand wash some clothing, or even just the scent from the warm wash water in the sink. It produces no buzz, or any effect like that, and I'm not seeking such an effect. Again, I just find the scent soothing somehow. Does anyone else find this comforting? May not be a good idea (safety, etc)?

[Anonymous]

... for example, my friend enjoys the scent of a certain dryer sheet; but it makes more sense that taking a whiff of a non-liquid would be much more safe than say of a solution, where the particles might be volatile) ... OP

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm going to suggest that you have your Iron level checked or simply take an iron supplement. This smell craving and whiffing can be a form of PICA. I eat very little meat and when my iron level gets too low I find myself craving products with these smells, like Comet, Sea Breeze astringent, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, Chapstick and the like. It can be very compelling to have just one more whiff. When I get my iron back up, the compulsion is gone.

[Anonymous]

BTW, no comment on the safety, other than that breathing anything other than oxygen (room air) is not terrific for your brain, regardless of whether you actually get high.

[Anonymous]

Hi PP, OP here -- Thank you for posting. I was starting to think no one else experiences this. It's reassuring to know I'm not alone! Interestingly, like you, I barely eat meat, so it's very possible my iron count is low. I don't have anemia symptoms, but it is a perspective I've not thought of before. It's great you've made the association, and realized what works for you. Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

you really should read this.. or something of that nature.. this is article on safety:


http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/fall97scents.html

[Anonymous]

tjhere might be more in it that you bargain for:...



Bath and beauty products
Dove Beauty Bar: It's 99% water, but watch out for that other 1%. It includes quaternium 15 and formaldehyde, known carcinogens, as well as irritants to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
Johnson's Baby Shampoo: Contains carcinogens quaterium 15, FD&C RED 40, which can cause dermatitis.
Crest Tarter Control Toothpaste: This best selling toothpaste contains saccharin and phenol fluoride.
Talcum powder: Talc, the main ingredient, is a carcinogen that increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Use corn starch instead.
Cover Girl Replenishing Natural Finish Make Up (foundation): This makeup includes BHA, talc, titanium dioxide, triethanolamine. These interact with nitrites to form nitrosamines and lanolin, which is often contaminated with DDT and other carcinogenic pesticides.

Household cleaning products
Tide & Cheer Laundry Detergent: Our favorite detergent contains trisodium nitrilotriacetate, a carcinogen.


Lysol Disinfectant: While it makes the air sweet smelling, it contains the dioxin.

http://www.wikicancer.org/page/The+list+of+carcinogens

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info, PP, I'll take a look ...