• Reduce use of scented products.
  • Most scented products contain multiple chemicals, including dangerous solvents, to achieve the fragrance. These chemicals pollute indoor air, and may irritate children and asthmatics. You needn't give up everything. Start by replacing the products that seem to spread the most scent: laundry detergents, fabric softeners, general purpose cleaners, floor cleaners, and air fresheners.
• Choose "fragrance-free" and environmentally friendly products.
  • Many "green" cleaners don't contain heavy doses of fragrance. And, while a "fragrance-free" label on cleaners and personal care products doesn’t necessarily mean fragrance chemicals were not added, the product will have little, if any, noticeable scent.
• Look for organic personal care products.
  • Organic soaps, body washes, shampoos, conditioners, hair care products, cosmetics may or may not contain synthetic fragrances — it's important to read labels. Some manufacturers specialize in personal care products that don't cause irritation to people who are chemically sensitive. These products are the least-likely to contain synthetic ingredients and can be found in natural foods stores.
• Avoid chemical-laden air fresheners.
  • Most air fresheners mask odors with their more pleasant fragrance, but they do nothing to eliminate the source of the odor. Aerosol air fresheners spew out tiny droplets of chemicals that are easily inhaled into the lungs. Instead, ventilate well and choose natural deodorizers, such as zeolite or baking soda, which contain minerals that absorb odors. How to Freshen Indoor Air Naturally includes recipes for other homemade remedies.
• Make your own "fragrance-free" cleaners.
  • Cleaning products often contain unnecessary fragrances. Combined with other potentially harmful ingredients, they can pack an environmental wallop. See How to Clean with 5 Basic Tools for some ideas on natural alternatives.
• Avoid burning incense, especially in small rooms, enclosed spaces, or without adequate ventilation.
  • Incense releases cancer-causing particles called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons into the air. These particles can cling to fibers. Children can easily ingest or inhale them when they play on the floor.
• Limit your use of scented candles and avoid candles with stiff, metallic wicks.
  • Scented candles tend to release more chemicals and soot than unscented candles. Candles with metallic wicks may contain lead. You can reduce candle soot by trimming candlewicks to 1/4-inch and keeping candles out of drafts.
• Some naturally derived fragrance ingredients can irritate the skin or lungs.
  • The following natural scent ingredients can cause skin irritation and rashes or other sensitivities, according to The Safe Shopper’s Bible (Macmillan, 1995): cinnamon bark oil, clove oil, vanillin, hydroxycitronellal, eugenol, citralc diethyl maleate, fennel oil, peruvian balsam, bergamot oil, marigold oil, cumin oil, orange bitter/essence/oil, lemon essence/juice/oil, rue oil, lime essence/juice/oil, verbena oil, patchouli oil, civet, galbanum, and asafetida.

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