HEALTHY HOME

Bamboo toothbrushes and safe scents

As autumn approaches and we begin to retreat indoors to our cosy homes, many of us turn to candles to add fragrance.

Yet a surprising amount of them are made using potentially harmful ingredients.

Paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances can contain carcinogens such as benzene and toluene that, according to a report by The Royal College of Physicians, can be as bad for you as secondhand smoke.

There are safer, greener alternatives to paraffin. Beeswax and soy wax have been used to make candles for thousands of years and are non-toxic when burned.

Plug-in air fresheners might not be especially healthy either. According to one recent American study, 86 per cent of air fresheners tested contained phthalates – also found in many everyday household products – which have been linked to breast cancer and male infertility.

Make sure you check the label and opt for products containing essential oils and organic materials, or switch to reed diffusers if you want continuous natural fragrance. You can even make your own diffusers by adding your favourite essential oil to a base, such as almond oil or even vodka. Remember to choose a vase with a narrow neck to slow down evaporation.

Indoor plants, such as peace lilies and lady palm, do a great job at absorbing airborne toxins, while opening a window remains the fastest way to freshen a home.