Whatever time of day you are out and about right now you can't fail to notice the smell of autumn in the air. That is of course unless you’re walking behind groups of teenagers on their way to school. If that’s the case then more likely the refreshing and invigorating aromas of nature will be replaced by the cloying smell of the myriad of chemicals they are wearing as perfumes, deodorants and hair gels. This was brought home to me the other day when I was late taking the dog for his morning walk and had this very experience. It made me feel immensely sorry for the teachers who have to spend all day shut in classrooms with product obsessed kids.

Of course, it isn’t the fault of the children. Manufacturers very cleverly link the scents of products with desired qualities such as sexiness, athleticism or independence and a celebrity name or two added in for good measure doesn’t do any harm…..to sales that is. Gone are the days when perfumes were derived from natural plant and animal ingredients as this often expensive practise was subject to seasonal variation and availability. In its place we have ‘nature identical’ scents which can be produced easily and cheaply without the problems associated with dealing with natural resources. Nearly all fragrance chemicals today are synthesised from petrochemicals which give a lingering smell, not to mention a whole host of human health problems.

Fragrances of course do not only find their way into skin and body care products but also into air fresheners, household cleaners, candles, washing powders, tissues and many other every day items. Latest research into the rise in the number of asthma sufferers very clearly indicates that chemical fragrances are at least partially to blame. Inhaled fragrance chemicals, as well as causing shortness of breath and wheezing, can be responsible for sore throats, a runny nose, sinus congestion, nausea and muscle pain. More frightening however is the fact that these chemicals are capable of breaching the blood-brain barrier which is the membrane designed to keep toxins away from the sensitive brain cells and when this happens, central nervous system disruption can give rise to headaches, tiredness, poor concentration levels, irritability, restlessness, agitation and depression. Now I’m feeling even sorrier for the teachers. How can children possibly perform at their best when they are already disadvantaged by the effects of the fragranced products they are wearing?

During the summer months when we are able to leave doors and windows open for extended lengths of time and we can pick bunches of fragrant sweet peas to scent out homes we tend to rely less on chemical alternatives. Now that the weather is colder and the doors are more often shut we are bombarded with adverts to give our homes a fresh welcoming aroma. Believe me, chemical fragrances are not the answer. They will not provide the ‘aromatherapy’ experience promised because they are synthetic. Pure essential oils are the natural essence of plants and have numerous health benefits when used properly but they are volatile. In other words they give up their fragrance readily into the air and therefore do not have the aromatic staying power of their laboratory-made counterparts. What a shame that is but nature doesn’t often get it wrong and what they lack in lasting aroma is easily made up for in other ways. Lavender essential oil for instance is calming and relaxing, aids restful sleep and helps fight depression. It can also be used to treat headaches and sinus problems, many of the conditions which synthetically fragranced products can actually cause. And that is just one example. Other essential oils provide different benefits, too numerous to cover here.

Not only can chemical fragrances be inhaled they can also be absorbed through the skin — particularly children’s skin which is so much thinner than that of adults. The thicker the product, the greater the absorbency and whilst quick to penetrate the skin and lodge in internal organs synthetic aroma compounds are much slower to clear from the system. In other words you don’t have to wear hair gel or perfume every day to experience long term negative effects.

All of the products I recommend and endorse are free from artificial fragrances. Check out the Shop for ideas on naturally scented gifts including the excellent Aromastone and a range of ethical, chemical-free candles (sundries section).