Follow on Google News News By Tag Industry News News By Place Country(s) Industry News
Follow on Google News | Aromasys and the Elephant in the Room.Air fresheners: Are they creating accessibility issues for those with asthma?
By: NTEF However, because of concern over these health related issues, various environmental groups such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, and Alliance for Healthy Homes have sued the EPA. As a result, companies will be required to disclose all ingredients to the EPA. How much of the information will be made available to consumers is unknown at the present time. A 2004 study showed that 29.7% of those with asthma said air fresheners caused breathing difficulties and 37.2% found scented products irritating. American Association of Poison Control Centers documented 14,000+ calls involving air freshener exposure in 2005 and 2,500+ exposures resulted in injuries of some type. In a 1997 study, emissions of "air fresheners at several concentrations (including concentrations to which many individuals are actually exposed) caused increases in sensory and pulmonary irritation, decreases in airflow velocity, and abnormalities of behavior measured by the functional observational battery score”. This presents a real problem for travelers, and especially for those who come to Las Vegas and other gaming cities to stay and play. Many hotels and resorts use signature scents made by companies such as Aromasys. Aromasys custom designs fragrances for use in HVAC ductwork through an electrostatic diffusion system. Among their clientele are: The Las Vegas Hilton, Borgata, Loews Hotel, Trump Plaza, Palazzo, Encore and Wynn Las Vegas (which uses Asian Rain). In spite of the advent of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), companies are not currently required to disclose the chemicals used in their products, being able to hide behind the word “proprietary” According to Wallace, “Ventilation is recommended instead of air fresheners”.* With all the current publicity regarding chemicals and air fresheners, one has to wonder, why would a company knowingly center on a product whose chemical ingredients can carry health related effects? Were tests for safety actually performed? Were their clientele actually informed of potential health risks? One can only speculate. The NTEF sees the elephant in the room regarding Aromasys, hotels and casinos, doesn’t everyone else? * Wolper, J. Air Fresheners Are Toxic, July 29, 2008 http://www.efluxmedia.com/ End
Account Email Address Account Phone Number Disclaimer Report Abuse
|
|