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Aerosol can air fresheners

hope132 profile image
22 Replies

Hi everyone I hope everyone is doing okay got a few questions my roommate started spraying air freshener cans aerosol I asked him to please stop it bothers me tremendously I have read that it can cause major problems with people with asthma or COPDI just can't take living like this anymore I worry about the air I breathe every second of every day and I have no control over my environment or the place that I live .if he doesn't stop I'm going to have to try even with my financial situation to find my own place to live so at least I can control the air I breathe.even if he stops completely eventually some new person will move in here and start smoking in the house or whatever and it's maddening it's not a good way to live it's no way to live. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated PS my dad is doing much better thanks again for all the people that responded and care

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hope132 profile image
hope132
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22 Replies
hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54

Hi Hope the relevant word here is 'can'. It doesn't cause problems for everyone - ie problems such as causing an exacerbation. Has it with you? If it hasn't then to be honest you have nothing to worry about. If it has then you need to have a firm word with your roommate and explain why it is a problem. x

CLARAmay profile image
CLARAmay in reply to hypercat54

Hi I don’t like to spray anything since I gave up smoking and doing exercise my lung have been brilliant. Me ver thought they would get this good yes stay away from these types of people that know your sick and don’t give a f... x

hope132 profile image
hope132 in reply to hypercat54

Hi hyper cat how you doing hope all is well.it doesn't bother my breathing but it bothers my mouth when I'm home for 3 minutes.I think he's got the gel caps or something where you just leave it open and that's why it always smells. I read they are no good for asthma or COPD they have toxins in them. I read up and you can get an all natural air freshener with no toxins so I left a note on his door and shoved a towel at the bottom of the door so I don't have to smell it told him I would pay for it myself he's a pretty reasonable guy so I'm hoping he will just say yes.he probably won't be around till Sunday night cuz he goes away for the weekend but the smell is always there sometimes not as strong but ever since I was a kid these things have bothered me I simply hate them.as my breathing goes nothing ever bothers me I can swim fish work even jog a little bit I started jogging and I'm out of breath but I don't have trouble breathing there is a difference cuz I'm just out of shape. I go months without taking one puff of my inhaler truth be told only one thing bothers me when I do cannabutter edibles and I overdo it crazy huh if I do it two three times I feel nothing if I overdo the cannabutter I have problems for a couple weeks I just don't feel 100% it takes me a couple weeks to get back to 100% so I decided to chill on the edibles and cut back substantially and only do it like once every two months so I know it won't bother me.I eat well I exercise but trying to stay away from everything that will hurt me is maddening I feel like I have to live in a bubble and I know that's impossible.I just want to take excellent care of myself and try to avoid anything that will hurt me and die of old age before I really ever have any bad breathing problems.thanks for responding again hope all is well looking forward to your response take care bye

peege profile image
peege in reply to hope132

You're right, they're all toxic not to mention helping in destroying the ozone layer or the impossibility of recycling aerosols

AndrewT profile image
AndrewT

Dear hope132,

There are some Natural 'Air Fresheners' available....Some even GROW! Yes Lavender, Rosemary, Lemon (or any Citrus) not forgetting Rose. If you make up an Infusion, of these Beautiful Plants- just using water, they make great Air Fresheners. You Don't need an Aerosol Can, just a simple Spray Bottle. Equally the oils of many plants, MAKE SURE that you buy the 'Burnable' Essential oils- the PURE Oil shouldn't affect your breathing, it's the 'Cut' ones that can do this. An alternative, that is also Lovely, is to add a few drops of oil to warm water- or one of the 'Burners' that only warms water.

DO experiment, maybe bring your Flat Mate 'On Board' too. (s)he will, I'm Sure, much prefer these Natural Product anyway. The Cost? Depending on the Oil, the Burner, how much/ often it's used....Comparable, I would venture, to endless Aerosol Cans....In fact, in maybe six Months time you could both be 'Hooked'! Personally I LOVE these Smells, if you feel Bold, you can try Mixtures of Oils- be warned though, some are HORRIBLE!

It only remains for me to Wish You, 'The Best Of Luck' hope. Enjoy the WONDERFUL 'ODOURS'.

AndrewT

sassy59 profile image
sassy59

Hello hope132, I feel that if the spray bothers you then your room mate should be respectful of your wishes and breathing problems. Try and get a place of your own if possible.

Good news about your dad and hope he stays as well as he can.

Take care xxxx

northernlass profile image
northernlass

Hi, unfortunately, if people haven’t experienced breathing difficulties, they don’t ‘get it’, the physio at rehab asks her students to exercise using a straw to breathe in/out of to experience what it’s like for compromised lungs, you could try that or print out the poisonous substances in air fresheners that turn to formaldehyde in the air and remain in the environment.

Then, try a natural spritzer as advised with lavender, (which also kills airborne bacteria), orange/lemon oil with water AND house plants, (spider plants and ivy are great and you can take cuttings from both and plant up to increase the filtering), clean the air so you have some control over your flat. If, he fails to engage, ask him politely to keep the sprays to his room only. Good luck.

AndrewT profile image
AndrewT in reply to northernlass

Dear northanlass,

Not forgetting that, absolutely Wonderful, plant 'The Scented Geranium'- often Lemon Scented, these are completely NON-TOXIC, you can even COOK with them.😋 There is also Lemon Mint, Lemon Balm and, more exotically Lemon Grass. Cat Mint, is another possibility, to Humans it has a 'Light' scent....If any at all. To cats, it varies, some take no 'Notice', others go 'Barmy/ Crazy' for the stuff....It does have Air Freshening Properties though, either leave it 'Out', or grow it. Never underestimate Soap, yes Traditional SOAP, a good De-Greaser and cleaner, don't be Put Off by 'Girls Cleaning Mirrors' (what 'Gunk' was it, that left Mirrors gleaming? ). If you don't believe me, try this, Cut onions WITHOUT gloves on, wait about twenty minutes- maybe half an hour. How are your hands? 💀 Exactly.....Now give them a Good Wash, in 'SIMPLE' soap, taking some minutes to do so. Rinse, carefully dry, then smell your hands...Just from soap, that simple.🙃 (I LOVE, that one!).

My best advice is 'Experiment' there, really ARE, some tremendous 'Things' out there.

Enjoy, kindest wishes

AndrewT

SquirrelsHolt profile image
SquirrelsHolt

Dear hope132 it is quite a common topic of discussion here ..... Smells !😂 I cannot have 99%of those plug in air fresheners,or any strong odours even like undiluted bleach. Perfumes or after she are also a problem,so I can understand how.upsetting it must be for you with your flat mate. Keep it on a friendly basis and maybe have a little chat with him to explain your condition. If he's of an understanding and ,reasonable nature,I'm certain things will improve.

Do come back and tell us how you're getting on.💞

stamford1234 profile image
stamford1234

I wonder why it is necessary to spray air freshener, why not open a window or at least give you the opportunity to leave the room until it clears. COPD or not I would be mad if someone thought it okay to spray something in my space without clearing it with me. Have a chat, don't bottle it up and make it worse. You sound stressed, possibly you are tired? Moving is very stressful, it should be your last resort especially if you are worrying about your dad. Since you mentioned it, does anybody expect to be able to smoke indoors these days? I don't think that thought should be nagging at you. Have a polite word with your roommate, explain your concerns quietly I am sure they will understand. Good news you dad is improving. Have a lovely day (open some windows!)

AndrewT profile image
AndrewT in reply to stamford1234

Dear stamford1234,

What sensible advice, I couldn't- and didn't- put it better myself. My windows are Rarely closed, I live on the Top Floor. I even had a window 'Open To the Lock', the night of the 1987 Storm! (at that time I was on the Second Floor)

We have friends, who have 'Air Fresheners' Going Off, all the Time. I know that they DO have a dog, a small Yorkshire Terrier, but still. These are 'things' that you Program, to go off, at intervals- in their case FREQUENT intervals! Do I EVER use an 'Air Freshener'? Well yes, very occasionally, perhaps in a Toilet that has no window- otherwise NO- I certainly don't use it at Home!

I DO however use a Roll On Deodorant, coupled with a Pleasant aerosol, but them only in the morning BEFORE I leave the bedroom. I'm sure that BOTH our Friend's Bladder, & Bowel 'Problems' would improve with more Fresh Air, and less SPRAY!

Thank you, once again, Stamford1234 for your comments. Kind Regards

AndrewT

stamford1234 profile image
stamford1234 in reply to AndrewT

I hope it all gets sorted out for the best. It's not easy finding accommodation. Wow, the '87 storm. It was bad down here in Sussex. It might be time to have a clear out!

PurpleAlf profile image
PurpleAlf

Men’s deodorant gets ‘right up my nose’, they are so powerfully scented. I have made my husband go far away to use it now! I have also given away all my spray/plug in air fresheners as they don’t help either. I hope your room mate is understanding 😀

peege profile image
peege in reply to PurpleAlf

There are plenty of up perfumed ones about. Mum, Mitcham unperfumed is the one men in my family use

stamford1234 profile image
stamford1234 in reply to peege

Excellent

Aingeful profile image
Aingeful

Air fresheners bother me greatly ,sprays,plug ins ,diffusers etc.I can't stand them! I make my own with water,drops of lavender oil and a tiny amount of vodka ( recipe on net). It smells gorgeous and doesn't harm anybody. He needs to know how serious this is and to be made aware that he is causing you harm.

ermintrudexxx profile image
ermintrudexxx

I would say to you a definite No No. Even if you are not affected all air fresheners have chemicals. Especially the plug in type, they are the worst offenders. I am affected. A report in the paper last month advising to find alternatives, especially pregnant

women and respiratory problem sufferers. As you share the room, this is no doubt a confined area, it should be a joint decision. Open a window. Take care

Jaybird19 profile image
Jaybird19

It is difficult but you have to face up to it and act. If you leave does the room mate have to pay the total cost?. Say you will have to go if you are able to find somewhere else better. My house is attached and the new tenant next door has 5 children and washes every day , all day , using t the most potent washing detergents. Also both smoke like chimneys so I have to keep Windows closed , even then I cough All their children have asthma. The washing machine vents under my windows . My rooms are all glass facing south so summer is not pleasant. So you are always dependant on other people being considerate . Try talking again.

Best of luck

.

hope132 profile image
hope132 in reply to Jaybird19

Considerate and people that's 2 words I never use in the same sentence.

bobbyfloyd profile image
bobbyfloyd

I find all fresheners make my chest very tight, also scent, people using to much after shave and also air fresheners in cars, luckily i have an understanding wife who sprays deodorants outside, it may sound harsh but my lungs and my breathing comes first

Briancoombs profile image
Briancoombs

Hi,

Do not use any Aero sprays at all if you do put a mask on . Other wise you will cough a lot and could be sick.

My deodorants were lethal to me

I now use roll on deodorants not expensive £1 from savers .

Nivea Mitchell many others have no problems whatsoever

Hope this helps

mbscbpmbscbp profile image
mbscbpmbscbp

Air refreshers pollute the air. buy an extractor fan if you want to breathe better air.

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