Highlighting the need to be curious

I walked past a stand at my local supermarket, and the ‘natural’ look of it made me stop and check out the products: Aeroguard’s range of insect killers. On the front, I noticed the wording “100% Plant Based Active Ingredient”. Then I noticed that this ingredient accounts for 3% (3.0g/L), so 0.3% of the total formula.

I flipped it over to see exactly what was inside. It said: only the ingredients you need; for more information visit www.aeroguard.com.au

That was my first flag. Why not tell us on the label what is inside?

So. I jumped online and this is what I found.

Let me break down my observations based on my research and knowledge:

BHT, also known as butylated hydroxytoluene – EWG.org states that it causes moderate irritation of eyes skin and lungs (read more) and this study, which compares BHT, BHA and Vitamin E, states that although concentrations in food, drugs and cosmetics are probably harmless, specific toxic effects to the lungs have only been observed with BHT, and BHT induces liver tumours in long-term experiments.

Geraniol as fragrance – this is naturally occurring and found in plants like Neroli and Geranium, however, I do wonder if it is synthetically produced. I believe it is used for its insect-deterring properties.

Parrafin – petroleum-based.

Peg-40 – made by combining castor oil with ethylene oxide (highly toxic, known carcinogen; concerns over contamination within the ingredient).

Alkyl alcohol ethoxylate – impurity concerns with this synthetically produced ingredient and among other issues, is believed to be toxic to aquatics (you’ll note the ‘environmentally hazardous’ image on the bottle). Read more.

Methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone – these preservatives have some heavy use restrictions and been associated with lung toxicity, skin allergies and toxicity to wildlife.

I talk more about some of these ingredients on my list of questionable ingredients, here.

If you want to use this product, please do so – at least you’re somewhat informed of some potential risks. Me? I wouldn’t touch it. I wouldn’t spray it around my home. I wouldn’t allow it to spread over anything my family, or my pets, walked on, sat on, ate, drank or touched.

I wish all manufacturers (cleaning and home care) were required to fully disclose their ingredients at the point of sale, like cosmetic manufacturers are. That would allow us all to make our own conscious, and informed, decisions when shopping.

You can join over 12,000 other people who are passionate about these laws changing, and sign my petition here.

Krissy Ballinger

author and passionate advocate for natural living and wellness

Krissy Ballinger is an accomplished author and passionate advocate for natural living and wellness. Her mission is to gently guide individuals towards holistic wellbeing by providing a wealth of resources and services, ranging from natural living guidance and DIY recipes, to healing therapies that nurture the mind, body, spirit and space. She envisions a world where conscious choices are made that honour the self, humanity and the environment.

With her roots in education and health promotion, Krissy continually expands her expertise. Recently, she obtained certifications in Zone Healing Technique and NeurOptimal Neurofeedback (brain training), qualified as a Reiki Healer, and completed an Undergraduate Certificate in Lifestyle Coaching from Endeavour College of Natural Health.

Krissy dedicates her time to managing her wellness room, offering services in Zone and Reiki Healing, Neurofeedback brain training, and Chemical Awareness Consulting. Additionally, she educates individuals about common and avoidable toxins through her various social platforms. Krissy’s books have collectively sold over 100,000 copies, including the award-winning Naturally Inspired – Simple DIY Recipes for Body Care and Cleaning, as well as Make & Play – Natural DIY Recipes for Kids, and The Lifestyle Edit.

4 Comments

  1. I do not want this evil poison around my pets, my disabled vulnerable son or me. How dare you lie to us by omission? How dare you poison us?

    • Inside my home, I diffuse oils like citronella, lemongrass, lavender and patchouli. You can also add these oils to a spray bottle with water and a heavy pinch of salt, or to a carrier oil.

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