Archive for October, 2007
Sony releases scented phones
Consumers in Japan can purchase Sony Ericsson’s new scented phone, the NTT DoCoMo SO703i. These flip-phones contain a scented strip called an “aroma sheet” near the hinge. The replaceable sheets are guaranteed to be fragrant for over 3 months. Available scents apparently include “apple pie.” Additional features include GPS navigation, television, and audio player functions. DoCoMo is Japan’s largest mobile phone operator. Other DoCoMo phones with interesting features include a Wellness phone that includes a breathalyzer and a motion sensor. Read more at Ubergizmo and NTT DoCoMo
Add comment October 26, 2007
Ambient scenting industry responds to asthma study
Household spray cleaners and air fresheners may be an important risk factor in new-onset asthma, according to a study published this month in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The research involved collaboration from twelve scientists across Europe and over 3,500 subjects. According to the study results, frequency of use of glass cleaner, furniture sprays, and spray air fresheners correlated with increased frequency in new-onset asthma.
With use of household air fresheners in the U.S. at an all-time high, what effect with this health news have on the multi-billion dollar industry? Richard Weening, CEO of ambient-scenting company Prolitec, believes the news will change the way consumers shop for scenting products.
“Not all products and technologies are equal,” says Weening. “The dangerous products contain volatile compounds made necessary by the inferior technology of the spray bottle. With the proper technology, these chemicals aren’t needed.”
To address these issues, Prolitec has developed a proprietary scent-distribution technology and machine that produces microscopic-sized fragrance particles in miniscule amounts, compared to the huge particles and large amounts created by a spray bottle. Prolitec provides scent machines to businesses and homeowners across the world.
With the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission currently considering risk assessment and regulation of the industry, changes are on the horizon. But despite the current lack of government regulation on the air freshening industry, there are some guidelines that could be used by makers of scenting products.
“We’ve used California Prop. 65 and OSHA subpart Z to guide us,” says Weening. “Consumer health and safety have been foremost for us in the development of our technology and fragrances.” Prolitec’s products use only pure fragrance oil and inert ingredients, made possible, according to Weening, by Prolitec’s technology.
Read more at American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, U.S. News & World Report and SF Gate
Add comment October 24, 2007
Scented blankets hit the market
In the scented fabric department we now have scented blankets. The Modern Nomad is selling $59 rayon blankets whose scents are “released by millions of tiny capsules” when touched, and last up to 20 laundry cycles. U.S. luxury-furnishings store Owen Lawrence is carrying acrylic blankets in a variety of fruity scents, (scent-technology unknown) which retail for $70. And among the lower-tech variety, Oregon company The Lavender Barn is selling $80 cotton blankets with lavender sewn into the blanket.
Add comment October 23, 2007
Welders at risk for anosmia
Welders working in enclosed, poorly-ventilated spaces might be at risk for anosmia (loss of sense of smell), according to a recent study at the University of Pennsylvania. UP researchers studied 43 professional welders, comparing their scores on a scratch-and-sniff test with the scores of non-welders. Findings showed significantly less olfactory abilities among the welders, but the actual cause of the sensory loss remains unclear. Further research with other non-welder industrial workers is indicated to further hone in on the causes of the problem. Read more at Science Daily
Add comment October 21, 2007
Air freshener report shines light on health & safety issues
A recent study by the U.S. National Resources Defense Council has got retailers pulling worrisome air-freshener products from shelves. The study, which examined air fresheners available at a chain retail store, found most products contained varying levels of phthalates, chemicals that may affect hormones and reproductive development. Walgreens, whose products were the subjects of the study, responded quickly by withdrawing the offending products.
“More than anything, our research highlights cracks in our safety system,” said Dr. Gina Solomon, NRDC senior scientist.
Despite the $1.72 billion U.S. air-freshening industry, the US federal goverment doesn’t currently perform any safety tests on air fresheners or provide manufacturers with any safety guidelines. By contrast, the European Union has been banning two types of phthalates in a variety of products since 2004.
Prolitec, a U.S. scenting company that provides much of its product to companies in Europe, says its products contain no phthalates. “Because we’ve known since our inception that phthalates posed potential health risks, we’ve never used them” said Richard Weening, Prolitec’s CEO. “Health issues are a primary concern for us, and we’ve developed our technology and products with safety in mind.”
The NDRC, along with several other groups, has filed a petition to the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, calling for testing and risk assessment of all air freshener products on the market.
Add comment October 19, 2007
Dial-a-scent service delivers
A London shop is offering a new service for potential perfume customers. For £20 you can call them on the telephone and they’ll determine which fragrances are best for you and send you samples. A writer goes through the process and tells all about it at the Daily Mail
Add comment October 15, 2007
Electronic noses sniff out disease
A team at University of Warwick is developing an electronic nose that could be used to detect diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, resistant staph (MRSA) and others. The device, which functions like a human nose by mimicking human nasal mucus, is specifically designed to smell molecules that are characteristic of particular diseases. These “e-noses” are slightly different for different diseases, and are in various stages of development. Similar e-nose-type devices are being developed by a variety of others, including University of Pennsylvania, Cranfield University, and several biotech companies. Read more at Times Online
Add comment October 14, 2007
