CITRONELLA (Cymbopogon winterianus) AS AN AIR FRESHENER A Science Investigatory Project Presented to Stella Maris Academy of Davao
In partial fulfillment of the requirements in Integrated Science 8 To Ms. Avrylle R. Corpuz Grade 8 Science Teacher By
Group 6 Kristine May John Mercado Shiela Mae Fernandez Sophia Mae Abarca Francis Dave Maranan Trexie Anne Undangan Jericho John Amparo Sebastian Laguna Kyla Angelique Luy Grade 8- Generosity October 16, 2014

Rationale
Introduction
Nowadays, air fresheners are one of the household essentials.They have become a staple in many people, marketed with the promise of creating a clean, healthy, and sweet-smelling indoor atmosphere.These are consumer products used in homes or commercial products to freshen air. They are usually stored in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.There are many different methods and brands of air freshener. Some of the different types of air fresheners include sprays, candles, oils, gels, beads, and plug-ins. Some air fresheners have been known to have chemicals that provoke allergy and asthma symptoms raising argument about how safe it is to use. Air freshening is not only limited to modern day sprays, air freshening also can involve the use of organic and everyday house hold items. Although air freshener is primarily used for odor elimination, some people simply use air freshener for the pleasant odors they emit.
The air fresheners have 4 basic ingredients, these are formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, p- dichlorobenzene and aerosol propellants. Recently many of these chemicals have been investigated for their safety. Some common chemicals found in air fresheners have been found to be toxic to humans and may increase the incidence of many different health problems. Natural and healthy air fresheners are now being used as alternatives to conventional air fresheners in order to minimize health hazards and environmental pollution.

Statement of the Problem This study is to test the reliability of natural air fresheners to freshen the atmosphere and become as a substitute to the synthetic air freshener products available in our market today. It specifically seeks to answer the following question: 1. Will its scent lasts for a long period of time ? 2. Will its scent spreads around ? 3. Will it be harmful to humans and animals ?
Significance of the Study
The study entitled “CITRONELLA (Cymbopogon winterianus) AS AN AIR FRESHENER“ will benefit a lot of people especially to those people who love surrounding that smells good. This can also help them if they have allergies and asthma symptoms caused by some common chemicals found in synthetic air fresheners. Many synthetic air fresheners on the market contains phthalates that can be harmful to our health and can cause irregular heatbeats, headaches, depression, earaches, and diarrhea in babies.

Review of Related Literature
History of Air Fresheners
Fragrances have been used to mask odors since the dawn of times. A variety of ingredients have been used over the time for their abilities to either create pleasant aromas or to eliminate undesirable odors. The first modern air freshener, was introduced in 1948. Its original function was based on a military technology for dispensing insecticides. It was adapted into a pressurized spray using a propellant. The idea behind the product was to deliver a fine mist of aroma compounds to remain suspended in the air for an extended period of time. The air freshener was born and this first type of dispenser became the industry standard. In the 1980s, the air freshener market shifted away from aerosols, due to concerns over the destruction of the ozone layer. Many other air freshener delivery methods have become popular since, including scented candles, solid gels, reed diffusers, liquid wick air fresheners, potpourri, and heat release air freshening products such as scented oils. ( house-chem.com 2012 )
Types of Air Freshener
When the home smells nice and fresh, it makes the entire environment cleaner and more welcomed. Air fresheners are very popular because of this reason. They are also handy for getting rid of odors that are trapped in fabrics and carpet. These are the several types of air fresheners: spray ( most common type ), plug-ins, gels, potpourri, scented candles and any other types of air freshener that can entice the average consumer. ( ehow.com )
Non-Toxic Air Fresheners ( Natural Air Freshener )

It is true that some air fresheners on the market today make use of harsh chemicals to eliminate or overpower odors. “Many air fresheners contain nerve-deadening chemicals that coat your nasal passages and temporarily block your sense of smell,” reports National Geographic’s The Green Guide. Some of the most offensive ingredients—volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene and formaldehyde. Perhaps even more worrisome, though, are dispersants known as phthalates that cause hormonal and reproductive issues, birth defects and developmental disorders. A 2007 review by the non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that 12 out of 14 widely available air fresheners contained phthalates. Some of the air fresheners that tested positive for phthalates were labeled as “all-natural” or “unscented.” Given such problems with air fresheners, many of us are looking for non-toxic alternatives. Of course, first and foremost would be opening a window or two, as nothing beats good old fresh air for shooing away offensive odors. But sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate for leaving windows and doors open. And don't underestimate the air-cleansing power of houseplants, which can improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins out of the air.( scientificamerican.com 2012 )

Healthy Benifits of Natural Air Freshener
Today, more and more people are becoming aware of dangerous toxins found in foods we eat and the air we breathe. Although air fresheners make a room smell nice and clean, unless they are made from natural products, they are actually adding toxins to the air. Therefore, if you want your home to smell nice while avoiding any dangerous chemicals, you should consider all natural products.
Natural air freshener uses only the purest essential oils and plant extracts. With these natural ingredients, odors are neutralized while still providing you with a relaxing aromatherapy fragrance. Most natural air fresheners contain no phosphates, chlorine, or ammonia, all chemicals that can be harmful to the eyes and lungs. Additionally, natural air fresheners are void of dyes and coloring, they are biodegradable, and for people with respiratory problems or allergy sensitivity, the perfect solution. ( fitinjustabit.com 2012 )
Synthetic Air Fresheners
Consciously or unconsciously, we use our sense of smell to judge a home’s healthfulness and cleanliness, which is why retailers offer such a wide array of chemical sprays, gels, solids and plug-ins to scent our spaces. Three-quarters of all American homes are now scented with some type of commercial air freshener, an increase of nearly 30 percent since 1999. Synthetic scents contain harmful chemicals. A study published in the Archives of Environmental Health linked chronic exposure to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air fresheners to headaches and depression in new mothers and diarrhea and earaches in their babies. Harmful VOCs in air fresheners include benzene and formaldehyde, which are byproducts of the manufacturing process. Benzene exposure can damage bone marrow, which can decrease red blood cells and affect immunity. Long-term exposure to airborne benzene has also been linked to increased risk of anemia and leukemia. Formaldehyde, a known carcinogenic neurotoxin, can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and skin. It’s better to use a natural air

freshener to freshen your home because it’s not harmful in our health. ( motherearthliving.com )
Common Synthetic Air Fresheners Contain Chemicals That May Affect Human Reproductive Development
NEW YORK (September 19, 2007) – An analysis of more than a dozen common household air fresheners found that most contain chemicals that may affect hormones and reproductive development, particularly in babies, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) said today. The federal government does not currently test air fresheners for safety or require manufacturers to meet any specific safety standards. The study offers both consumers and officials new information on the risks certain air fresheners pose. NRDC tested 14 different brands of common household air fresheners and found that 12 contained the hormone-disrupting chemicals known as phthalates.While consumers should be concerned about the chemicals, NRDC stressed that there is no cause for panic. The chemicals pose their greatest risk over long term repeated exposure .In conjunction with the study, NRDC, along with the Sierra Club, Alliance for Healthy Homes and the National Center for Healthy Housing, are filing a petition to the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today. The petition calls for the EPA and CPSC to start assessing the risk air fresheners pose to consumers by comprehensively testing all air freshener products on the market.NRDC said it also looking forward to working with the air freshener industry to find ways to eliminate phthalates from their products.Phthalates are hormone-disrupting chemicals that can be particularly dangerous for young children and unborn babies. Exposure to phthalates can affect testosterone levels and lead to reproductive abnormalities, including abnormal genitalia and reduced sperm production. The State of California notes that five types of phthalates—including one that we found in air freshener products—are “known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm.” Young children and pregnant women should be especially careful to avoid contact with these chemicals. NRDC also suggests consumers first try to reduce home odors by improving home ventilation. Since fresheners only mask odors rather than address them, tending to the root cause of the odor is a first step to tackling the problem. ( nrdc.org )
How Synthetic Air Fresheners are Killing You
Unfortunately, the residual chemicals from common cleaning and deodorizing products often results in accidental poisonings to the very people who were supposedly being protected. Some toxic chemicals accumulate in ever-increasing amounts in the human body over a period of years, so the health consequences are rarely attributed to them. Victims sometimes suffer from a strange form of cancer, or they might have some new-age disease like chronic fatigue syndrome, and of course, there is the ever more popular "genetic disorders. It is usually assumed that these products must go through rigorous safety testing before placement in retail stores, but this is not true. The cleaning industry is self-regulated, which translates to no regulation. Chemical companies do not need permission from any authoritative body before releasing their latest air fresheners or cleanup wipes. In fact, it took months for the F.D.A. to even warn
Clarcon Biological Chemistry Laboratory Inc. that bacteria was living inside its line of supposedly anti-bacterial products. Dichlorobenzene is a chemical which can be found

in the blood of 96% of Americans. It has been linked to lung damage, is a known carcinogen, and it is an E.P.A. registered pesticide. Studies found it to increase rates of asthma. Phthalates, like those found in air freshener mists, are usually used in the production of P.V.C plastics. All air fresheners containing phthalates lack any labeling to indicate their presence. Phthalates are also found in air fresheners that are labeled "unscented" and "all natural". With an estimated 75% of consumers using air fresheners in their homes, we strongly recommend improving ventilation systems to dilute these chemicals as much as possible, if they cannot be eliminated altogether. The chemicals which are emitted from air fresheners (and other toxic products) accumulate in the fatty tissues over time, so the dangers increase as they build up inside a body. The presence of toxins inside fat can make weight loss difficult. Since the human body uses fat to store certain materials that are too toxic for it to process, breaking down the fat would mean releasing those toxins, so a body must resist its fat loss for self-defense. Thus, fat is sometimes the result of an immune system properly responding to a danger. Sooner or later, society will have to revert to old-fashioned means of cleaning, cooking, and keeping our homes smelling pleasant. While they may make certain tasks easier, avoiding them is an essential step to ensure a long, healthy life for your family. Since children are most at risk, we hope that those reading this will dispose of their air fresheners, to minimize the exposure of those who are not able to protect themselves. ( healthwyze.org )
History of Cinnamon
Cinnamon, which is actually the dried bark of the laurel tree, has been used since antiquity. This powerful spice was used in Egypt, Rome, and China. Native to Sri Lanka, cinnamon can be produced from many species of laurel. The “real” cinnamon of old comes from the C. zeylanicum tree, but most modern cinnamon comes from the C. cassia tree. The history of cinnamon dates back to about 2800 BC where it can be found referenced as kwai in Chinese writings. It was used medicinally for colds and flu as well as problems of the digestive system. One of the worlds most important medicinal spices, it was also mentioned by Pliny, Dioscorides, and Theophrastus. Historically, cinnamon is even mentioned in the Bible. Moses used it as an ingredient for his anointing oils. In ancient Rome, it was burned during funerals, perhaps partly as a way to ward off the odor of dead bodies. The ancient Egyptians used it in embalming mummies because of its pleasant odors and its preservative qualities. Today cinnamon is one of the most common of all spices. The history of cinnamon goes further than its medicinal and culinary uses. Since 1796 the production of Cinnamon has spread to other areas. Today, cinnamon is cultivated in many places in the tropical areas of the planet. ( indepthinfo.com )
Healthy Benefits of Cinnamon and its Medicinal Uses
Cinnamon is one of our most popular spices. We put it on oatmeal in the morning, as well as spicing up other dishes to make them tasty, along with an aroma that goes throughout the house affecting the senses. Lots of people use cinnamon without thinking about the healthbenefits that are associated with its use. Cinnamon helps people to obtain alertness, and stay awake. Most commonly used as a cinnamon spice. You can buy cinnamon as a cinnamon cane also or add cinnamon extract to your baking. You can buy cinnamon oil, but it is hard to find. You can use cinnamon in candles, air fresheners, candle warmers, aroma simmer pot, and incense that tickles your senses. Cinnamon relieves the symptoms associated with stomach problems. Pregnant women experiencing nausea can get relief by using cinnamon, and even problem pregnancies can have fewer problems by taking cinnamon. Cinnamon powder is naturally used in cold remedies, cinnamon allergy medicine or cinnamon mouth wash. Cinnamon has been found to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, and aid in weight loss. Cinnamon has been used as and anti-inflammatory for rheumatism and as a muscle relaxer. ( examiner.com 2010) The Pandan Leaves
Pandanus amaryllifolius is a tropical plant in the Pandanus (screwpine) genus, which is commonly known as pandan leaves and is used widely in Southeast Asian cooking as a flavoring. The characteristic aroma of pandan is caused by the aroma compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, which maybe gives white bread, jasmine rice and basmati rice (as well as bread flowers Vallaris glabra) their typical smell.[1] The plant is rare in the wild but is widely cultivated. It is an upright, green plant with fan-shaped sprays of long,

narrow, blade-like leaves and woody aerial roots. The plant is sterile, flowers only grow very rarely, and is propagated by cuttings.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandanus_amaryllifolius)
Uses of Pandan Leaves
Natural plants have unique varieties which can aid different ailments. One of these popular I guess is the Pandan Leaves. I have this plant in my garden which I frequently use in cooking rice and some various desserts. Recently, I have learned some numerous benefits I could get in using Pandan Leaves which I am about to share with you.
First, let me introduce to you what Pandan Leaves are? These are also called Pandan Plant which is very popular for its aromatic flavors. Most predominantly used in the Southeast Asian cooking and is known to be barren.
As many people observed, the uses of pandan plant are not limited in cooking uses. Each part has been found to have medicinal benefits containing tannin, glycosides and alkaloids, which said to be the reason for the effectiveness of such various health concerns.

As a matter of fact, Pandan Leaves is extremely useful for healing various wounds and diseases such as smallpox, and is said to be a great pain reliever in such headache, chest pain, arthritis, earache and a fever reducer as well. It is also believed freshen the breath and reduce gum and mouth pain by chewing its leaf.
In addition, each leaf of pandan is also effective in reducing stomach cramps and stomach spasm. It the same manner, many people discovered and proved that it is an effective remedy for cough as well. So it is well considered being one of your best chose to plant and introduce in your garden.
(http://www.drinkbenefits.com/pandan-leaves-health-benefits.htm)

METHODOLOGY
Materials
The materials needed in this experiment are five (5) cinnamon sticks, five (5) cups of water, a pot, 4 ounce spray bottle, and a portable stove.
Collection
The proponents will collect the five (5) cinnamon sitcks from the Abreeza Mall. The pot, 4 ounce spray bottle, portable stove and water will be from the proponents’ own houeshold.
Procedure
A. Measurement of the materials needed
The proponents will measure the number of cinnamon sticks and the amount of water that are going to use in making the solution of the air freshener. The formula consists of five (5) cinnamon sticks and five (5) cups of water.

B. Preparation of the set-up
The proponents will gather all the materials needed. The proponents will put the five (5) cups of water and five (5) cinnamon sticks in the pot and will put the pot into a stove top burner, over medium heat. The proponents will let the water heat until it simmers and the water starts to turn brown. The proponents will let the water continue to simmer for about five minutes. After five minutes, the proponents will turn off the burner and then, will let it cool for about twenty (20) minutes. Lastly, put in the spray bottle.
Disposal
There will be no disposal because all the materials needed in this experiment are useful.

METHODOLOGY FLOW CHART

Preparation of the list of materials

Collection of the materials

Measurement of the materials needed

Preparation of the set-up

Observation and recording of results

Evaluation of data

1. Gather all the materials needed. 2. Put 5 cups of water and 5 cinnamon sticks in a pot. 3. Put the pot into a stove top burner, over medium heaat. 4. Let the water heat until it simmers and the water starts to turn brown. 5. Let the water continue to simmer for about five minutes. 6. After 5 minutes, turn off the burner. 7. Then, let it cool for about 20 minutes. 8. Lastly, put in the spray bottle.

Procedure: 9. Gather all the materials needed. 10. Put 5 cups of water and 5 cinnamon sticks in a pot. 11. Put the pot into a stove top burner, over medium heaat. 12. Let the water heat until it simmers and the water starts to turn brown. 13. Let the water continue to simmer for about five minutes. 14. After 5 minutes, turn off the burner. 15. Then, let it cool for about 20 minutes. 16. Lastly, put in the spray bottle.

http://cleanmyspace.com/diy-natural-home-deodorizers-air-fresheners/
Boiling Plain Cinnamon Sticks * Cinnamon sticks are simple to boil. To boil only cinnamon sticks, put two cups of water and two cinnamon sticks in a small pot. Put the pot onto a stove top burner, over medium heat. Let the water heat until it simmers and the water starts to turn brown. Let the water continue to simmer for about five minutes, and then turn off the burner. You can reheat the cinnamon and water later in the day after the cinnamon smell has dissipated.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/info_7868322_ideas-cinnamon-sticks-smelling-good.html