Fresh air

The idea that spraying a sickly-sweet concoction of strange chemicals into a fetid room could be healthy was always bizarre. Now researchers from Brunel University have concluded that, far from being a harmless way to perfume your home, air fresheners aren't good for your health. They increase your chances of headaches and can cause diarrhoea in babies. So from now on, sprays and aerosols, with names like "Forest essence" and "Citrus delight", are out. Natural perfumes are in. That means joss-sticks in bathrooms; potpourri sprinkled on stairs; fresh oranges in alcoves. And, if that fails, why not try opening a window?