Asthma rates in UK children are said to have increased by a staggering 2-300% since the 1950s, and it's a similar trend across both Europe and the US. Around 5.4 million Britons now have asthma, including 1.1 million children. And it causes up to 1,250 deaths each year.

Scientists in the US have recently identified chemicals found in cosmetics as a possible cause for the increase - particularly in children. They found that babies in the womb exposed to high levels of phthalates are up to 78% more at risk of developing asthma.

Dr Robin Whyatt of Columbia University said: "These chemicals are very widely used in very high volume. But they are generally not listed on labels." Her advice was to cut back on using artificially-scented products - cosmetics, air fresheners and detergents. She also suggested that women should check their make-up on the internet for phthalates. But that's not as easy as it sounds since there's no requirement for producers to include it on their ingredients listings.

Identifying products containing phthalates

Botanicals founder, Wendy Stirling explains: "You can usually tell if a product contains phthalates because it will have a smell that lingers far longer than one that's natural. The chemical is used to prolong the smell of artificial fragrances. Which is why you'll often find it in strong-smelling perfumes, cosmetics, deodorants, as well as a wide range of household products like air-freshners and cleaners."

Wendy was at a conference last year hosted by the European Cosmetics Directorate (the things we have to endure!). She was horrified to learn that the EU is planning to bow to pressure from major international cosmetic manufacturers to ban the term 'free from'. "The issue about phthalates illustrates just how dangerous this move could be," said Wendy. "I think it's completely reckless and shows a total disregard for the health concerns of consumers."

Botanicals is proud to have won the 'Free from' award earlier this year (right). We were up against some of the giants of the industry, including major supermarkets and high street chains. Many companies are quick to jump on the 'natural' bandwagon when it suits them. But Wendy thinks it would be a mistake to think they're driven by anything other than profit;

Why put your family's health at risk?

"None of us would want to put our health - and that of our families - at risk from the effects of ingesting even the smallest amount of a chemical which some scientists consider potentially dangerous. Why would we? Especially when there are lots of alternatives made from completely naturally-occuring ingredients."

The difficulty for these large companies is that it's not easy to mass-produce completely natural products. Ingredients can vary from batch to batch, and they're often far more expensive - particularly if they're certified organic. Most importantly, they don't contain the chemicals that completely control smell, colour, texture and shelf-life - all of which are vital for major global brands. But we think it's a price worth paying. And it seems our customers do too!