Buzz
Is this quirky car accessory actually a hidden source of pollutants? See more photos of how human senses react.Key Insights
- Air fresheners are made with chemicals such as formaldehyde, petrochemicals, p-dichlorobenzene, and aerosol pollutants, which can be harmful, especially with long-term or high-level exposure.
- Research has shown that air freshener use can contribute to respiratory problems, reduced lung function, and worsened asthma due to the combination of certain chemicals and ozone-producing formaldehyde.
- While the EPA hasn't issued specific warnings on air fresheners, they do recommend cautious use. Health-conscious individuals may prefer alternatives like natural ventilation, baking soda, coffee grounds, or lemon peels for odor removal.
Air fresheners are incredibly popular in the U.S., with around 75 percent of households using some form of them, contributing to more than $1 billion in industry revenue [source: NRDC]. Since 2003, sales have surged, with the market expanding to include solid, aerosol, and plug-in varieties in a wide range of scents.
Domestic air fresheners and odor neutralizers have often been criticized for their chemical compositions. Environmental advocates consistently caution against many types, pointing to pollutants they believe pose health risks. However, industry representatives argue that air fresheners are safe. U.S. government agencies, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, have not taken a stance on their legality due to a lack of comprehensive studies on their health effects.
A 2007 study by the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) intensified the public debate. After testing 14 different air fresheners sold at a Walgreens drug store, the study found that many contained chemicals that could lead to developmental and reproductive issues, particularly in infants [source: NRDC]. The study highlighted the presence of phthalates, chemicals used to soften plastics and stabilize fragrances. Due to their link to hormonal disruptions, California and Washington have banned phthalates in children's toys following additional animal studies.
Although the NRDC did not call for a ban on these air fresheners, the findings sparked mixed reactions. For example, Walgreens pulled three of its generic brand air fresheners that the study found had the highest levels of phthalates [source: Meersman]. However, some critics questioned the NRDC's testing methods, noting that factors such as room size, the distance from the product, and the duration of exposure were not considered [source: Masters].
The list of potential irritants in air fresheners goes beyond just phthalates. On the next page, we'll explore additional harmful substances and discuss natural methods for neutralizing odors in your home.
Main Chemicals in Air Fresheners
If you're feeling uneasy about your choice of air fresheners, you might want to consider a more natural alternative.
Bernd Lippert/Getty ImagesAccording to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most commercial air fresheners contain chemicals like formaldehyde, petrochemicals, p-dichlorobenzene, and aerosol pollutants [source: EPA]. The agency's "Indoor Guide to Air Quality" also mentions that air fresheners "release pollutants continuously" [source: EPA].
In 2006, the University of California at Berkeley conducted a study on air fresheners and household cleaners, revealing the presence of ethylene-based glycol ethers, which the EPA lists as hazardous air pollutants [source: ScienceDaily]. The study also identified terpenes, chemicals commonly found in citrus oils, which are not dangerous on their own but react with ozone to form formaldehyde [source: UC Berkeley]. Despite alarming findings, the study suggested that health risks mainly affect professionals like house cleaners and janitors exposed to large quantities of the products [source: ScienceDaily].
One ingredient in mothballs, 1,4 dichlorobenzene, is also found in many air fresheners. The EPA's air quality guide classifies this chemical as toxic, as its vapors can impair respiratory function. Additionally, the U.S. National Institute of Health Sciences has found that the chemicals in air fresheners may reduce lung capacity and accelerate respiratory diseases [source: ScienceDaily].
Similarly, there seems to be a link between air fresheners and asthma. A University of Washington study on chemical hypersensitivity surveyed participants about their reactions to air fresheners. About one-third of the participants with asthma reported that air fresheners worsened their condition, and 40 percent had negative reactions to scented products in general [source: Caress and Steinemann].
This may be linked to the combination of certain chemicals in air fresheners and ozone that create formaldehyde [source: Caress and Steinemann]. Why so many references to formaldehyde? This gas can impair breathing and is known to cause cancer in animals [source: EPA].
Despite this, the EPA has not recommended avoiding air fresheners. Instead, it advises caution with their use. Many studies on chemicals simulated higher levels of indoor ozone and air freshener use than typically found in homes. Additionally, some companies now offer "greener" air fresheners with reduced pollutant levels for those concerned about health risks.
If you're still not satisfied with your air freshener choices, consider going natural. Good ventilation, along with natural options like baking soda, coffee grounds, or lemon peels (try grinding them in your disposal), can help eliminate stubborn odors.
The arrival of plug-in air fresheners sparked fears about whether they were responsible for a wave of house fires. In 2002, SC Johnson voluntarily recalled 2.5 million of its Glade brand plug-in air fresheners, fueling the rumors [source: Consumer Product Safety Commission]. However, the recall was due to faulty wiring in an additional outlet on the device that could potentially short-circuit. Anecdotal reports of house fires linked to overheating plug-in fresheners also surfaced, but no significant data confirmed these risks.
