Air fresheners are popular commercial products that can be used to
"freshen" up a bathroom or remind one of nostalgic scents such as
pumpkin pie or evergreen leaves. Common forms of air fresheners are sprays,
gels, and aerosols. Fancy marketing techniques coupled with the feeling of
security that comes with hiding the odors of last night's fish dinner have many
consumers readily purchasing and using air fresheners. However, most individuals
are unaware of how dangerous air fresheners really are.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council air fresheners do not undergo any safety testing before hitting store shelves. The Natural Resources Defense Council discovered that air fresheners contain disturbingly high levels of phthalates. Phthalates are a "family of chemicals used in plastics and many other products and are a group of chemicals used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastic and vinyl." Phthalates are hormone disruptors and are extra harmful to children and unborn babies. The fact that this chemical allows plastic to be flexible should be a scary enough reason to avoid inhaling it.
1,4-Dichlorobenzene is a chemical that has been traced in 96% of Americans' blood and it is also an ingredient in air fresheners. 1,4-Dichlorobenzene is linked to lung damage, increases asthma, is a known carcinogen, and it is an E.P.A. registered pesticide. This chemical can be found in household products such as mothballs, air fresheners, and toilet deodorizers. 1,4-Dichlorobenzene works by attacking and numbing one's scent receptors in the nose; thus eliminating one's sense of smell. This is how an air freshener "freshens" the air. The use of 1,4-Dichlorobenzene to eliminate one's sense of smell was introduced by Proctor & Gamble's product Febreze. Thus, the new generation of "air fresheners" utilize chemical warfare to create the illusion of "freshness." Once inhaled this chemical, like everything inhaled, is absorbed into one's blood through one's lungs. Furthermore, dichlorobenzene is the main ingredient in the deadly pesticide DDT and its close family members DDE and DDD. With every spritz of an air freshener one is inhaling some amount of DDT and studies show that inhalation is more dangerous that oral ingestion of the same amount.
Formaldehyde can also be found in air fresheners. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified formaldehyde as a carcinogen. Formaldehyde is found in air fresheners as terpene. When terpene is exposed to the air formaldehyde is created. Formaldehyde is most commonly known as the preservative used in mortuaries and medical labs. Short-term effects of formaldehyde are itchy, watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, skin irritation, and nausea. Given that formaldehyde is a known carcinogen long term effects could be negative.
Now that you know the truth behind air fresheners, next time instead of reaching for a can of Febreze try increasing ventilation by opening a window or a door. With proper ventilation there is no need for air fresheners and air fresheners are never a better substitute for good ventilation. If you must use an air freshener try lighting an organic soy or beeswax candle or using natural, essential oils as alternatives. For a safe and clean air freshener, I recommend The Honest Company's Air + Fabric Freshener. This hypoallergenic, non-toxic spray naturally eliminates odors and freshens fabrics without the use of harsh, synthetic chemicals or masking agents.
The next time you're shopping for an air freshener keep in mind that the FDA regulations do not require the listing of the individual fragrance ingredients; thus, phthalates and formaldehyde could be lurking inside. Also, ever wonder why the packaging for disinfectant wipes, laundry detergent, or bathroom cleaners lack an "ingredient list"? Well, household cleaners are not required to have detailed ingredient lists either. To be safe try avoiding any products that lack ingredient labeling. Your body will thank you and you'll feel better knowing your family is breathing safer.
Sincerely,
JEN
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