Chemicals in Air Fresheners

Of all the products used in cleaning, the use of "clean-smelling" air fresheners seems to pose little or no risk. But the "fresh" scent of air fresheners may cover up not only undesirable odours, but a potential health threat as well. Chemicals called phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) which can be present in air fresheners are known to cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects, and reproductive problems. Individuals whose line of work puts them into frequent contact with these chemicals are at a greater risk of developing long term health problems simply by the nature of their occupation, for example, janitorial and cleaning staff.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)an international non-profit environmental organization, conducted an independent testing on fourteen commonly used air fresheners. They found phthalates in 86 percent (12 of 14) of air freshener products tested, including those sold as "all-natural" or "unscented". It was noted that none of the products tested listed phthalates on their labels. The NRDC recommends that government regulators should follow up by doing more thorough tests on these products and enact basic measures to limit exposure to these chemicals, in the interest of public health. Meanwhile, it may be sensible to avoid exposure to air fresheners. Especially, avoid using air fresheners in places where pregnant women or children are known to frequent.

Unpleasant odours are generally undesirable in any closed environments. Odours are not the cause of toxicological concern, but odours may increase the reporting of symptoms (for example, nausea, headache, eye and throat irritation).

Unfortunately, the rise in popularity of air fresheners has fast outgrown awareness of the potential health threats from exposure to the chemicals they may contain. Most phthalates are now understood to interfere with production of the male hormone, testosterone, and have been associated with reproductive irregularities. A variety of animal studies have tied prenatal exposure to certain phthalates with decreases in testosterone, malformations of the genitalia, and reduced sperm production. Studies on humans have show that phthalates have been associated with changes in hormone levels, poor semen quality, and changes in genital development. Five phthalates-including one found in air freshener products-are listed by the State of California as chemicals "known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm." Phthalate exposure to a closed environment has also been linked to allergic symptoms and asthma. Since there are no labeling requirements, even so called "natural" products can contain toxic chemicals. Detection of these ingredients is virtually impossible by the people who unknowing buy these products.

While the focus here is on the presence of phthalates in air fresheners, it is worthwhile mentioning that researchers have detected other chemicals of concern to human health in these products as well. The European Consumers' Organisation, BEUC (Bureau Europen des Consommateurs), commissioned a study in January 2005 to analyse the chemical substances present in indoor air following the use of air fresheners (including incense, natural products, scented candles, gels, aerosols, liquid and electric diffusers. The BEUC study found volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in these products at high levels and concluded that VOCs significantly contributed to indoor air pollution. In particular, the European study detected cancer-causing chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde in some air fresheners. Benzene is known to cause leukemia in humans, and formaldehyde has been linked to cancers of the upper airways. The majority of products also contained allergens (such as limonene). People with allergies to these chemicals could have adverse reactions, including rashes or even asthma attacks, from exposure to air freshener products.

There is no substitute for fresh air, and air fresheners generally mask odours. The best practice is to open windows to access fresh air or to use fans to provide proper air circulation. Air fresheners use a difference scent to cover bad odours, however they very seldom eliminate the cause of them. They do not create clean air.

I suggest that people avoid using air fresheners if possible. When necessary, use products with the lowest levels of phthalates to limit exposure to these toxic chemicals, or use products that are certified by organizations such as Green Seal (USA) and EcoLogo (Canada) as being an environmentally responsible product. EcoLogo It is the only North American standard approved by the Global EcoLabeling Network as meeting the international ISO 14024 Standards for environmental labels.

Please remember this. Until manufacturers are compelled to fully disclose all ingredients on product labels, each and every breath you inhale fumes released by air fresheners. The risk of developing a health problem far outweighs any perceived benefit of using these common household products.