Risks of Air Fresheners

Air fresheners may seem like a risk-free way to make your home smell better, but there are hidden dangers lurking in these products.

Pollutants aren't what you'd expect to find in your household products.

Volatile Organice Compounds

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences conducted studies showing that 1,4 dichlorobenzene, a volatile organic compound, found in many household air fresheners, can cause reduction in lung function.

Fire Hazard

Plug-in air fresheners, if misused or assembled incorrectly, can spark a fire in the home. In 2002, SC Johnson recalled 2.5 million of its Glade® Extra Outlet Scented Oil Air Fresheners because of this problem.

Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals that carry fragrance found in many air fresheners. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, abnormal sexual development and fertility problems.

Pollutants

Many air fresheners release toxic pollutants. Terpenes, chemicals found in pine, lemon and orange scents, can mix with ozone in the home to create harmful toxic compounds.

Long Exposure to Low Levels

Levels of toxins and chemicals released by air fresheners are very low and don't pose an immediate threat to health. However, because of the amount of time people spend indoors, exposure increases and can become a risk.

References

• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• TIME Health & Science