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Dangers of Air Freshener

There are numerous TV commercials that tout the freshness and odor-reducing benefits of air fresheners. However, the reality is that these devices and sprays can be harmful to one's health.

  1. Significance

    • Air fresheners are used in about 75 percent of all households (See Reference 1). The use of these substances can have major health repercussions because most air fresheners contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, acetaldehyde, styrene, toluene and chlorbenzene, according to environmentalist and writer, Savneet Singh, on Greendiva.com.

    Types of Dangers

    • Air fresheners can cause adverse symptoms in adults and children, including headaches, nervousness, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. The ingredients can also irritate the eyes, nose and throat.

    Effects

    • Air fresheners can be particularly bothersome and hazardous for people with asthma, pregnant and nursing women, and children. Moreover, air fresheners are believed to cause a cumulative and lasting effect on vital organs.

    Expert Insight

    • The EPA has found that some electric plug-in and pine-scented air fresheners may react with high ozone levels to create certain harmful particulates like aldehydes that are not usually found in people's homes.

    Considerations

    • There are safer ways to keep a house smelling fresh, including opening windows, using baking soda in trash cans, and cleaning regularly.

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