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Are Air Fresheners Bad For Your Health?

Although air fresheners can help the home smell like a clean laundry or apple cinnamon strudel, they are harmful to one’s health. Studies from scientific research have revealed that many common household air fresheners have chemicals that are harmful to the health. Highlighted below are the harmful chemicals that are found in air fresheners.

Volatile Organic Compounds
They are airborne gas byproducts which are released by many household products. Acetone, ethanol, d-limonene and acetate are the most hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOC) found in fragranced air fresheners. These compounds can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as nausea and headaches. They can also cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.

To reduce one’s exposure to VOC’s, it is recommended by Environmental Protection Agency to increase ventilation when products that emit VOC’s are being used. Also, unused, or little-used, containers must be safely disposed.

Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is released whenever air fresheners are puffed. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen. Symptoms of inhaling it include eye, nose and throat irritation. Coughing, bronchitis, as well as dizziness, can also be noticed. Reaction severity depends on each individuals sensitivity.

Other sources of formaldehyde exposure include resins that are present in particleboard and plywood, varnishes, paints, and household cleaning cosmetics. If you are worried about formaldehyde exposure in your home you can go for formaldehyde air testing kits and monitors for measuring the amount of formaldehyde in your home. Exposure to this chemical can also be removed through the use of a sealant on all exposed surfaces of the furnishings in the home.

Phthalates
Phthalates are used for dissolving and carrying fragrance. They are linked to fluctuations in hormone levels, poor quality of semen, birth defects, as well as reproductive harm. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, a form of phthalate found in air fresheners, is a human carcinogen (according to the National Institutes of Health).

1,4 dichlorobenzene
Another chemical found in air fresheners is 1, 4-dichlorobenzene and it can lead to modest reductions in the functioning of the lungs. A lifetime exposure to this can result in liver cancer. Thus, it is important reduce the use of these products.

Allergens
Air fresheners is not suitable for people with seasonal allergies and chronic asthma. Air fresheners contain irritants that affect the airways. The chemicals can exacerbate breathing problems in those with asthma and can lead to permanent damage.

The Safest Route
Since the use of air fresheners is not advisable, you may be wondering about the safest way to have a sweet-smelling home. The safest way is by going for natural and pure sources that are free of chemicals. For instance, you can brew mint tea or grind a fresh orange.

You can also open your windows. You don’t need to use air fresheners because they are mere chemical mixtures that mask odors. They do not clean, nor disinfect your air.

Want to learn more? Visit us at Loveland Air Conditioners for all of your fresh air needs!