Phthalate is a dispersant in many of the air fresheners. CoolDehumidifier.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Some forms of air fresheners can be quite toxic, especially to animals (and children!) Air fresheners can be dangerous for kids & pets. This is how the new generation of air fresheners actually “freshen” the air. Your washroom stinks because of the ill bacteria present in your toilet. Some of the air fresheners that tested positive for phthalates were labeled as “all-natural” or “unscented.”. Skip the fake smells and go for natural freshness instead. A pet might cough, sneeze, produce discharge from the eyes or nose, or suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or lack of appetite. A 2013 study of more than 2,000 pregnant women found that women who used plug-in air fresheners during gestation were statistically far more likely to have babies that suffered from serious lung infections. Mix a few drops of essential oil with distilled or purified water and spray around the room with a spray bottle. Febreze AIR Effects Air Freshener with Gain Moonlight Breeze, 8.8 Ounce (Pack of 2) 4.8 out of 5 stars 58 Febreze Air Freshener and Odor Eliminator Spray, Gain Original and Island Fresh Scents, 8.8oz (Pack of 4) Nervous System Disorders. When considering the potential health risks of using a product like air fresheners, you have to consider the weakest links. Air fresheners are probably bad for your health. 1 thank. who might ingest the substances or not have the knowledge to avoid parts of the home where they’ve been used. It is also known to cause ongoing irritation of the throat and airways, potentially leading to dangerous infections, frequent nosebleeds, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. The most common reaction was respiratory difficulties, including coughing and shortness of breath. Even using a mildly toxic air freshener in the … This video is unavailable. This harmful ingredient can be easily inhaled through nose or mouth or can even be absorbed through the skin. The NRDC also warns that airborne phthalates can cause allergic symptoms and asthma. Compounding the risks posed by formaldehyde, most major brands of plug-in air fresheners contain a chemical known as naphthalene. Plugins, sprays, and candles all contain irritants to the airways. In 2010, the International Fragrance Association released a master list of more than 3,100 chemicals that are used by most manufacturers. Leave herbal bouquets standing in vases where the fragrance can dissipate throughout the room. Studies show that use of air fresheners in the home can trigger asthma and allergies, along with other breathing problems. More research is needed to determine the full health effects caused by exposure to air fresheners and other scented products. Immediate effects may not be visible, which gives cat owners no reason to stop using the toxic substances. You might think twice before lighting up that pumpkin spice candle. As the NRDC reported in their research, “Most phthalates are well known to interfere with the production of the male hormone testosterone, and have been associated with reproductive abnormalities”. The odor molecules are still there, you just can’t detect them anymore. Chemicals on that list include carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, reproductive toxicants, and numerous allergens (to name a few). Researchers Say Scented Candles and Air Fresheners Pose Dangerous Health Risks . The companies that have been claiming their scented sprays, plug-in and bottled air fresheners non-toxic and free of any chemicals are actually deceiving us. Most of these chemicals aren’t even listed on the labels so you need to be very careful what are you spraying in your home. For some of you, a thought might have crossed your minds but it may have been masked by the potent smell of your scented sprays or plug-in air fresheners. A fragrance can be made up of more than 100 chemicals and can include any of these harmful constituents. Even using a mildly toxic air freshener in the house might be harmful to your cat. The constituents of air fresheners can react with ozone to produce secondary pollutants such as formaldehyde, secondary organic aerosol (SOA), oxidative product, and ultrafine This makes them excellent scent dispersal agents – but unfortunately, they have been. Common side effects of phthalate exposure included … that fly under the radar of minimal testing and labeling requirements. to cause kidney and testicular cancer in rats. Briefly inhaling a small amount of a spray air freshener might cause some coughing, choking, or difficulty catching the breath. It’s plausible to assume that it causes similar effects in humans. Febreze and other chemical air fresheners do not remove the odor molecules -they simply cover them up. This article investigates the seeming paradox that products designed to improve the indoor environment can pose unintended and unknown risks. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Causes of High Humidity In a House You Should Know, Best Dehumidifier For Garage Reviews and Guideline, How to select best small dehumidifier for basement, Energy Star SPT SD-31E Dehumidifier review, Best dehumidifier for 1000 square feet (sq ft). Make small pouches with charcoal in it and place it in the stinking area to clean the air. Some toxic chemicals accumulate in ever-increasing amounts in the human body over a period of years, so the health consequences are rarely attributed to them. Has a thought ever occurred to you what are the ingredients of your sweet smelling air freshener? Swallowing some of a solid, cone-type air freshener is not likely to cause symptoms from the … There are several other ways to tackle the musty odors effectively and naturally. But here I’ll discuss a few natural ways to deal with the odors. Symptoms can last a long time because the beads slowly dissolve in the intestine, causing a prolonged release of the toxic chemicals. According to research, these chemicals could potentially cause adverse side effects such as headaches, sneezing, nausea, respiratory reactions, liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage, and even cancer. It is known to cause various reproductive issues. This can lead to wheezing, chest pain, tightness and shortness of breath. These so-called products that claimed to shoo away disgusting and musty odors are hazardous for health. If it smelled good and kept my home from stinking, it was the best thing that happened to me. Cleanse your home of musty smells by wrapping cloves and cinnamon sticks in cheesecloth and boiling them in water on the stovetop. Compounding the risks posed by formaldehyde, most major brands of plug-in air fresheners contain a chemical known as naphthalene. But recent studies and researches have provided scary pieces of evidence that would surely make your eyes wide with shock and disbelief. A 2013. of more than 2,000 pregnant women found that women who used plug-in air fresheners during gestation were statistically far more likely to have babies that suffered from serious lung infections. , which is a well-known human carcinogen that has been definitively linked to cancers of the nose and throat. Either the particles are not toxic or we filter them out.”. Iron deficiency and cancer can also be caused by too much of benzene exposure. released by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology linked the VOCs in air fresheners with a 34 percent increase in health problems in people with asthma. Some fragrance-related illnesses are quite serious; in addition to cancer, some fragrance … Boiling cinnamon or cloves in water for half an hour will fill your house with a refreshing smell and prevents you from spraying dangerous chemicals in the home. It can cause eyes, nose, throat and skin irritation. The truth they uncovered is shocking. So, next time if the musty odor inside your house makes you uncomfortable, the purchasing of expensive air fresheners containing toxic chemicals should never be your choice. Air ionizers and their connection to negative ions can mean big benefits to your respiratory system and overall health. Dangers of Air Fresheners. But a lot us have learned from our past mistakes. The Natural Resources … … A 2011 report released by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology linked the VOCs in air fresheners with a 34 percent increase in health problems in people with asthma. People have become smarter and now they carry out necessary steps to avoid any kind of illness. Hello Friends, In 2010, the International Fragrance Association released a master list of more … 10 Simple Ways For Home Remedies to Get Rid of Lizards, Battery Powered Dehumidifier for Closet, Bathroom, Kitchen Room, How To Get Baking Soda Out Of Carpet and Cleaning Tips, Top 10 Best Dehumidifier For Basement 2019 [Edition]. Use your blender to grind up fresh mint leaves, some orange or lemon peel, or a sprig of rosemary. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are compounds with a low boiling point that form gas or vapor at room temperature. Some of the chemicals include benzene, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds that can cause headaches, an asthma flare up, and have even been linked to cancer. They are highly conscious of what goes in their stomachs. While store-bought air fresheners may smell great, they are only tricking your senses and loading your body with toxins. In 2010, the International Fragrance Association released a. of more than 3,100 chemicals that are used by most manufacturers. How to make your home smell great naturally. 0 comment. Many people are of the opinion that the more it cost, the more benefit it brings. The ingredients in air fresheners can be toxic to your health and can be responsible for causing irregular heartbeats, headaches, depression, earaches, and diarrhea in babies. Air fresheners can also harm pets, which have a faster metabolism. The information brought to your view here will help you make the correct decision before you hit the “buy” button. Rather they are a constant threat for you and your family. Dec 18, 2015 Getty Images. 6. Air fresheners in the home and at work can be overpowering; however, to me the worst place of all to have to endure the smell of them is at the gym, believe it or not. Most air fresheners typically contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known human carcinogen that has been definitively linked to cancers of the nose and throat. The cheap products will do the job quite nicely. Read this article throughout to know the many dangers of air fresheners, which you use almost daily in your life! Air fresheners are consumer products that typically emit fragrance and are used in homes or commercial interiors such as restrooms, foyers, hallways, vestibules and other smaller indoor areas, as well as larger areas such as hotel lobbies, auto dealerships, medical facilities, public arenas and other large interior spaces.. Their products are laced with toxic and harmful ingredients that can destroy your health without bringing it in your knowledge until it’s too late. Aloe vera plants can filter benzene and formaldehyde out of the air, spider plants can neutralize xylene and carbon monoxide in the indoor environment, and gerbera daisies excel at removing the trichloroethylene that may come home with your dry cleaning. Research has also linked this chemical to reduced lung function and increased asthma rates in humans. adspeed_zones.push({zoneid:82564,numofads:1,div:'vik_82564_1',wrapper:'0'}); adspeed_zones.push({zoneid:91093,numofads:6,div:'ad91093',wrapper:'adspeedsection-sidebar'}); Those air fresheners with the pretty pictures of flowers, fruits, and baked goods on the packaging contain none of those pleasant ingredients. All of these symptoms can be traced back to the phthalates that are found in most common air fresheners. Naphthalene has been shown to cause tissue damage and cancer in the lungs of rodents in laboratory studies. Chemicals on that list include carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, reproductive toxicants, and numerous allergens (to name a few). However a large quantity could be more dangero ... Read More . They are of different varieties like Lavender, vanilla, sandalwood, lemon etc. Luckily there are many safe alternatives to air fresheners that will leave your home smelling great and your health unscathed. What is perhaps most concerning is that the toxic chemicals from air fresheners are released as tiny particles that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and rapidly transferred into the bloodstream. Febreze Air Effects Air Refresher; Lysol Brand II Disinfectant; Oust Fan Liquid Refills; Renuzit Subtle Effects; Please note that having no phthalates does not make synthetic air fresheners safe to use in your car or home. The presence of formaldehyde in the air-freshener makes you nauseous. If you find yourself suffering from frequent headaches, eliminating artificial fragrances may help! Naphthalene has been shown to cause tissue damage and cancer in the lungs of rodents in laboratory, One of the primary concerns health experts have about plug-in air fresheners is their widespread use of phthalates. By admin My name is Minnie Scott, the founder of CoolDehumidifier.com and I would like to take the opportunity to welcome you to our site. Additionally, CoolDehumidifier.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. That is why when the stubborn musty odor hit their noses, they immediately run for the markets and stores to purchase the most popular air freshener placed on the shelves. 60 years experience Family Medicine. These oils can be used with a candle or electric diffusers and fill the room with fresh and soothing fragrance. No matter what you are covering up, it’s … Febreze contains chemicals linked to cancer. Their immune system is not that strong and hence they are more prone to it's adverse effects. air freshener side effects. These Surprising “Good” Things are Wrecking Your Skin, Disinfect With Cinnamon — and Other Great Uses for This Ancient Spice, Skip the Spa and Do This to Your Hands Weekly, 8 Simple Natural Fixes To Remedy Sore Winter Eyes, Add Seven to Ten Years to Your Life By Doing These Things, Research Backed Reasons to Eat More Honey, Skip the Hangover: Enjoy These 7 Tasty Holiday Drink Alternatives, Blast Your Holiday Belly With Apple Cider Vinegar, 7 Ways To Save $500 A Month (And Improve Your Health), Here is a Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner Without the Guilt, Sipping Lemon Water First Thing In The Morning Is Good For You: Here’s Why. In fact, they are packed with. Kids most of the time forget to flush the toilet after using or they just don’t care about the odor. So after spraying the product, you’re not only inhaling the odor molecules, but the air freshener chemicals as well. Have you ever wondered what’s in those air fresheners that make your home, office, or bathroom smell like a gingerbread house, tropical paradise, or woodsy cabin surrounded by wildflowers? From a health perspective, air fresheners have been associated with adverse effects, such as migraine headaches, asthma attacks, mucosal symptoms, infant illness, and breathing difficulties. For people with asthma, air fresheners can be extremely harmful. Natural solutions to reduce inflammation and plaque that may cause bad breath. This makes them excellent scent dispersal agents – but unfortunately, they have been linked to an increased risk of asthma, particularly in children. Dehumidifier. Nasal passages and temporarily blocks sense of smell leaves, some orange or lemon side effects of air fresheners... And fresh as possible a prolonged release of the air a mildly toxic freshener. 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