Air Fresheners and Frangrance Oils: Are They Safe?

According to columbiadoctors.org:

“There is some evidence that long-term use of air fresheners can affect heart function, especially in individuals who also have lung disease. We have learned, too, that air fresheners can affect a person’s balance of hormones, which can impact reproductive health. And there is growing evidence that phthalates, aldehydes, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene (a common deodorizer) can cause cancer.

So, yes, air freshener components (either directly emitted from the air freshener or indirectly formed by subsequent indoor chemical reactions) have been linked to numerous adverse health outcomes.”

And, from the National Library of Medicine, PubMed Central, a survey of commercial air fresheners reported this:

“A single fragrance in a product can contain a mixture of hundreds of chemicals, some of which (e.g., limonene, a citrus scent) react with ozone in ambient air to form dangerous secondary pollutants, including formaldehyde. The researchers detected 133 different VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Most commonly detected were limonene, α- and β-pinene (pine scents), and ethanol and acetone (often used as carriers for fragrance chemicals).

Steinemann and colleagues found the average number of VOCs emitted was 17. Each product emitted 1–8 toxic or hazardous chemicals, and close to half (44%) generated at least 1 of 24 carcinogenic hazardous air pollutants, such as acetaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde, or methylene chloride. These hazardous air pollutants have no safe exposure level, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Of the 133 VOCs detected, only ethanol was listed on any label (for 2 products), and only ethanol and 2-butoxyethanol were listed on any Material Safety Data Sheet (for 5 products and 1 product, respectively).” ~Steinemann AC, et al. Fragranced consumer products.

These results are not surprising. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, which regulates cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and laundry products, currently does not require manufacturers to disclose any ingredients on the label, including fragrances in these products. Additionally, beware of "fragrance oils", often found in pot pourri, candles, candle-making, and soap-making. They can be advertised as aromatherapy, but they are not! These also can contain hazardous synthetic chemicals.

Fortunately, there are safer alternatives to scent a space. And to not only to scent the air but can also provide health benefits, I would suggest essential oils. Many people enjoy the aroma of lemon. Using it in a diffuser can smell great and provide an uplifting effect for those in that space, as well as give a boost to the immune system. There are several essential oil blends I can suggest that make a great aroma and can help with congestion, low mood, meditation, detoxification and other conditions.

I use several ultrasonic diffusers (see my blog on diffusers). These not only get the essential oils into the air but also humidify the air. Since I live in Colorado, this is very important. In addition to this, they moderately ionize the air which can be relaxing, detoxifying and rejuvenating.

We live in environments that contain various degrees of toxins. Our bodies absorb these toxins and toxicity in the body has been linked to many diseases. Aromatherapy may reduce our exposure to these and offer health benefits as well.