Air Fresheners

From AOL Body

They Smell Pretty, But Are They Safe?
Some people have the bouquet of a garden drift in in their windows. Most of us don't: An estimated 75 percent of households use air fresheners to the tune of $1.72 billion annually. But while they smell good, you may be exposing yourself to toxic air contaminants

How Do You Pronounce That?
According to a 2007 study, the majority of household air fresheners contain industrial chemicals called phthalates (pronounced thal-ates). The use of air fresheners cause phthalates to be released into the air, where they can be inhaled or absorbed.

Watch Out for Hidden Ingredients
There is evidence that phthalate exposure can cause hormonal abnormalities and it has been linked to birth defects and reproductive issues health issues )http://body.aol.com/condition-center/pregnancy), particularly in males. Phthalates are rarely listed on labels, although they are a main ingredient for fragrance.

Allergies In the Air
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrance is the number-one cause of allergic cosmetic reactions (http://body.aol.com/condition-center/allergies). Exposure to phthalates has also been associated with asthma and upper airway irritation (http://body.aol.com/condition-center/asthma). There's more.

Gee, Your Home Smells Dangerous
The aroma of citrus and pine oil in many products, including air fresheners, is refreshing, thanks in part to chemicals called terpenes. Although terpenes are not toxic, they have been found to react with ozone to produce a variety of toxic compounds, including formaldehyde.

Did You Say Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde and benzene have been detected in some air fresheners. Formaldehyde has been linked to cancers of the upper airways (http://body.aol.com/condition-center/respiratory-health) and benzene is known to cause leukemiain humans. Let's turn to what products you should stay clear of.

First, the Bad News
As part of a 2007 study, Natural Resources Defense Council researchers found that these four air fresheners contain highest level of phthalates: Ozium Glycol-ized Air Sanitizer and Walgreens' Air Freshener Spray, Scented Bouquet Air Freshener and Solid Air Freshener.

Moderate chemical levels were found in Air Wick Scented Oil, Febreze NOTICEables Scented Oil, Glade Air Infusions, Glade PlugIn Scented Oil and Oust Air Sanitizer Spray. Citrus Magic, Lysol Brand II Disinfectant and Oust Fan Liquid Refills were found to have trace levels of phthalates.

And those in the clear...
The Envelope Please
Just two air fresheners came up smelling like roses:
Febreze Air Effects Air Refresher
Renuzit Subtle Effects

Does that mean you should spray away to your heart's content?

Keep It Simple
The take away is to be cautious about (over)use of air fresheners. They are not a solution for poor air quality and cannot substitute for good ventilation. The best solution is the simplest: Open the windows or use fans to maintain air circulation.