Are Air Fresheners Bad for Your Health?

Whether it’s at home, in the office or inside the car, many of us use air fresheners, deodorizers, and scented candles to make our space smell cleaner and more pleasant. But the question is: are the chemicals in these products safe?

According to Dr. Stanley Fineman, an allergist with Emory University and the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic said that the chemical additives in some of these products may trigger allergic reactions, which can lead to the appearance of symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose.

They also have good data to support the assumption that asthmatics may suffer significantly when they are exposed to these products because some of the chemical compounds that are used can change and deteriorate lung function.

For example, many scented air fresheners contain harmful volatile organic compounds such as petroleum, formaldehyde, limonene, and benzene. These compounds are known to trigger asthma and other respiratory conditions, as well as eye irritation. In severe but very rare cases, these chemicals may cause bone damage and even leukemia.

Sure enough, you’re probably thinking of changing your usual air fresheners to their “natural” labeled counterparts. But wait, unlike Zeolite odor control products, some of these so-called “natural” products may also contain harmful ingredients.

Yes, that’s right. Those “naturally” scented air fresheners you see on the shelves contain chemicals like phthalates and camphor which can cause allergies, respiratory symptoms and other health problems such as migraines, dizziness, and vomiting.

That’s the reason why it is always a good idea to verify all ingredients with product manufacturers before you start purchasing them, even the “natural” ones, to make sure they are safe and won’t do a number on your allergies or asthma.

Instead of trying to hide the troublesome odors we need to find the source and get rid of it! The Allergy Store has been helping it’s customer eliminate odors from pets, mold, dirty diapers,  smoke, sewage and chemicals for years. Give us a call at 800 771-2246.

Wishing you the best of health

The Allergy Store

Additional Reading

What is the Best Air Cleaner? | Depends on What Your Needs Are.