You are not alone. Watch the shelves at the supermarket and you will see air fresheners in all sizes and packs and types of fragrances to tempt you to pick one,two or more for home, office, schools, car and wherever people gather.
Air fresheners is big market. What prompts the purchase of air fresheners? In the name of "AIR CARE.... I CARE", people pick these up for use.
Unfortunately, lack of awareness and ignorance prompts these purchases. When truth is understood, even what they have bought but not unwrapped yet will fly out the nearest window or into the nearest bin.
The real impacts of being exposed to and using these products on indoor air quality and health is frightening. Would you like some hard truth?
Air fresheners never “freshen” the air.
They merely mask odors. This added fragrance into the lived in space, leaves one feeling good with false belief that air has been "freshened". Everything that was in the air including dust, smoke, fumes and toxins remain. Nothing has been removed and with that we inhale the synthetic fragrance which interferes with ability to smell by coating the nasal passages with an oil film. What is in these frgrant products and what is the risk?
Some of the toxic chemicals that can be found in air fresheners include camphor, phenol, ethanol, formaldehyde, and artificial fragrances (a mix of toxic chemicals). These chemicals can cause symptoms like headaches, rashes, dizziness, migraines, asthma attacks, mental confusion, coughing and more. Some of the substances in air fresheners are linked to cancer or hormone disruption.
Studies do show that women who used more household cleaning products, including air fresheners and mold removers, had higher risks of breast cancer. Many air fresheners contain toxins which have been linked to birth defects and reproductive harm. Symptoms and sensitivities vary from person to person, and children are particularly more susceptible.
What to do? Look Before You Spray.
Read labels. If you see the word “Fragrance,” it is likely that the manufacturer is taking advantage of your ignorance and is using synthetic fragrance. Look instead for specific essential plant oils, preferably organic. Do a Sniff Test.
Before buying any fragrance product, natural or not, spray some from a tester to see whether it produces sneezes or itchy eyes. Strong fragrances, particularly citrus or pine, can provoke irritation and allergic/asthmatic reactions. And remember, when it comes to any perfume, a little goes a long way, so you need not overdo it.
Read labels. If you see the word “Fragrance,” it is likely that the manufacturer is taking advantage of your ignorance and is using synthetic fragrance. Look instead for specific essential plant oils, preferably organic. Do a Sniff Test.
Before buying any fragrance product, natural or not, spray some from a tester to see whether it produces sneezes or itchy eyes. Strong fragrances, particularly citrus or pine, can provoke irritation and allergic/asthmatic reactions. And remember, when it comes to any perfume, a little goes a long way, so you need not overdo it.
Recommended methods of freshening indoor air naturally is by doing simple things like opening windows and doors in the mornings and letting the clean outside air to flow through the home or office. Similarly after the shower or heavy downpour. Nature has washed the air outside. Now, let the breeze in through the open doors and windows.
Indoor plants help as well.
Indoor plants help as well.
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