Car fragrance is harmful to your health and your family. Which air freshener is best for the home in a review of automatic, spray and gel products? Are automatic air fresheners harmful?

It's always nice when the room smells nice. Delicate floral aromas, bold citrus notes and the smell of freshness after rain are much preferable to stagnant indoor air. The arsenal of air freshener scents is impressive. Such products are especially popular. They are used at home, in shops, offices, gyms, car showrooms and even in coffee shops, creating a special alluring aroma of baked goods and freshly brewed coffee. But are all kinds of flavorings really that good? After reading this article, you will learn why air fresheners are harmful and how to achieve a pleasant aroma in the room without causing harm to your health.

Types of air fresheners

Modern industry produces a huge variety of air freshener options:

• They come in the form of sprays, gels, flavored liquids, sachets and scented sticks. You can also fill the room with aroma using candles, oils, special wax, flavored granules and salt, special impregnated cardboard base.
• There are fragrances that release aroma when heated, with automatic delivery or spraying, working by mechanical pressure and simply smelling until the smell disappears.
• What can we say about the number of available scents. In this case, the chemical industry does not stand still. You can find a freshener with a scent to suit every taste, and this list is regularly updated and growing.

However, are modern air fresheners really that good? We will pay special attention to aerosol flavors. Such air fresheners are dangerous to human health, because during inhalation, sprayed chemicals penetrate into the body. Small particles can even penetrate the body through the skin.

Composition of air fresheners

What does a modern air freshener consist of and what has such an effect on the human body? Paying attention to the composition, you will see many names of chemical elements that are not at all familiar to you. Each manufacturer creates a product according to its own special recipe, using unique components. Despite this, all air fresheners have basic common chemical elements.

The main components of most air fresheners are:

• Formaldehyde. It is a colorless gas that has a pungent odor. It is added to air fresheners as an effective deodorizing substance; it is able to absorb unpleasant odors. Is toxic.
• Sodium nitrite. Is a reducing agent. Also used as a preservative. Is fire hazardous and toxic. One of the most dangerous components of aerosols.
• Ethanol. Represents monohydric alcohol, serves as a solvent for many chemicals. Very flammable.
• Phthalates. These are esters and salts of phthalic acid. They are used as odor fixatives and solvents. They cause enormous harm to human health, can accumulate in the kidneys and liver, and have an effect on the human hormonal system.
• Benzene. A colorless liquid with a specific odor. It is a carcinogen, plus it is quite toxic. Serves as a solvent and synthesizes other substances.

You can also find petroleum distillates. pinene, limonene, which is used as a fragrance.

This is just a small part of the air freshener components. It’s hard to even imagine the harm air fresheners cause to the human body. Even from the main list it is clear what a considerable amount of carcinogenic and toxic substances are present in the composition.

Important! If you're looking to ditch the abundance of chemicals in your home, as an alternative, try these easy ideas for making your own air freshener:

Effect on the human body

The most dangerous air freshener is aerosol fragrance. When sprayed, fine particles enter the air and are capable of penetrating into respiratory system during inhalation and into the blood through the skin:

• Regular inhalation of such quantities of harmful and toxic substances can cause various allergic reactions, irritation of the skin, mucous membranes and respiratory organs.

Important! There are studies that show a link between regular use of air fresheners and the development of asthma.

• Systematic inhalation of formaldehyde can negatively affect the central nervous system, causing nausea and nervous disorders.
• Some chemicals in the aerosol can affect the reproductive system and cause DNA mutations.
• Phthalates in the composition can accumulate in the liver and kidneys, negatively affect the functioning of these organs, and they become intoxicated.
• When harmful vapors are inhaled, the composition of the blood is affected, a decrease in hemoglobin is observed and the development of anemia.

Important! You should use aerosol air fresheners with extreme caution, and it is best to avoid them altogether, especially if there are children in the house.

Why are air fresheners dangerous? Doctors recommend familiarizing yourself with the symptoms of intoxication of the body with chemicals in order to seek medical help in time. The harm of air fresheners in the form of intoxication is manifested as follows:

• Nervous system disorders. This may include lethargy, drowsiness, apathy, weakness and fatigue. With severe intoxication, there is a headache, hand tremors, decreased vision and irritability.
• Manifestations from the respiratory system. May be expressed in a feeling of lack of air, burning in the nasopharynx. With severe intoxication, bronchospasm and even pulmonary edema may occur. All this is often accompanied by irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes.

Important! These symptoms are present at the initial stage of intoxication, immediately after inhalation of harmful fumes.

• Allergic reactions on the skin. With frequent use of air fresheners, small particles after spraying can settle on the skin and cause itching and irritation. Dry skin may be present. In rare cases, eczema develops.
• From the digestive system, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, and a burning sensation in the stomach may be present.
• Once inside the body, toxins accumulate in the liver and kidneys, causing intoxication of the body. At this stage, problems with urination may occur.
• Increased body temperature for no apparent reason and increased sweating.

Important! In addition to air fresheners, you can replace them with safe ones, but effective means and other means to maintain order in the house. If you are interested in this offer, read our other publications:

Using an aerosol air freshener for a long time can cause severe intoxication of the body. Often a person is not even aware of the causes of these symptoms. Intoxication can have a cumulative effect. If the listed symptoms are present, it is necessary to completely eliminate exposure to these substances, ensure an influx of fresh air and seek medical help immediately.

You have become familiar with the harm air fresheners cause to the human body and the most the right decision After reading this, you will completely abandon chemical air aromatization. Is there an alternative? - Certainly!

Safe DIY air fresheners

In order to enjoy pleasant aromas in the room without harming your health, doctors advise using natural flavors. If desired, you can make them yourself.

Important! Do not forget about individual intolerance to the components used, because natural essential oils are allergens. Use only those components to which you are not allergic.

Knowing the harm caused by store-bought air fresheners, you can begin to self-production air flavoring agent. The following manufacturing methods are popular among housewives: safe air fresheners air:

• The most in a simple way You can use essential oils to aromatize the air in a room. A few drops of it can be applied to cotton wool and placed in a suitable place.
• A few drops of natural essential oil can be added to a humidifier. Some housewives place oil-soaked cotton wool in a vacuum cleaner.
• The aroma of the oil spreads well when exposed to heat. Cotton wool soaked in essential oil can be placed on the radiator. There are special stone aroma lamps, in which a candle is placed at the bottom, and a couple of drops of your favorite oil are dripped into the upper bowl. When burned, the candle heats the bowl and the aroma spreads throughout the room.
• If you want to make a fragrance in the form of a spray, then just take a suitable container with a spray bottle, pour water into it and add a few drops of essential oil.
• To make a gel flavor, you need to take a glass of water and dissolve it in it. required amount gelatin, following the manufacturer's recommendations on the package. After the gelatin is completely dissolved, add a tablespoon of glycerin to the water so that the gel flavor does not dry out for as long as possible. The last step is to add a few drops of aromatic essential oil to this mixture. The liquid is poured into small glasses or molds and placed in the desired places. Some people add food coloring to the mixture before it hardens.

Important! This flavor is very similar to the store-bought counterpart, but is not comparable in its benefits. Natural essential oil can have a beneficial effect on a person, ranging from improved emotional well-being to good physical well-being and vigor, and improved immunity.

• Various coniferous branches are an excellent scent - you can put them in a vase and enjoy the aroma.
• A simple and original way to fill a room with pleasant aromas is to place several oranges in the room, into which you first need to stick 15-20 pieces of clove spice over the entire surface. This fragrance will emit an incredible aroma for up to several weeks.
• If you want to make a toilet freshener, then add one tablespoon of baking soda and vinegar to a container with a spray bottle. This solution perfectly neutralizes odors and is an excellent disinfectant. If you want to use a fragrant freshener, just add a few drops of essential oil to the water and spray this solution.

Problem unpleasant odor at home can cause a lot of discomfort. Therefore, an air freshener has long appeared on store shelves that can perfectly mask unnecessary aromas with fruity and floral notes. Today we will discuss what types of air fresheners there are and how to choose the best one, and also review the most popular brands of this accessory.

What types of air fresheners are there?

Before choosing a scent, you need to decide on the format of the bottle and the operating principle of the air freshener.

Aerosol

The most common type is aerosol cans. The operating principle of this home accessory consists of micro-spraying liquid with floral and fruity fragrances under high pressure.

Advantages

Majority famous manufacturers They produce exclusively this product format. And this is not surprising, since the price category of aerosol fresheners is the most affordable of its kind and is always in demand. In addition, the effect of the spray spreads very quickly and has a very rich, concentrated aroma. Undoubtedly, in addition to the advantages, there are also disadvantages of this air freshener.

Flaws

The most significant disadvantage of an aerosol air freshener is possible harm for human health. If microparticles of the spray get into Airways Chemical fragrances can cause a severe allergic reaction. Also, this version of the freshener negatively affects environment. The aerosol contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer, increasing the concentration carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Micro-spray air fresheners usually do not eliminate unpleasant odors, but only cover them with their aromatic fragrances. In addition, their effect lasts for a fairly short time.

With chopsticks

IN Lately The most popular home air fresheners are rattan sticks. It is a set consisting of small capacity with oily aromatic liquid and a set of wooden straws. The principle of using the freshener is as follows: open the lid of a jar of oil and insert several rattan branches into it. Once the straw has been soaked, the liquid will begin to evaporate, releasing a pleasant spicy aroma.

pros

The undeniable advantage of this type of air freshener is the naturalness of the raw materials used. When making the aromatic mixture, natural oils are used without adding dyes or flavors. Besides unusual shape Liquid diffusers fit perfectly into the interior design.

Minuses

Despite all the advantages, this format of air freshener has many disadvantages. First of all, this is an excessive concentration of aroma. Even with short-term use of this gadget, the “heavy” ethereal odor can cause headache and nausea. Added to this is the fact that the air freshener is not able to mask unpleasant odors, but only interrupts them for a while.

From essential oils

The principle of operation of this essential oil freshener is almost identical to the previous version. The only difference between this model and the oil accessory with sticks is the use of only pure essential raw materials. Often the air freshener is a glass container with a wooden lid filled with oil. For aroma, it is necessary to periodically soak the cork plug with liquid and do not close the container tightly.

Gel

Gel air fresheners for the home are used not only to create a pleasant aroma in the room, but also as an aromatic sachet for linen. This accessory even exists in the format of gel candles. Gel air fragrances are quite easy to use - you just need to open the package and install it in in the right room applicator.

pros

The gel freshener is absolutely safe for humans and the environment, has natural essential fragrances and perfectly neutralizes unpleasant odors. In addition, it emits a light, unobtrusive aroma, making it ideal for children's rooms.

Minuses

Unfortunately, the use of gel air freshener is quite short-lived. Essential impregnation erodes from 20 to 35 days when kept in a ventilated room. With such a service life of the air freshener, the pricing policy is quite high.

Auto

In the era of complete automation, they could not help but appear automatic air fresheners air. These gadgets have two types of power - batteries or an electrical wired network. The automatic air freshener is a small plastic box with indicators of frequency and intensity of spraying with a built-in replaceable diffuser. For the electronic gadget to work, you need to connect the device to power, set the interval between sprays and the concentration of injections of the aromatic spray.

Advantages

The main advantage of an automatic air freshener is its ease of use. You don't need to constantly spray the bottle. This device is also ideal for those who like to constantly maintain floral and fruity aromas in the house. In addition, thanks to the smallest atomization particles, the radius of the covered area is much higher than that of other air freshener models. Another important advantage of this accessory is its cost-effectiveness. One diffuser cylinder at intensive use lasts for two months, later it can be replaced with a replaceable aerosol.

Flaws

In the case of an electric air freshener, the disadvantage is its dependence on the mains. Also, this model is not equipped with an uninterruptible device and there is a risk of short circuit electronic board with a strong voltage surge. Automatic air fresheners are quite expensive even after long-term use.

How to choose a product?

An air freshener is found in almost every home and has long been considered a must-have household item. But does everyone think about how to choose the right one? Let's consider a few important points when buying a home fragrance.

Purpose of the freshener

First of all, you should determine the purpose of the air freshener in your home. For one-time use in the bathroom or toilet, an aerosol fragrance spray is sufficient. Thus, the consumption of this product will be much more economical. To constantly maintain a pleasant aroma in the room, a gel or automatic air freshener is perfect. It retains its effect indoors for a long time and does not require constant spraying.

Safety

If the air freshener is accessible to children or animals, you should think about the safety of the substances included in the product. For example, essential oil-based fresheners can cause chemical burns on the surface of the skin. Electric air fresheners are constantly powered and, despite their low power consumption, it is still better to install such a gadget in a more inaccessible place.

Absence of diseases

When purchasing an air freshener, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of their use by people with allergies, respiratory tract diseases, and asthma. For example, micro-spraying of aerosol and automatic fragrances can provoke attacks of tachycardia or epilepsy.

How to make a freshener with your own hands?

Natural air fresheners are the most safe product. Let's give an example of how to make a natural spicy room scent with your own hands. For this we need:

1. alcohol - 200 ml;
2. citrus zest - 100 g (lime, lemon, orange);
3. dry cloves - 6 pcs;
4. distilled water - 300 ml;
5. glass container with a tight lid.

Pour a mixture of alcohol and water into a glass container, add small pieces of zest and cloves. Then close the lid tightly and shake. After a day, filter the resulting liquid and pour it into a spray bottle. The spicy air freshener is ready. You can change these ingredients to your taste. For example, use rose petals, a little of your favorite essential oil or spices.

You can also make a dry air freshener or sachet for your closet. Simply collect the dry mixture of coffee beans, zest or cinnamon into a nylon bag and tie it. For creating New Year's mood You can use a mix of spruce twigs, dried oranges and mint as a flavoring.

Review of the best brands

Discover

Air freshener manufacturer Discover has become widely known for its line of aerosol sprays with “unusual” scents. It is dominated not only by the smells of forest, mountain air and morning dew, but also by cashmere and various field herbs. The price varies from 400 rubles for a standard 300 milliliter cylinder.

Air Wick

Air freshener manufacturer Air Wick has produced a wide variety of product lines that offer high quality and a wide range of flavors to suit all tastes. For example, the Life Scents series home fragrances have three scents at once, which unfold over time. The price of such a freshener is only 250 rubles. No less interesting invention company - Freshmatik air freshener. It is a gel applicator complete with a transparent stand. This fragrance not only perfectly masks unpleasant odors, but also looks stylish. The price of this gadget is from 270 rubles.

Ambi Pur

The air freshener brand Ambi Pur has long taken a leading position in the Russian market. The company produces aerosol and water-based home fragrance sprays. Air fresheners with interval spraying are especially in demand. Despite the high quality of the products, the pricing policy of this manufacturer is quite flexible: manual aerosol sprays cost from 180 rubles, automatic sprayers with a replaceable diffuser - from 380 rubles.

Ballu

The Ballu electronic air freshener eliminates unpleasant odors with a built-in filter fan impregnated with essential oils. The disadvantage of this gadget is that high price- from 1200 rubles per device. The maximum period of uninterrupted use of the Ballu air freshener is from 4 to 5 months.

Glade

The Dutch manufacturer of air fresheners Glade adheres to the “price-quality” rule and specializes in the production of aerosol sprays. Despite the excellent elimination of unpleasant odors, the refreshing effect disappears quite quickly. The company also produces a line of automatic air fresheners, consisting of 7 floral scents. The price for a standard cylinder with a volume of 400 milliliters is from 250 rubles.

Meria

Meria air freshener is the cheapest product in its segment. Its price is 50-70 rubles for an aerosol can with a valve sprayer. Despite this, this brand characterized by high consumer demand and positive reviews. Excellent for one-time elimination of unpleasant odors, but has a fairly low concentration of fragrances.

When purchasing an air freshener, pay special attention to the composition. Some components may be harmful to constant use in room.

Today, getting from point A to point B is becoming easier and easier. At your service are cars for every taste, bicycles, trolleybuses, buses, trams, trains, planes and ships. But how good is this trip for your health?

Have you noticed how many car fragrances are used by motorists? This is a huge amount. And this is a serious problem. After all, no one has canceled the harm of such things. Many people who have encountered such unnatural chemicals in cars in their lives have noticed dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea and even triggering an asthma attack after exposure to these car fragrances. And this was because such aromas contain chemical cocktails that can harm almost all body systems, including the immune system.

After talking with colleagues, friends and family members, it turns out that I am not the only one who has such a negative view of such a chemical attack that occurs in these vehicles. For example, petition, which is distributed by activists in the United States who demand that all air fresheners be banned from taxis.

I understand that taxi drivers do not want to harm us when they place these artificial car fragrances in their cars. But despite many studies showing clear The relationship between synthetic fragrances and health problems, such car air fresheners continue to be very affordable. These include various hanging packages on the rear-view mirror, blocks for installation on ventilation grilles, various gels and deodorizing sprays. All of these dangerous flavors are, unfortunately, legal, and many drivers use them all the time.

Why should taxis, at a minimum, prohibit the use of car fragrances?

Here are some facts about these synthetic fragrances and fragrances

About 95% of chemical fragrances, according to the US National Academy of Sciences, are derived from petroleum (1)
Drivers of cars that use synthetic fragrances may become completely insensitive and not notice other, even very strong odors. It is called olfactory fatigue(2), which often explains the indifferent attitude of drivers towards your strong fumes after drinking alcohol.
These artificial fragrances often contain an unknown mixture of ingredients, including carcinogens, various endocrine disruptors, allergens, respiratory irritant, toxic to your reproductive system and many neurotoxic ingredients. Just one car fragrance can contain thousands of these chemicals.(3)
Not all reactions to such chemicals from air fresheners and fragrances are obvious. Some lesser-known side effects include diarrhea in children, ear pain, dermatitis, and ventricular fibrillation.(4)

Dr. Anne Steinermann, Ph.D. medical sciences, a world-renowned researcher who focuses his scientific works on the impact of fragrances on human health, published a study in 2016, which showed that more than half of the population of Western countries have a negative attitude towards the use of such aromatic fragrances in the workplace, in hotels, on airplanes, in taxis and in medical institutions.(5)

His research found:
34% of people suffer at least one of the negative side effects after exposure to scented products
The most common symptoms are inflammatory reactions in the respiratory tract and mucous membranes, migraines, skin problems, asthma attacks and neurological problems.
According to his survey, approximately 50% of people try to quickly leave a store if they discover the use of scented products in that store.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Secondary Pollutants in Automotive Fragrances

Here are some specific threats that come with it: car fresheners air, based on published tests:

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are among the most common chemicals found in air fresheners. The team of scientists in Dr. Steinermann's group alone discovered 133 different volatiles organic compounds in popular flavored products.
Each fragrance product contains, on average, 17 different volatile organic compounds.
The products tested contained between one and eight toxic or hazardous chemicals.
44% percent of the flavored products tested contained between one and twenty-four different compounds, including 1-,4-dioxane and acetaldehyde.
Fragrance product labeling laws do not require all ingredients to appear on the label. Therefore, most labels are very vague and not specific.
Ethanol and acetone are widely used as carriers for aromatic chemicals. Along with VOCs, as well as citrus and pine aromas, they are the most common compounds found in chemical formulas these artificial scents.
, a popular synthetic citrus scent, can interact with ozone in the air, creating secondary pollutants such as formaldehyde.(6)
Benzene is perhaps one of the most concerning VOCs commonly found in air fresheners. In addition, mixing benzene with car exhaust gases turns this mixture into a carcinogenic compound.(7)

Symptoms of benzene exposure include: (8)

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Headache
Tremor
Confusion
Unconsciousness
Death (very high level benzene)

Long-term exposure to benzene on the human body leads to:

Negative changes in the bone marrow that cause symptoms of anemia
Irregular menstruation
Drying of the testicles in men
Development of leukemia
Increased risk of infections

Phthalate factor in car fragrances

You won't find phthalates on the label of air fresheners, but in fact they are.(9) And when research is done, car fragrances are among the most phthalates-contaminated products.

These harmful plasticizing chemicals can affect the human body in the most in an unexpected way, including calling: (10)

Decreased testosterone levels
Asthma
Hoarseness of voice
Reproductive organ disorders
Changes in sperm DNA (11)

Safer options for car fragrances

Instead of these artificial scents, consider using air fresheners that are cheaper, safer, and designed to absorb and eliminate odor rather than replace it. Substances such as vinegar And baking soda They clean very well and remove odor from the car. And organic, from the medicinal class, essential oils- this is a real opportunity to replace artificial fragrances. You can choose an essential oil that suits your taste and is well tolerated by you or your family, such as lavender oil, which is a very common choice by people.

But it is worth remembering that essential oils are strong substances and should be considered as medicines, so some of them are not suitable for use in cars where children, animals, or people with underlying chronic diseases are transported.

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A sweetish aroma in your home may increase your risk of serious problems with health, including the development of cancer.

Whether you want your home to be filled with the scent of cinnamon apple pie, clean laundry, or forest morning freshness, rest assured, there's probably an air freshener to suit your needs. But did you know that its sweetish smell can be harmful to your health? Over the past decade, scientists have conducted research that has identified potentially harmful chemicals contained in such refreshments.

In 2015, on all kinds of aerosols, electrical installations, candles, oil diffusers and other products, the U.S. air freshener market generated approximately $1.8 billion. According to the National Consulate for the Protection of Resources, 75% of families use such funds.

University of Melbourne Professor Anne Steinemann has conducted extensive research into the health effects of fragrances. She found that one quarter of the ingredients in air fresheners are classified as toxic or hazardous. “Ultimately it comes down to individual sensitivity,” she says. – Symptoms may not appear. However, just because these drugs don’t kill you doesn’t mean they are completely harmless. Some effects may appear later."

How worried should you be?

Fragrance products have been found to contain hazardous chemicals that end up in the air you breathe. However, not every researcher confirms the fact that these drugs are harmful. Kent Pinkerton, a professor at the Center for Health and Environmental Affairs at the University of California, Davis, specializes in the effects of toxic substances on the respiratory system. It studies the effects of particles present in the air both indoors and outdoors.

“I'm not sure air fresheners should be banned,” says Dr. Pinkerton, “we don't have strong evidence. But you definitely need to be careful with some chemicals. As you consider this question, think about what your lungs experience on a daily basis. Our lungs are like a filter. On an ordinary day, even the clearest one, we inhale millions of particles and still feel fine. Either these particles are non-toxic, or they are retained by the filter.”

When assessing the potential risk of using products like air fresheners, you need to consider the weakest links. In this case, these are people whose lungs are already more susceptible (for example, those who suffer from asthma or chronic lung diseases), as well as children. “Children do not have a fully developed metabolic system—their bodies are not able to process certain substances,” says Dr. Pinkerton, who is also a professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Davis School of Medicine. "Regardless of what's in the air, children are 30 times more likely to be exposed to substances due to the relationship between activity level and body size."

Dr. Pinkerton believes people need to consider risk to make the best choices for themselves and their families. “We have serious concerns about prolonged exposure to harmful airborne particles. Using air fresheners for years has potential risks.”

5 Chemicals in Air Fresheners You Need to Be Careful With

If you do use such products, be aware that they may contain the following chemicals.

Volatile organic compounds

Volatile organic compounds are gaseous byproducts released into the air through a range of products, from paints to disinfectants and vehicle products, the Environmental Protection Agency says. The most common volatile organic compounds are classified as toxic or hazardous.

According to a 2015 study by Dr. Steinemann published in the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, air fresheners may contain acetone, ethanol, d-limonene, pinene and acetate. Depending on the time of exposure and individual sensitivity, toxic VOCs can cause a range of symptoms, including eye, nose, throat irritation, nausea, headaches and even damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system.

“The most common chemicals found in fragrances are terpenes (limonene, pinene, etc.) and they are quite toxic,” says Steinemann, “when they interact with ozone in the air, they create a number of secondary pollutants such as formaldehyde and ultrafine particles. Ultrafine particles cause heart and lung disease and respiratory problems.”

To reduce exposure to such substances, the Agency recommends increased ventilation when using products containing the above elements. And also follow all precautions listed on the packages and throw away used flavors in special containers for the safety of the environment.

Formaldehyde

The scientific community addressed the issue of the safety of air fresheners about ten years ago. Research has shown that an abundance of potentially hazardous chemicals and by-products, such as formaldehyde, are released into the air every time a sprayer is pressed. In 2015, the journal Science of The Total Environment published data assessing the risk of these chemicals affecting the respiratory tract under the most realistic scenario: using products containing harmful ingredients in the home. Scientists have found that electric air fresheners release significant amounts of formaldehyde (17% of the maximum limit). permissible norm) and when combined with other products used indoors (such as cleaning products and furniture polish), exposure to formaldehyde is 34% in 30 minutes.

“Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen,” says Dr. Steinemann, “In terms of symptoms, you may experience irritation in your eyes, nose, throat, and you may experience coughing, sneezing, bronchitis, and dizziness.” The reaction and intensity of the symptoms that appear depends on individual sensitivity.

According to the World Health Organization, other sources of formaldehyde include the following: rubber contained in chipboard and plywood, paints, varnishes, cleaning products, cosmetics, etc. “When using some chemicals when combined with others, the possibility of pathological reactions increases, notes Dr. Steinemann. “You increase the risk by combining products with fragrances, cleaning agents and disinfectants.”

Worried about this substance in your home? Formaldehyde is one of the few air pollutants that can be measured with a special device. Assess and then, if possible, eliminate the source. If this is not possible, try to reduce the intensity of exposure by using sealing materials on all finishing surfaces and furniture.

Phthalic acid ester

If you have a pregnant relative or small children spending time in your home, you should consider safety usual ways eliminating odors. One study conducted in 2007 looked at 14 types of air fresheners. It was revealed that 12 of them contained phthalic acid ester. Moreover, even those that stated “unscented” and “all natural.”

Phthalic ether, which is used to eliminate odors, causes changes in hormonal levels, poor sperm quality, birth defects and reproductive pathologies. Moreover, a type of phthalate ester called Di (2-ethylhexyl), found in products such as air fresheners, is a carcinogen.

1,4 dichlorobenzene

One of the main ingredients in mothballs, odor eliminators and toilet fresheners, 1,4 dichlorobenzene (1,4 DCB), has been linked to two serious health conditions. It can cause deterioration in lung function. And as a result of an experiment on mice, it turned out that prolonged use of products containing this element causes liver cancer. This is reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Even a slight decrease in lung function can have serious consequences,” said researcher Stephanie London, lead author of the study. “The best way to protect yourself, especially for children with asthma and other respiratory diseases, is to reduce the use of products and materials containing these compounds.”

Allergens

For people suffering from seasonal allergies, chronic asthma, lung disease or the common cold, air fresheners should be prohibited. This is reported by Jeanne Tuck, an allergist in Cape Gerardeau and a spokeswoman for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

“Sprays, candles, and fragrances all contain substances that irritate the respiratory tract,” says Dr. Tuck. “Patients with asthma and other chronic lung diseases or allergies already have inflammation, so irritants can make the problem even worse.”

According to a 2011 study by the American College, volatile organic compounds in air fresheners can cause a 34% increase in health problems among people with asthma. “The example I give is: if you don’t smoke and walk into a room filled with tobacco smoke, will you feel sick and suffocate? And if you already have a cold, how much worse will you perceive polluted air? If you are sensitive enough to exposure to volatile organics, it can be harmful to your health. As an allergist, I do not recommend any fresheners to my patients,” says Dr. Tuck.

The safest method of using fragrance products indoors

If you're concerned about VOCs, phthalate esters, and other chemicals found in home air fresheners but still want to fill your home with a pleasant aroma, try using close-to-natural sources. Brew mint tea or peel an orange. Only natural, pure sources are free from various harmful substances. Even essential oils can contain unsafe chemicals.

Another way to freshen up a room is to simply open the windows. “Why use air fresheners at all? They are not intended for air purification and disinfection; it's just a chemical mixture that masks odors,” says Dr. Steinemann. The best smell is the absence of it. This means your home is actually clean.

Most people don't know that by using air freshener or cleaning a toilet, they are actually poisoning the indoor environment of the room.

Experts at the University of Washington have found that many types of such hygiene products contain chemicals that are hazardous to health.
The researchers were surprised by the concentration and potential toxicity of the substances they found, which included acetone, the active ingredient in solvents and nail polish removers; limonene - a molecule with a citrus aroma; and acetaldehyde, chloromethane and 1,4-dioxane. In total, almost 100 variable organic compounds, but none of them were listed on product labels. Similar toxic carcinogens were also found in washing powders And detergents for home.
When you spray a toilet with these types of cleaners or spray a room with a scented spray, small molecules are released into the air, potentially harming our health. Among asthmatics, the likelihood of deterioration in health due to such chemicals is twice as high.
The problem is, American epidemiologists say, that manufacturers are not required to indicate on the labels all the substances used in the manufacture of a particular cleaning product. Since we really can’t know for sure what’s in our home cleaning bottles, experts recommend buying unscented toilet cleaners and avoiding air fresheners altogether. No deodorants
In order for the air in your apartment to emit a subtle, pleasant aroma, it is not necessary to use industrial aerosols, which are far from harmless. Use what nature itself provides.