Risks of Air Fresheners
- The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences conducted studies showing that 1,4 dichlorobenzene, a volatile organic compound, found in many household air fresheners, can cause reduction in lung function.
- Plug-in air fresheners, if misused or assembled incorrectly, can spark a fire in the home. In 2002, SC Johnson recalled 2.5 million of its Glade® Extra Outlet Scented Oil Air Fresheners because of this problem.
- Phthalates are chemicals that carry fragrance found in many air fresheners. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, abnormal sexual development and fertility problems.
- Many air fresheners release toxic pollutants. Terpenes, chemicals found in pine, lemon and orange scents, can mix with ozone in the home to create harmful toxic compounds.
- Levels of toxins and chemicals released by air fresheners are very low and don't pose an immediate threat to health. However, because of the amount of time people spend indoors, exposure increases and can become a risk.
Volatile Organice Compounds
Fire Hazard
Phthalates
Pollutants
Long Exposure to Low Levels
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