Air Fresheners and Deodizers: Remove Odor At Its Source

Chemicals found in air fresheners
Health effects associated with air fresheners and deodorizers
How to prevent the use of air fresheners and deodorizers 

Chemicals Found In Air Fresheners 

Air fresheners and deodorizers use chemicals to either mask unpleasant odors by hiding one scent with another or deaden (desensitize) your nose to the odor; they do nothing to improve the quality of indoor air. Some examples of these chemicals include:

• Tributylin maleate

• Bonded quaternary ammonium chloride compounds

• Decamethcyclopentasiloxane

• Phenolics
  

• Ozone
  

• Paradichlorobenzene

• Fragrances

Health Effects Associated With Air Fresheners and/or Deodorizers

The chemicals found in air fresheners and deodorizers have been known to cause eyes/nose/throat irritation and trigger allergies and asthma attacks. These types of products are especially difficult for people who are chemically sensitive. In a laboratory study when groups of mice breathed the vapors released by several types of air fresheners, researchers found that the mice had irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and sinuses; difficulty breathing; asthmatic reactions, and changes in nervous system function such as loss of balance, tremors, and convulsions. Several of the mice died as a result of breathing these chemicals.¹ However, these are just the immediate health effects that may be seen. Paradichlorobenzene, which is a key active ingredient in many air fresheners, is known to cause cancer in animals.

How to Prevent the Use of Air Fresheners and Deodorizers

• Proper ventilation and basic household cleanliness will go a long way toward preventing unpleasant odors. If there is an odor, address the problem directly by cleaning or removing the cause.

• Open doors and windows

• For a non-toxic alternative, simmer cinnamon and cloves or set out potpourri in open dishes.

• To deodorize garbage disposals, insert used lemons

• To remove pet odor, use cider vinegar

• Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the cat box before adding kitty litter.

• For carpet, sprinkle a mix of baking soda, borax and cornmeal liberally on carpet. Wait an hour or overnight. Vacuum.

• Place an open box of baking soda inside refrigerators, closets and bathrooms to deodorize

• Sprinkle borax in the bottom of garbage cans to inhibit the growth of odor-producing molds and bacteria

• Use a stove exhaust fan when cooking.

Reference

1. Anderson R, Anderson J. Toxic effects of air freshener emissions. Archives of Environmental Health. 1997;52:433-441.