Overview
What are air fresheners?
Air fresheners are product that are specifically designed to remove or
hide repugnant odours found primarily in the household environment and can be
found in a variety of different forms (see different types of air fresheners). 1
Different types of air fresheners:
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/4/7/14477176/802761858.jpg?377)
Air fresheners are available in a variety of different forms. During ancient times air fresheners mainly consisted of natural herbs and spices, but by the 1950s the most common form of air freshener was in the form of an aerosol can.2 Other types of air fresheners include:
- sprays 2
- liquids 2
- solids 2
- gels 2
- plug ins 2
- candles 2
- potpourri 2
- oils 2
- solids that are made to absorb odours 2
Main chemicals found in air fresheners:
Although air fresheners are made to provide a pleasant aroma and most claim to be made from natural floral and fruit extracts, air fresheners can also contain traces of harmful chemicals. 3 The main ones being:
- Phthalates (DEP) 3
- Formaldehyde 3
- Petroleum Distillates 3
- 1, 4 dichlorobenzene 3
Health Concerns
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/4/7/14477176/637138135.jpg?355)
Daily use of synthetic fresheners, specifically sprays can increase the risk of developing asthma, a respiratory diseases by up to 30-50%, according to data collect by the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. 4
Environmental Concerns
Can often pollute the environment due to the many harmful chemicals that are released into the air. 5 Not only that, but often time’s humans absorbs the chemicals and can excrete it back into the environment through waste water systems. 5 This can pollute water bodies and cause abnormalities in aquatic life. 5
References:
1. "Learn About Chemicals Around Your House." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2012. <http://www.epa.gov/kidshometour/products/airf.htm>.
2. "Air Freshener:." Air Freshener,Buy Quality Air Freshener from Manufacturers and Suppliers on Alibaba.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2012. <http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/air-freshener.html>.
3."Learn About Chemicals Around Your House." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 9 May 2012. Web. 8 Nov. 2012. <http://www.epa.gov/kidshometour/products/airf.htm>.
4.Kim, Ben, Dr. "Beware of Toxic Air Fresheners." Beware of Toxic Air Fresheners. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Nov. 2012. <http://drbenkim.com/dangers-air-fresheners.html>.
5."ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS." Water Quality Information. APEC, n.d. Web. 8 Nov. 2012. <http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water_quality/quality2/envtoxin-phthalates1-quality.htm>.
1. "Learn About Chemicals Around Your House." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2012. <http://www.epa.gov/kidshometour/products/airf.htm>.
2. "Air Freshener:." Air Freshener,Buy Quality Air Freshener from Manufacturers and Suppliers on Alibaba.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2012. <http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/air-freshener.html>.
3."Learn About Chemicals Around Your House." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 9 May 2012. Web. 8 Nov. 2012. <http://www.epa.gov/kidshometour/products/airf.htm>.
4.Kim, Ben, Dr. "Beware of Toxic Air Fresheners." Beware of Toxic Air Fresheners. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Nov. 2012. <http://drbenkim.com/dangers-air-fresheners.html>.
5."ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS." Water Quality Information. APEC, n.d. Web. 8 Nov. 2012. <http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water_quality/quality2/envtoxin-phthalates1-quality.htm>.