Everyone loves to walk into a room that smells good, but behind some of those seemingly fresh-smelling rooms is a hidden danger. It emanates from the small and innocent-looking devices known as plug-in air fresheners. Here’s the vital information that can help to protect you and your family from a hidden hazard.
Formaldehyde
Does formaldehyde sound like something you’d want to breathe every day? If you use plug-in air fresheners, that’s exactly what is happening. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) in humans.
It is particularly associated with throat and nose cancer. It can also irritate the respiratory system in other ways, such as by contributing to nosebleeds and infections. Babies, elderly people and those whose immune system is already weakened are even more at risk of being harmed by the dangerous effects of formaldehyde.
Phthalates
This scientific-sounding term simply refers to a type of chemical that is found in the ingredients of a very high percentage of plug-in air fresheners. If you’re using those so-called fresheners, there’s a good chance they contain phthalates, which come with serious down sides.
For one, they disrupt hormones such as testosterone and throw the reproductive system into imbalance. Phthalates can also cause birth defects, allergies, asthma and other health issues. Unfortunately, small amounts of phthalates can do damage, so limiting the use of air fresheners is still risky. It is better to completely avoid them.
Naphthalene
Yet another toxic substance found in plug-in air fresheners is naphthalene. Research has shown that it can contribute to lung cancer in rodents, and because substances that cause certain health problems in rodents can cause the same type of problem in humans, quite possibly naphthalene can contribute to lung cancer in humans.
Volatile Organic Compounds
There’s another toxic substance in plug-in air fresheners that you need to know about. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) create vapors at room temperature, and because vapors aren’t even visible, they are truly a hidden danger. They can contribute to asthma, which is a dangerous and unpleasant chronic illness for both children and adults.
Keep in mind that different air freshener brands and types contain varying levels of toxic substances and hidden danger, with some products being more harmful than others. The best approach is just to avoid all of them.
Although you might still be exposed to plug-in air fresheners when you go to other people’s homes, to offices and to various public places, you can control what toxins are circulating in the air at your own home.
Alternatives to Plug-in Air Fresheners
This alarming evidence likely has you convinced that you need to avoid plug-in air fresheners. But if you do away with them, do you also have to forgo pleasant-smelling air? Not at all. There are many ways to freshen the air in a safe and nontoxic way, without using the typical plug-in air fresheners that are commonly sold.
One of the simplest solutions is to open your windows as much as possible, no matter what the temperature is like outside. Even opening your windows for 10 minutes or so can help. Also, use high-quality air filters in your HVAC system that remove allergens and irritants like dust, pet dander, cooking odors and pollen. They essentially function like air purifiers and fresheners.
Remove the source of odors by getting and keeping your home clean and removing items that smell, such as food scraps and trash in the kitchen. Run fans in the kitchen and bathrooms as much as necessary to keep air circulating and smells out of the house.
As far as actual air fresheners, essential oils can be your best friend. There are even plug-in devices you can buy at places like natural grocery stores, and they include a small pad on which you place a few drops of essential oil. Citrus oils like lemon and orange can be very uplifting and crisp-smelling. Lavender oil can be wonderfully relaxing and lightly flowery in bedrooms. You will likely find that you prefer the natural smells of essential oils to the synthetic fragrance smells of plug-in air fresheners anyway.
Whatever you do, make sure not to put yourself, your family and guests at risk for health issues arising from the use of plug-in air fresheners. Also, do not use aerosol air freshener sprays that are just as toxic as plug-in air fresheners. Stay safe and healthy by freshening air the natural way.
~ Health Scams Exposed
