Odour Control – A Cause for Concern

In a review of all the products used for cleaning by the cleaning industry, “clean-smelling” air fresheners seem to pose little risk. Unfortunately, the “fresh” scent of air fresheners may disguise not only undesirable odours, but may mask a health hazard as well. Chemicals known as phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) can be present in air fresheners are known to cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects, and reproductive problems. Individuals whose line of work puts them into frequent contact with these chemicals are at a greater risk of developing long term health problems simply by the nature of their occupation, for example, janitorial and cleaning staff.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)an international non-profit environmental organization, conducted an independent testing on fourteen commonly used air fresheners. They found phthalates in 86 percent (12 of 14) of air freshener products tested, including those sold as “all-natural” or “unscented”. It was noted that none of the products tested listed phthalates on their labels. The NRDC recommends that government regulators should follow up by doing more thorough tests on these products and enact basic measures to limit exposure to these chemicals, in the interest of public health. Meanwhile, it may be sensible to avoid exposure to air fresheners. Especially, avoid using air fresheners in places where pregnant women or children are known to frequent.

Unpleasant odours are generally undesirable in any closed environments. Odours are not the cause of toxicological concern, but odours may increase the reporting of symptoms (for example, nausea, headache, eye and throat irritation).

Sadly, the increased popularity of air fresheners has quickly surpassed awareness of the potential health concerns from exposure to the toxic chemicals they may contain. Nearly all phthalates are known to interfere with production of the male hormone, testosterone. They have also been associated with reproductive abnormalities. Various animal studies have linked prenatal exposure to certain phthalates with decreases in testosterone, malformations of the genitalia, and reduced sperm production. Human studies have also shown that phthalates have been connected with changes in hormone levels, poor semen quality, and changes in genital development. Five phthalates-which includes one found in air freshener products-are posted by the State of California as chemicals “known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm.” Phthalate exposure in a building environment has also been associated with allergic symptoms and asthma. Because there are no labelling requirements, even so called “natural” products can contain toxic chemicals. It seems virtually impossible for the common person to know which products may pose a risk.

While the spotlight here is on the presence of phthalates in air fresheners, it is worthwhile mentioning that researchers have detected other chemicals of concern to human health in these products also. The European Consumers’ Organisation, BEUC (Bureau Europen des Consommateurs), commissioned a study in January 2005 to analyse the chemical substances present in indoor air following the use of air fresheners (including incense, natural products, scented candles, aerosols, gels, liquid and electric diffusers. The BEUC research found volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in these air freshener products at high levels. It was concluded that VOCs significantly contributed to indoor air pollution. Specifically, the European study discovered cancer-causing chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene in some air fresheners. Benzene has been shown to cause leukemia in humans. Formaldehyde has been linked to a variety of cancers of the upper airways. Most of these products also contained allergens (like as limonene). Susceptible people with allergies to these ingredients could have adverse reactions, which includes rashes or even asthma attacks, from exposure to air freshener products.

There is no substitute for fresh air, and air fresheners generally mask odours. The best practice is to open windows to access fresh air or to use fans to provide proper air circulation. Air fresheners use a difference scent to cover bad odours, however they very seldom eliminate the cause of them. They do not create clean air.

I suggest that people avoid using air fresheners if possible. When necessary, use products with the lowest levels of phthalates to limit exposure to these toxic chemicals, or use products that are certified by organizations such as Green Seal (USA) and EcoLogo (Canada) as being an environmentally responsible product. EcoLogo It is the only North American standard approved by the Global EcoLabeling Network as meeting the international ISO 14024 Standards for environmental labels.

Just remember this, until manufacturers fully disclose all ingredients on product labels, each and every time you inhale fumes expelled by air fresheners, the risk of developing certain health problems is more concerning than any perceived benefit of using the product.