Health Impacts of Air Fresheners: A Public Health Concern
Health Impacts of Air Fresheners: A Public Health Concern
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
Empowering Community and Removal of Barriers (ECRoB) Project
Overview
Air fresheners are widely used in homes, workplaces, schools, hospitals, public restrooms, and vehicles, including taxis, buses, and personal cars. Despite their popularity, a growing body of research shows that these products emit a cocktail of chemicals that can pose serious health risks, particularly for children, people with asthma, and individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).
Common Chemicals Found in Air Fresheners
Most air fresheners contain undisclosed volatile organic compounds (VOCs), many of which can react with indoor air to produce secondary pollutants. Common substances include:
- VOCs such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, and acetaldehyde—linked to cancer and respiratory harm [1]
- Phthalates—endocrine disruptors tied to reproductive and developmental issues [2]
- Terpenes (e.g., limonene, α-pinene)—can form formaldehyde and ultrafine particles when mixed with indoor ozone [3]
- Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats)—linked to asthma and skin irritation [4]
Health Effects and Vulnerable Populations
Children are especially vulnerable to indoor air pollutants because their lungs and immune systems are still developing. Exposure to fragranced products has been associated with:
- Asthma attacks, wheezing, and chronic coughing
- Headaches, dizziness, migraines, and fatigue [6]
- Skin, eye, and throat irritation
- Hormonal disruption and developmental effects (especially from phthalates and VOCs) [2]
In vehicles, air fresheners—including popular “Christmas Tree” products, plug-ins, and dashboard purifiers—can release high concentrations of VOCs in a confined space, increasing the risk of respiratory irritation, nausea, and chemical sensitivity reactions. These exposures are intensified by heat and poor ventilation [5].
Conclusion
While marketed as symbols of cleanliness and comfort, air fresheners—especially in enclosed spaces like homes and vehicles—can degrade indoor air quality and negatively impact human health. Safer alternatives include improving ventilation, using unscented cleaning products, and odor-neutralizing solutions such as baking soda or activated charcoal. Public health policies should prioritize transparency in labelling, reduction of chemical exposures, and protection for vulnerable populations, especially children and those with chemical sensitivities.
References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) impact indoor air quality. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
- Cohen, A., Janssen, S., & Solomon, G. (2007). Clearing the air: Hidden hazards of air fresheners. Natural Resources Defense Council. https://www.nrdc.org/resources/clearing-air-hidden-hazards-air-fresheners
- Nazaroff, W. W., & Weschler, C. J. (2004). Cleaning products and air fresheners: Exposure to primary and secondary air pollutants. Atmospheric Environment, 38(18), 2841-2865. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2004.02.040
- American Lung Association. (n.d.). Cleaning supplies and household chemicals. American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/cleaning-supplies-household-chem
- California Environmental Protection Agency. (2009). Hazard evaluation of air freshener emissions. California Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.calepa.ca.gov
- Steinemann, A. (2016). Fragranced consumer products: Exposures and effects from emissions. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 9(8), 861-866. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-016-0442-z