Can Plug-in Air Fresheners Cause Cancer?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) study Hidden Hazards of Air Fresheners, 12 of 14 air fresheners they tested contained phthalates. Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) aren’t something you want floating in your air since they are linked to cancer and reproductive problems .

Do plug ins cause cancer?

Because they contain ingredients that are associated with various health effects, our constant exposure to air fresheners is cause for concern. Researchers have measured and identified air freshener chemicals that are linked to cancer , neurotoxicity, and effects from endocrine disruption.

Are plug in toxic?

One of the primary concerns health experts have about plug-in air fresheners is their wide-spread use of phthalates . ... The NRDC also warns that airborne phthalates can cause allergic symptoms and asthma. Even trace amounts of phthalates can accumulate to cause these harmful side-effects.

How bad are air fresheners for your health?

Briefly inhaling a small amount of a spray air freshener might cause some coughing, choking , or difficulty catching the breath. These effects should get better quickly with fresh air. Swallowing air freshener can cause toxicity ranging from minor irritation of the mouth to life-threatening effects.

Are plug ins bad for your lungs?

Naphthalene. Compounding the risk that formaldehyde brings, most major plug-in air fresheners brands have been shown to contain a chemical called naphthalene. Lab studies, conducted on rats, have found that it can cause cancer in the lungs and tissue damage .

Why are plug ins bad for you?

One of the primary concerns health experts have about plug-in air fresheners is their wide-spread use of phthalates . ... The NRDC also warns that airborne phthalates can cause allergic symptoms and asthma. Even trace amounts of phthalates can accumulate to cause these harmful side-effects.

Can wall plug ins make you sick?

Ladd Smith, of the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, “Scented products are indeed safe.” “There is a very robust (safety) process that not only we have, but also along several steps of the supply chain,” Smith notes. The industry says there’s no evidence that scented products cause health problems .

Are Bath and Body Works plug-ins toxic?

The Bath and Body Works Wallflowers are not completely safe for pets due to the toxins used in them . ... Furthermore, if not managed well, your pet might even ingest contents of the air freshener. Ingesting it can be more dangerous than simply breathing it, causing adverse effects in the gastrointestinal system.

Do plug in air fresheners use a lot of electricity?

A typical plug-in air freshener uses 4 watts . Not very much, but left on permanently, this will use 35 units of electricity per year.

Are glade plugins toxic?

SC Johnson considers that their scented oil product is safe and useful . However, they recommend that anybody with “health issues or concerns” should consult with his or her physician before using Glade Plug-Ins. ... The few particles that were measured were believed to be volatilized fragrance oils that posed no danger.

Why is Febreze bad for you?

Febreze contains chemicals linked to hormone disruption and developmental problems . Febreze contains chemicals linked to neurotoxicity, which means the chemicals are poisonous to the nerves or nerve cells. Febreze contains chemicals that irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.

What is the healthiest air freshener?

  1. Scent Fill + Air Wick Natural Air Freshener. ...
  2. Botanica Organic Plug in Air Freshener. ...
  3. Natural Plug in Air Freshener Starter Kit with 4 Refills and 1 Air Wick® Oil Warmer. ...
  4. Lavender & Chamomile Plug in Air Freshener. ...
  5. Glade PlugIns Refills and Air Freshener. ...
  6. Airomé Bamboo. ...
  7. GuruNanda.

Can plug-in air fresheners cause depression?

The University of Bristol’s Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children found that exposure to volatile organic compounds through frequent use of air fresheners and other aerosols in the home was found to correlate with increased earaches and diarrhea in infants, and with increased depression and headaches in their ...

Is it safe to leave plug in air fresheners on overnight?

Is It Safe To Leave Plug-Ins On Overnight? Yes , in fact, plug-in air fresheners are pretty much designed to be left for longer periods of time. But, you shouldn’t leave these air fresheners plugged in forever, either.

Are air fresheners bad for lungs?

They may smell sweet, but popular air fresheners can cause serious lung problems . Exposures to such VOCs — even at levels below currently accepted safety recommendations — can increase the risk of asthma in kids. That’s because VOCs can trigger eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches and dizziness, as Dr.

Why you should not use air fresheners?

Even so-called green and organic air fresheners can emit hazardous air pollutants. ... From a health perspective, air fresheners have been associated with adverse effects , such as migraine headaches, asthma attacks, mucosal symptoms, infant illness, and breathing difficulties.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.