Air fresheners are commonly used in homes, offices, retail stores, public restrooms and restaurants. But how much
do we know about what we're inhaling?

In 2006, European researchers assessed the emissions of chemicals in 74 air fresheners sold in Europe. These chemicals included volatile organic compounds (VOCs),  allergens, benzene, formaldehyde, terpines, styrene, diethylpthalate and toluene. Most of the products tested exceeded the maximum safety limit in several countries for VOCs allowed in indoor air.

High concentrations of substances classified as carcinogenic (cancer causing) were also noted, such as benzene
and formaldehyde.

As for potential health effects from air freshener exposure, we know little about the combined effects of some of these chemicals. The US-based Natural Resources Defense Council's independent testing of air fresheners in 2007 found hormone-disrupting pthalates in 86 percent of them although none had phthalates included on their labels. Even those labeled "all natural" and " unscented" contained phthalates.

A review of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for various air fresheners reveals that manufacturers appear to have no information on the potential respiratory hazards of their products. Since 2001, Canada has required manufacturers to report "Respiratory Tract Sensitization" on their MSDSs. But a review of more than 25 MSDSs for air fresheners noted that there was "No Data Available" in this regard.

Pressured by a coalition of environmental and health organizations, seven leading US air freshener manufacturers submitted data for all ingredients present in 0.1 percent concentration or greater to the Environmental Protection Agency in May 2008.

Other data continues to be withheld for business confidentiality reasons. Some of the ingredients we know of are indeed hazardous, including formaldehyde (a carcinogen and irritant), benzene compounds (geno-toxic carcinogen) and naphthalene (a carcinogen).

Air freshener products include traditional sprays, outlet- and battery-operated plug-ins, solid gel dispensers, hanging car air fresheners and potpourri.



Adapted with permission from the newsletter of the Environmental Health Association of BC, www.ehabc.org. Looking for natural air freshener ideas? Read "Safer Air Sniffing" by Marie Wrede of Naturelle Products at www.hans.org.

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