Air freshener scents trigger allergy and asthma symptoms

Many people use air fresheners and scented candles, particularly in the winter, to mask typical indoor odors. However allergists report such products can be linked to respiratory problems.

“This is a much bigger problem than people realize, about 20 percent of the population and 34 percent of people with asthma report health problems from air fresheners. We know air freshener fragrances can trigger allergy symptoms, aggravate existing allergies and worsen asthma.” according to Stanley Fineman, American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (ACAAI) president.

Many of these products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and only cover up, not eliminate, odors. VOCs commonly found in air fresheners include: formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, limonene, esters and alcohols. Reseach shows that plug-in deodorizers conatain more than 20 different VOCs.  Over one third of those VOCs are classified as toxic or hazardous.

There is cause for concern if anyone in the home has allergies or asthma . Research shows even VOC exposure levels below currently accepted recommendations increase risk of asthma in children.

Air freshening products are not alone in adding toxins to your household's air.

2010 research at the University of Washington found "25 best-selling products, and about half of them made some claim about being green, organic, or natural,”  emited an average of 17 chemicals apiece. Close to a quarter of the 133 unique chemicals detected are classified as toxic or hazardous under federal law. "More than a third of the products emitted at least one chemical classified as a probable carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and for which the EPA sets no safe exposure level."

Products tested were "air fresheners including sprays, solids and oils; laundry products including detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets; personal care products such as soaps, hand sanitizers, lotions, deodorant and shampoos; and cleaning products including disinfectants, all-purpose sprays and dish detergent. All were widely used brands, with more than half being the top-selling product in its category."

Worse you can't rely on labels as only one of the 133 emitted compounds was listed on a product label, and only two were publicly disclosed elsewhere in product literature. Even so-called "green" products were not "safe." 

The lead researcher Anne Steinemann said. “We found potentially hazardous chemicals in all of the fragranced products we tested.” She suggests using simpler options such as cleaning with vinegar and baking soda, opening windows for ventilation, and using products without any fragrance.

More on Anne Steinmann's research on airborne pollutants that can act as allergy triggers.

Thanks to @JuanCIvancevich tweet on air fresheners.