Air Freshener Dangers

If you use air fresheners in your home, ever wonder what's in them?

Air fresheners are a $1.7 billion industry and they're found in three out of every four homes.

But instead of freshening the air, you may be poisoning it. Some medical experts say air fresheners may release more than just a sweet smell into the air.

“The chemicals in these household products are irritants and they can cause inflaming cells to infiltrate the airway and result in bronchospasm, or tightening of the airway.”

Vanderbilt pulmonary specialist Dr. Aaron Millstone says this is especially true for patients like Sara Miller. She's suffered with severe asthma since childhood.

“Either a candle burning or air freshener being sprayed or plug in type, that's the worst because it’s so strong.”

At home, Miller uses fragrance-free cleaning products and she won't use anything that's sprayed into the air.

“Anything in aerosol can bothers me. I don't know if its the propellants that are in it to make it spray the scent or the chemicals that’s in it. You can kind of feel your lungs tighten up and it just makes you want to leave and go get the albuteral.”

While we know that these products can be irritating to people who already have asthma, new research suggest long term use may also cause asthma in people who are otherwise healthy.

“Some of the chemicals are called phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals that have a number of harmful effects to the body, effecting hormone levels and can be toxic to women who are pregnant. Problem is phamaldahyde and phthalates that they really put people at risk for developing asthma.”

But Dr. Millstone says you won't find these ingredients on the label because manufacturers aren't required to list them.

So a quick burst may not be such a breath of fresh air after all.

The FDA does not regulate the use of phthalates and does not require them to be listed in products that contain them.

Here are some suggestions on how to freshen your home with natural ingredients. Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter top. Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of trash cans and on the carpet before vacuuming. Keep your trash emptied and crack a window for at least thirty minutes a day.