Are Air Fresheners Harmful?

Lately, the sale of air fresheners has soared. You will be shocked to discover how their ingredients can affect us as well as create harmful effects. Before you spray the summer breezy fragrance in your room, here's what you need to know.

The Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC)-an international environmental organization-conducted a study called, "Clearing the Air: Hidden Hazards of Air Fresheners" in which they found 86% of air fresheners tested contained dangerous phthalates. Phthalates are used in automobiles, plastic softeners, paints, pesticides, children's toys, and cosmetics.

Air fresheners don't actually clean the air, but they just cover up the unpleasant odors with strong chemicals. Human studies have found that Phthalates are linked to the following (NRDC)

• Change in hormones

• Poor semen quality

• Changes in genital formation

• Allergic symptoms and asthma

• Reproductive abnormalities

So what can you do?

You can perfume the air with natural scents such as:

• Simmer cinnamon and cloves

• Fresh ginger or herbs in the water on the stovetop

• Organic sachets and potpourris

• Proper ventilation along with baking soda, coffee grounds or lemon peels

• Clean out litter boxes regularly

• Above all, keep your house clean, that way you won't need to cover up bad odors