The Dangers of Chemicals in
Air Fresheners
Air fresheners containing specific chemicals can pose a significant threat to reproductive health.
SOURCE - http://suite101.com/a/chemicals-in-air-fresheners-stink-a228104
Air fresheners can have an undetermined yet worrying effect on
the human reproductive system. The ill effects of air freshener
use may not only be experienced by the individual using the
item, but perhaps most alarmingly by the individual's children
through exposure to phthalates (pronounced thal-ates).
Phthalates are the chemicals found in many popular air freshener
brands. The NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council)-the
New York City based environmental action group- tested 14
commonly used air fresheners.
While the NRDC states that their testing was ‘limited’ it should be
noted that 12 of the 14 brands tested contained phthalates.
According to the 2007 report Fair Fresheners authored in part by senior
scientist Gina Solomon, M.D., M.P.H., these toxic phthalates were
found in potentially harmful quantities within all of the following
popular brands:

Ozium Glycol-ized Air Sanitizer

Walgreens Air Freshener Spray

Walgreens Scented Bouquet Air Freshener

Walgreens Solid Air Freshener
Lesser quantities of the chemicals were found in these air fresheners:
 Febreze NOTICEables Scented Oil

Glade Air Infusions

Glade PlugIn Scented Oil

Oust Air Sanitizer Spray

Air Wick Scented Oil
These brands contained only trace levels of the toxic phthalates:
 Citrus Magic

Oust Fan Liquid Refills
Febreze Air Effects Air Refresher and Renuzit Subtle Effects were the
only brands tested found to contain no phthalates.
Following the release of this 2007 report, Walgreens said that the
company would take the offending Walgreens brand air fresheners off
store shelves pending independent testing of these products. According
to the NRDC, Walgreens "also plans to introduce phthalate-free air
fresheners soon."
Children and Pregnant Women Beware
According to the NRDC, "Numerous animal studies have linked prenatal
exposure to certain phthalates with decreases in testosterone,
malformations of the genitalia, and reduced sperm production." In
addition to this, the State of California remarks that five types of
phthalate, including one found in air fresheners tested by the NRDC are
“known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm.” For these
reasons, the NRDC urges these two vulnerable groups to "avoid"
exposure to air fresheners: children and pregnant women.
How Phthalates Alter Hormone Levels
It’s easy for the chemicals in air fresheners to enter the bloodstream.
This is what happens: when a can of air freshener is sprayed, the
fragrance is not the only thing that leaves the can. Chemicals enter the
air, which are inhaled by all those nearby. In addition to this inhalation,
mist from the air freshener lands on the skin. What is inhaled into the
lungs and what is absorbed into the skin is now free to enter the
bloodstream. Once circulating the bloodstream, these chemicals have
the ability to modify hormone levels.
As we evolve into a more environmentally aware society, concerns
about our physical well-being blend seamlessly with our concerns about
the world we inhabit. Green living expert and author of Better Basics
for the Home Annie Berthold-Bond says, “Some of the chemicals in air
fresheners are incredibly toxic.” She advises consumers to forgo the
store bought sprays and make their own. Using a homemade spray may
just be the safest thing to do.