Fresh smelling air at what cost?

I have personally always hated air fresheners. In fact, I feel ill if I'm around them very long. When I see those commercials where the people are sniffing the carpet, car or couch because it has been sprayed with Febreze, it makes me nauseous.

On the other hand, my family loves Febreze and Carpet Fresh and Scented Lysol, etc.

Apparently, a lot of people actually like those chemical-laden smells. What they think smells fresh, I think smells toxic. But is it just a matter of personal preference or are air fresheners actually harmful for the lungs?

....Are air fresheners safe?

Alternative Health Care Articles from the Wellness Library: The Air That You Breathe
Portions of this article, courtesy of Good Health Supplements, copyright, Ira Marxe

Design, © 2006, Neva J Howell; portions of this article, © 2006, Ira Marxe, Updated 2007 Our home page ~*~ Search for More Information on Healthy Lungs
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Are Air Fresheners Safe for your lungs? Ira says no......and I guess he should know since he knows that industry....here's what Ira does at his own home:

Having been in the chemical business for many years, we do not use air fresheners or deodorants in our house knowing the toxic effect inhaling these masking agents can have on your body. We open windows and use exhaust fans instead. To capture odors that may form in out refrigerator, we keep a cup of baking soda on the middle shelf. It’s non-toxic and very effective.

Now our caution has been vindicated by a new study that found that a chemical compound called 1,4 DCB (1,4-dichlorobenzene) found in many common household deodorizing products such as air fresheners and toilet bowl cleaners, may harm lungs.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) studied blood samples and measured the lung function of 953 adults. When the blood samples were tested for exposure to volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, 96 percent tested positive for the chemical 1,4 DCB.

Respiratory Health Concerns:

When they compared the lung function of those exposed to the chemical, they found a decrease in function that was tied to an increase in exposure. While the decrease was modest, it could have important implications in those who are vulnerable to respiratory problems, such as children.

The chemical 1,4 DCB has an odor similar to mothballs and is used in room deodorizers, odor blocks for toilet bowls and urinals, deodorants for diaper pails, and moth repellants.

“Because people spend so much time indoors where these products are used, it’s important that we understand the effects that even low levels might have on the respiratory system,” said researcher Leslie Elliott, Ph.D.

“Even a small reduction in lung function may indicate some harm to the lungs,” said Stephanie London, M.D., the study’s lead investigator. “The best way to protect yourself and especially children who may have asthma or other respiratory illnesses, is to reduce the use of products and materials that contain these compounds,” she said.

Source: National Institute of Health

An Opposing View on Air Freshener Safety

According to the Consumer Specialty Products Association, air fresheners are safe. They say, on their website:

Are air fresheners and other scented products tested for health and safety?

"Manufacturers evaluate products for health and safety to assure that products are safe and effective. Ingredients are routinely examined to ensure that exposure levels from product use and potential misuses are below the level that would pose significant health risk.

Moreover, the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) evaluates the safety of fragrance raw materials found in perfumes, air fresheners and other scented products and provides safety assessments. An independent, international Expert Panel of dermatologists, pathologists, toxicologists, and environmental scientists evaluates RIFM’s scientific findings."

My Personal View: I don't use air fresheners, period. I figure our world has enough chemicals in it without adding more the air I breathe in my home. Also, essential oils diffused can bring about that same fresh scent without the added chemicals (of course, EO's can have chemicals too so it's important to pick pure oils).

Symptoms of breathing toxic air:

Watch for headaches, sniffling, stuffed sinuses, cough, fatique, itchy eyes, etc. whenever introducing a new product into the home. Be particularly mindful of children exposed to new air fresheners, and watch them for any symptoms of allergic reaction.

If I had lung problems or a breathing disorder, I would err on the side of caution and not introduce any more chemicals into my environment than I had to, regardless of whether those chemicals were considered safe.

Further, if any substance made me sneeze, my eyes itch, or made me feel fatiqued on waking, I'd toss without compunction. And any home with asthmatic children should check with their doctor before using any type of product containing chemicals, including perfumes, perfumed washing powders, and air fresheners.

Are air fresheners safe?

Do your research. I'm certain there must be safer products than others. Find out what chemicals are in your air fresheners at home and, if indicated, switch to something a little less chemical-laden. Breathe easy in your home by doing your homework on air fresheners before you expose your family to them.

Alternatives to Air Fresheners:

I love essential oils as an air freshener. Of course, people with respiratory conditions such as asthma may also be allergic to some oils so be careful if someone in your home has a breathing disorder. I just put a few drops of lemon oil in water and spritz. Others use lavendar or peppermint.

For refreshing the sink, I find half a lemon down the disposal does the trick. Lemon works well on that cutting board that smells of onions too.

A potpourri of dried, fragrant flowers or herbs adds a subtle scent that many find inviting and nice. Just be careful to check for perfumed additives. You just want the scent of the flowers so that may involve finding someone who makes their own without artificial fragrance being added.

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And of course, you can buy a good air filter and let that take care of odors. If you are thinking of buying an ionic filter, like the much-advertised Ionic Breeze, be aware that there are some cautions in using those for people with respiratory disorders. Certain settings should not be used so reading the manual is important. Sharper Image clearly indicates this in the manual but if you are not prone to reading manuals, you might miss it so always ask the company when you call, if you feel anyone in your house might be adversely affected.

Some filter makers are so confident they offer a free trial, like Oreck. Since a really good air filter can cost hundreds of dollars, ask about a free trial.

Measure the size of the rooms you wish to cleanse with your filter. Knowing the square footage of the areas you need to filter will help the store staff to determine the capacity your filter must have. A filter that's too small for the space it is being asked to cleanse obviously will not do as good a job.

Health Care Disclaimer: Although this health care article will be of specific interest to those with breathing disorders such as asthma and those with allergies, the holistic health care information presented here is not a substitute for needed medical evaluation. Any action taken based on the clean air information you have just read is at the sole discretion of the reader. Please consult with a respiratory specialist or allergy specialist on matters regarding breathing disorders you may have or suspect you have.

I'm posting portions of an alternative health care article from Ira Marxe, over at Good Health Supplements because they have such great health care focus. I've shared information about their Cardio-Health Formula for years now because they are one of the few that have documented proof of their supplement effectively cleaning out clogged arteries. how to prevent heart attacks.