Can air fresheners cause breathing problems? – Puriferspace
Yes. The aromatic compound present in air freshener impacts the normal functioning of the lungs and causes breathing disorders.
When you buy an air freshener, you’re getting a gift for when you might need to take a break. These scented packages help you keep your space clean, open, and healthy.
And with such a variety of colors and textures, they’re sure to please everyone. But there are suspects of air fresheners being associated with respiratory diseases [1].
In this blog post, you’ll get to know how can air fresheners cause breathing problems. We’ll also look at their alternatives and everything related to them.
But first, let’s find out what air fresheners are.
Air freshener is a kind of odorless chemical that can eliminate the smell of unwanted odors.
Sometimes, It’s also known as a deodorizer and is used in the form of sprays, candles, vases, or other decorative items.
They come in different flavors and scents and can be used in indoor and outdoor areas. Some of them are also made from natural ingredients that are safe for kids and pets.
Some types of air fresheners you must have seen around.
The most common kinds of air fresheners are:
– Air Purifiers: these devices aim at purifying the air, especially by trapping microbes and odor inside itself and controlling its release into the air. They act like filters that absorb the odor and keep it away from other people.
– Odor Eliminators: They don’t absorb odors but mask them. The scent is recreated by using fragrance oils or essential oils.
– Air Fresheners: These are not made from natural ingredients but instead contain synthetic aromas such as lavender, lemon, and peppermint oils.
How can air fresheners cause breathing problems to human health?
Air freshener is a great product that keeps the air clean, but it has been associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis.
What chemicals do air fresheners emit?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are the by-product of air fresheners/conditioners, pesticides, automobiles, and paint industries.
It has been reported that the skin quickly absorbs these chemicals. That’s how they travel inside the human body via the bloodstream or air passageways. Primarily, these compounds affect the central nervous and respiratory systems.
These compounds include naphthalene, toluene, and xylene. Once these chemicals enter the body, they start invading hormones and altering the functionality of other organs.
Outside the human body, these chemicals give rise to secondary pollutants that damage the environment in several ways, i.e., reacting with the ozone layer [2].
- Benzyl acetate: This chemical is commonly used in air fresheners and other aromatic products due to its jasmine-like odor.
- Ethyl acetate: This compound is also one of the top ingredients found in many types of perfumes and air fresheners.
- Tris(2-Ethylhexyl)phosphate: This chemical is also known as TEPP.
TEPP is a colorless, viscous liquid known to cause skin irritation, itchy eyes, and pulmonary edema [3].
- Ethylbenzene: It’s mainly used as a solvent and production of styrene (a harmful chemical that causes breathing and neurological problems)[4].
The chemicals found in air fresheners can cause a wide range of health problems. If you have asthma, allergies, or other breathing problems, it is best to avoid them. If you have sensitive skin and use air fresheners regularly, it is also best to avoid them. People who are sensitive to fragrances should also try to avoid them.
Air fresheners and a toxic indoor environment
In addition to the harmful chemicals found in air fresheners, other things can harm you when exposed to them.
Firstly, if you have an unhealthy indoor environment, it will be harder for your body to fight off toxins.
For example, if your living space is cluttered with old furniture and things that could cause a fire or other health problems, then it will be hard for your body to fight off dangerous toxins.
Also, if you do not keep your hygiene in check and wash your hands often enough and use harmful products on them, it will be harder for your body to fight off toxins as well. If you do not clean the air vents in your home and use toxic cleaning products on them, it will be harder for your body to fight off toxins as well.
Although there are many harmful chemicals in air fresheners, some are more toxic than others. For the most part, air fresheners contain chemicals that can harm your health.
However, some of the chemicals in air fresheners can be more dangerous than others. If you notice any such signs of toxicity from air fresheners and other products:
- You have asthma or breathing problems
- You have allergies or other skin problems
- You have a weakened immune system
It is best to avoid these products.
Safety precautions and alternatives for air fresheners
Air fresheners aren’t safe for everyone. But if you’re using them for your child or pet, consider keeping them out of their reach.
They can be harmful to some people and not to others, depending on a person’s level of sensitivity to certain ingredients.
There are a lot of alternatives that you can use instead of air fresheners.
Baking soda
It’s a natural product that can be used in the synthetic fragrances found in most air fresheners. It has no scent and is safe for use in the home. It absorbs foul odor and keeps your living space fresh and clean.
Vanilla extract
It has a pleasant scent, which you can use to eliminate odors and leave your home smelling great. You can also use this extract to make homemade scented candles that lighten up your mood and create a serene sensation in your surroundings.
Essential oils
These are natural products made from plants, flowers, fruits, or herbs. They have no chemical compounds and are safe for children and pets to use around them.
Dried herbs
These can be used in place of synthetic fragrances in air fresheners. They are safe for use around children and pets and easy to find.
Why are air fresheners an integral part of our sanitation system?
When you think of air fresheners, you probably think of the scents used in them. The scents used in air fresheners are often toxic and can cause breathing problems.
The most popular benefits associated with air fresheners include:
Freshens the air: They remove odors and leave a scent behind to make you feel fresh and rejuvenated.
- Cleans the air: It can also be used to clean your home or workplace because of its ability to attract airborne dust particles and debris.
- Keeps pests away: Air fresheners have been called one of the best ways to keep pests away from your house. They contain essential oils that repel insects, bugs, and other unwanted creatures from entering your house.
- Keeps mites away: This is another benefit of air fresheners. They contain essential oils that have been used to treat various skin disorders and infections.
- Helps you sleep better: The smell of fresh air can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep for more extended periods.
- Excellent deodorizer: Some air fresheners contain natural ingredients (essential oils or herbal extracts) that are not harmful to your body or the environment.
Can air fresheners cause breathing problems; a brief description
- Cause allergic reactions: Some people who have allergies to certain chemicals may experience allergic reactions after using air fresheners.
- Affect your nervous system: Certain types of chemicals can affect your nervous system and cause dizziness, lethargy, headaches, or mental confusion.
- Cause skin rashes: Your skin will be irritated by the chemicals once they come into contact with it. You may develop rashes on your skin or other parts of your body.
- Trigger gastrointestinal problems: The chemicals can be harmful to your digestive system. They can cause gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
- Induce eye infections: Some of the chemicals used in air fresheners have been known to cause eye irritation, itchiness, blurred vision, and other health issues.
Can perfume cause breathing problems?
If you use perfume frequently, then you have probably experienced the following:
- You may notice that the perfume makes your throat itch and feel dry.
- You may start coughing or sneezing after using perfume.
These symptoms are likely to be caused by the chemicals in the perfume. These chemicals can also cause allergies and other health problems.
The effects of these toxic chemicals on your body are pretty obvious.
It would help if you considered quitting such fragrances right away. Your health is more important than using an air freshener or perfume!
What are the symptoms of inhaling toxic air fresheners?
The following are the most common symptoms of inhaling toxic air freshener:
- Headaches, dizziness, and nausea
- Dehydration and dehydration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rashes, skin irritation, and dermatitis
- Nervous system problems include anxiety attacks, nervousness, depression, insomnia, and tremors.
You should avoid using air fresheners that contain these toxic chemicals during such situations!
Do most people know about the harmful effects of toxic air fresheners?
Some people react strangely when asked, “can air fresheners cause breathing problems” while others know about their harmful effects. Despite the awareness regarding the toxicity of air fresheners, most of the population continues using them anyway!
They also think that they are harmless, and that the chemicals will not cause any long-term health problems. However, the chemicals contained in most air fresheners need to be replaced for a better and safe environment.
How have air fresheners become so popular?
Air fresheners have become so popular because they are easy to use and inexpensive.
You can quickly spray them on your skin or into the air to make it smell nice. You can also use them to fill your home with a pleasant scent. Most people use air fresheners in their homes as a way to relax!
Can laundry detergents cause breathing problems?
Everyone loves to keep their clothes clean and fragrant. However, some people have reported that they have experienced breathing problems after using laundry detergents.
The symptoms of these injuries include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Headaches
If you’ve experienced any of these above-mentioned symptoms after using a laundry detergent, you should stop using it and see your doctor.
Why do cleaners with ammonia smell so bad?
Many people know that chlorine bleach is usually used in many cleaning products.
However, many people do not realize that bleach is usually made from a compound known as sodium hypochlorite.
- It can cause severe eye irritation and burns in humans. If you are exposed to this chemical, you will notice redness and pain in your eyes after being exposed to it.
- It induces severe irritation and burns on the skin. If you are exposed to this chemical solution, you will notice redness and pain in your skin after being exposed to it.
Air freshener manufacturing companies do not disclose their ingredients, so you have no idea what’s in them.
Many of your favorite and top-rated air fresheners on the market contain harmful chemicals, such as dioxane, formaldehyde, and cancer-causing chemicals.
Dioxane is a hazardous chemical that can cause cancer in humans.
Formaldehyde is a chemical that can cause cancer in humans.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared formaldehyde a known human carcinogen [5] and an environmental hazard to wildlife and humans.
Some air fresheners also include toxic ingredients like ammonia, chlorine bleach, and lye, which can irritate your skin and eyes, causing breathing problems and sores in your mouth or throat.
The takeaway
The chemicals in air fresheners are toxic and Act as a medium to create an additional problem for the environment. Research has proved these chemicals to cause allergic reactions, irritation, and severe conditions in the human body.
Moreover, these chemicals are not necessarily mentioned in the ingredients list, so most people are unaware of their potential damage and safety risks.
Hopefully, this detailed post will help you understand how an air fresheners cause breathing problems and act as a healthy reminder for you in the future.
