If you have been following my "EXPOSED" blog series you're familiar with phthalates found in so-called "air-fresheners." You know then that these toxic ingredients are linked with abnormally-developed male genitalia, poor semen quality, low testosterone levels, and other reproductive issues. However, what you may not know is that phthalates are only one of the nasty ingredients found in air fresheners, sanitizers, and deodorizers.
An MSN article found that being exposed to so-called "air fresheners" as little as once a week can increase your odds of developing asthma by as much as 71% and can contribute to an increase in pulmonary diseases.
A 2006 study found that people with high blood levels of the chemical 1.4 dichlorobenze which is commonly found in popular air fresheners—were more likely to experience a decline in lung function.
Here are some of the ingredients found in the popular metered air fresheners—you know, the ones that are battery-operated and pump out mists of supposed sanitizers several times an hour:
Acetone—is a blood-, heart-, gastrointestinal-, liver-, kidney-, skin-, respiratory-, brain- and nervous system toxin. So, in other words, it can damage just about any part of your body and have a wide range of adverse effects
Butane and Isobutane—Yes, lighter fluid. It a serious toxin to our brain and nervous system.
Liquified Petroleum Gas and Petroleum Distillate—It is fairly obvious why we wouldn't want to add this to our air supply. I've been half-jokingly telling my clients for years that air fresheners contain the byproducts of gasoline that the oil industry can't put into vehicles. It looks like it may not be far from the truth.
Propane—a cardiovascular and blood toxin; liver, kidney, respiratory, skin, and nervous system toxin known to be extremely dangerous and that's why we operate propane barbecues outdoors yet we're spraying this stuff into our indoor air.
Perfume—This single ingredient contains up to 400 different toxic ingredients, 95% of which are derived from petroleum products and are linked to a whole list of serious health conditions ranging from headaches and dizziness to depression and behavioral changes. Check out my article, "What's Lurking in Febreze?" for more information.
Benzene—known to cause leukemia in humans. Check out my article, "EXPOSED: Is Your Child's Classroom Toxic?" for more information on benzene and formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde—linked to cancers of the upper airways
They come with warning labels that state "Deliberately…inhaling the vapor of the contents may be harmful or fatal" or "Avoid inhaling spray mist or vapor." How are we supposed to avoid inhaling something that is constantly being forced into our air space? Also, if inhaling the vapors may be harmful or fatal, why are why intentionally adding them to our air? Seems
We've been duped into thinking that we need these products to protect us from harmful bacteria or viruses even though there is no evidence that they actually disinfect the air at all. However, the evidence is mounting that these chemical products harm us…sometimes irreparably.
Source: "The Dangers of Indoor Chemical Pollution."
