How safe are room fresheners? Know these things before using them
Room fresheners can add chemicals to the air inside your home, and the risks depend on the product, amount, contact time, ventilation, and individual sensitivity.
Scented chemicals can react with ozone to form formaldehyde, particulate matter, and other secondary pollutants, which can cause headaches, coughing, and difficulty breathing in asthmatics and sensitive individuals.
The use of room fresheners, such as sprays, plug-ins, automatic sprays, reed diffusers, gels, and fragrance beads, is increasing to create a pleasant aroma in the room. These products have become everyday items in many homes because they remove odors and make the room fragrant for a while. But what chemicals are these fragrant products adding to the air inside your home? Are there any health concerns with long-term use?
There is no evidence that using room fresheners causes health problems in everyone. The risk depends on the chemicals used in the product, the amount used, the length of time in contact, the air circulation in the room, and the individual's sensitivity. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, some fragrances can cause asthma or other adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
Therefore, instead of considering room fresheners as completely harmless or completely safe, it is advisable to use them in small quantities, as needed, and in a place with adequate ventilation.
What is in a room freshener?
The chemical composition of room fresheners varies depending on the type of product. Typically, such products contain fragrance chemicals, essential oils, solvents, and other substances that help disperse the fragrance into the air. Aerosol sprays may use propellants, while reed diffusers, gels, and fragrance beads work to slowly disperse the fragrance.
Even products labeled 'natural', 'green', or 'essential oils' do not necessarily mean they are chemical-free. Essential oils also contain volatile and reactive substances that can change the chemistry of indoor air.
Therefore, just because a product label says “natural” or “low-VOC” doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a “low-VOC” or “no-VOC” label doesn’t necessarily indicate that the product contains all the potentially harmful volatile chemicals.
Fragrances can also cause other pollutants
Some of the fragrances in room fresheners can react with ozone already present in indoor air. This reaction can produce formaldehyde, particulate matter, and other secondary pollutants, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This is especially true for products with scents like citrus or pine.
A study published in 2021 found that some air fresheners tested at “high use” levels could significantly increase particulate matter levels over an hour. The study concluded that while there was no concern about long-term exposure under normal use conditions, excessive exposure should be reduced.
What this shows is that the risks of room fresheners depend not only on the chemicals in the product, but also on the amount of use and the conditions in the room.
Who is most at risk?
Room fresheners can cause headaches, irritation in the nose and throat, coughing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing in people who are sensitive to fragrances. People with asthma or other respiratory sensitivities should be especially careful. The EPA also notes that fragrances can cause asthma symptoms and other adverse reactions in sensitive people.
So if someone in your home experiences frequent headaches, coughing, or difficulty breathing after using a room freshener, don’t just dismiss it as “not liking the scent.”
Special precautions for children
Liquid room freshener refills, reed diffusers, gels, and fragrance beads should be kept out of the reach of children. Children may accidentally swallow these substances or get them in their eyes or on their skin.
In particular, liquid refills should not be stored in a way that looks like a water or beverage bottle. After use, the bottle should be tightly closed and stored in a safe place. If a child swallows liquid room freshener, it is best to have the product packet or label with you and seek immediate medical advice or contact your local poison control center instead of trying to induce vomiting at home.
When using a plug-in air freshener
Since plug-in air fresheners run continuously, they can release fragrant chemicals into the air for a long time. Therefore, you should choose an appropriate product according to the size of the room and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Do not place the plug-in air freshener near curtains, bedding, or other flammable materials. If the plug, cord, or appliance becomes unusually hot, frayed, or damaged, stop using it.
Extra precautions for automatic sprays and aerosols
Aerosol sprays may contain flammable materials, so do not use them near candles or flames. Spray when the room is empty. It is best to let the air circulate for a while afterwards. Ensure adequate fresh air and ventilation when using the product.
The difference between ‘odor removal’ and ‘odor masking’
Room In most cases, air fresheners mask the odor rather than eliminating the actual source of the odor. Therefore, if a room has a persistent odor, it is important to find the cause rather than spraying air fresheners repeatedly.
Dirt, damp clothes, garbage disposals, drains, moisture, mold, or inadequate ventilation can be the cause of the odor. Cleaning the actual source, opening windows, and improving ventilation can be more effective than excessive use of room fresheners.
What to do if it gets on your skin or eyes?
If room freshener gets on your skin, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. If it gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water. If irritation, redness, or other problems persist for a long time, seek medical attention.
If a large amount of spray has been inhaled and you are experiencing persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness, move to fresh air and seek immediate medical attention if necessary.
7 Ways to Use Room Fresheners Safely
1. Use sparingly: You don't need to spray a lot to make a room smell good.
2. Improve ventilation: Open windows or doors or arrange for air circulation.
3. Read the label: Follow directions for use, warnings, and storage instructions.
4. Keep away from children and pets: Keep liquid refills, gels, and beads in a safe place.
5. Keep away from fire: Keep aerosols and products containing flammable materials away from open flames.
6. Stop using if you experience problems: Stop using if you experience headaches, coughing, eye or throat irritation, or difficulty breathing.
7. Eliminate the cause of the odor: Instead of just covering up the odor with a freshener, remove dirt, moisture, mold, or other sources.
