We risk our health in many ways, but did you know that air fresheners are also dangerous for us? We use them because it is an easy way to have a nice smell at home that makes you feel the house is clean. However, what many people don’t know is that these air fresheners contain chemicals that could affect our health. Experts pointed out that these products can provoke mild symptoms and more serious long-term health problems. So, before you continue using these products, let’s learn more about them and how dangerous they can be..
Air fresheners risks
Even though they seem harmless, these products can expose our bodies to several risks:
- Breathing problems: Air fresheners release tiny chemicals into the air. Breathing them in can irritate your lungs, trigger asthma attacks, and make allergy symptoms worse.
- Everyday discomfort: Using air fresheners a lot can give you headaches, make you feel tired, dizzy, or even upset your stomach. It might seem like nothing, but if it happens often, it can really bother you. I mean, nobody would like to experience these symptoms on a regular basis, right?
- Hormone changes: Some air fresheners have ingredients called phthalates. These can upset the balance of your hormones, and in some cases, affect growth, development, or reproduction.
- Harmful chemical reactions: When certain ingredients in air fresheners mix with ozone in the air, they can create formaldehyde. This chemical can irritate your throat and, over time, may even cause cancer.
- Greater risk for kids and pets: As you may know, children and animals are more sensitive and using air fresheners often in small, closed spaces—like cars or bedrooms—can have a more serious impact on them.
- Long-term damage: If air fresheners are used too much over time, they may harm organs like the liver and kidneys and raise the risk of some cancers.
Bye, bye to air fresheners…
Not at all! The good news is that you don’t need to stop using air fresheners, you just have to know how to use them in a safe way by following these simple tips:
- Ventilate the room: One of the most effective steps is to open windows and allow fresh air to circulate. This helps to remove the chemicals released by the air fresheners and reduce their concentration indoors.
- Limit use: Avoid keeping air fresheners on all the time. Use them only at specific moments when you want to refresh the atmosphere, rather than continuously.
- Use them mindfully: Pay attention to when and where you put these products. Try not to use them in small, closed spaces where the smell and chemicals can build up—especially if kids or pets are around.
- Try other options: You can also go for cleaning products that already smell nice but don’t give off as many chemicals. They can still leave your home smelling fresh, without the extra risks.
Balance between comfort and health
Of course we all want our homes to smell nice because it makes us feel more comfortable, but it is important to understand that air fresheners can have a hidden price for our health. The chemicals that are released can cause irritation, discomfort, and even long-term health risks if used excessively.
So, by following the previous recommendations we mentioned, you can enjoy air fresheners without risking your wellbeing. These products are just one thing we should be careful about, but we should always be about all the products we use at home because they can damage our safe place without even noticing it. So, will you continue using these products or do you think the best option is to get rid of them?