The Shocking Truth About Toxic Air Fresheners

Did you know that over 75% of commercial air fresheners in the store have ingredients that have been linked to migraines, asthma, breathing issues, and nausea? Air fresheners emit over 100 chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes & if you can’t pronounce it, don’t put it in your home. Not to mention artificial fragrances, which can lead to allergies and asthma too. Basically, they DO NOT create “fresh air,” they “mask” the air. So don’t think you are creating quality air within your home, because you’re not.

Most air freshener’s deaden unwanted odors and as Carla Emery states in her book, Country Living, “most are designed to deal with you.” What does that mean? Air fresheners basically mask natural odors by overpowering them with these highly concentrated commercial chemicals, designed to COAT your nasal passages with an oily film to impair your ability to smell. Imagine that!  Some even consist of nerve-deadening agents called phthalates, that attack your nasal passages so you may not be able to smell that cat box or boiled eggs. There are even some studies that show permanent, irreversible damage to the nasal passage, with complete loss of smell.  WOW!

Phthalates are starting to be phased out of the US and Canada thanks to birth defects, infertility and being carcinogenic. Not to mention the Center for Disease Control did a test on numerous women of child bearing age and found 7 different types of phthalates in their urine.

So why are they so toxic? Why should you be worried?  Here’s why… Endocrine disrupter, Infertility, behavioral problem!

Common ingredients you’ll find in your run of the mill air fresheners, and candles.  Read the ingredients.

• Phalates
• Parabens
• Formaldehyde
• Petro Chemicals
• Benzene

Instead, try a few of these tips to get rid of odors:

• Clean the problem causing the issue. Use vinegar or Vodka to clean and disinfect
• Place a dish of baking soda or vinegar in a room to absorb odors
• Open windows and allow fresh air in (my fav!)
• Place houseplants throughout the house to increase better air quality (another fav!!)
• Burn all natural incense, with all natural ingredients (be cautious as many are rolled with synthetics)
• Burn bees wax candles
• Clean your home regularly or call Maid in America to help with this one!

So get those natural air fresheners out, and start improving the health of you and your family.

Make your own air freshener by just mixing the below & enjoy all the health benefits!

• 4 oz spray bottle
• 10 drops essential oils
• 1 tsp witch hazel
• Fill with water