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Hidden Hazards of Air Fresheners
Hidden Hazards of Air Fresheners
Sept 18, 2007 Source: SimpleSteps.org
Could the floral scent of your air freshener contain toxic chemicals known to cause birth defects? NRDC
recently tested 14 different air fresheners and found that 12 contained chemicals called phthalates
(pronounced thal-ates), chemicals that can cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects and reproductive
problems. Even air fresheners marketed as "all-natural" or "unscented" contained the hazardous
chemicals. In addition to phthalates, air fresheners may contain allergens, volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) as well as cancer-causing chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde.
The air fresheners NRDC tested included aerosol sprays, liquids that emit a continuous scent, and a
solid. Of the 14 products tested by NRDC, there was wide variation in the level of phthalates contained.
Three of the 14 products had very high levels-more than 100 parts per million (ppm)-including products
that ranged from 360 ppm to 7,307 ppm. Two products-Febreze Air Effects and Renuzit Subtle Effects-
contained no detectable levels of phthalates. (NRDC only tested one sample of each product, and more
thorough testing is necessary to confirm the levels detected.)
Phthalates are found in a wide array of consumer products, including cosmetics and fragrances,
pharmaceuticals, vinyl children's toys, automobiles and paints. Phthalates are known to interfere with
production of testosterone and have been associated with reproductive abnormalities.
Pregnant women and children should avoid products that contain phthalates but because there are no
labeling requirements it is virtually impossible for consumers to know which products may pose a risk.
NRDC and other groups are petitioning the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission to ban
hazardous phthalates in consumer products and require that manufacturers provide ingredients
information on the label. Stronger regulations are needed to protect consumers. The EPA should require
manufacturers to research and test the toxicity and health effects of inhaling chemicals from air
fresheners.
Here's what you can do today to reduce your family's exposure to hazardous chemicals:
Freshen your air naturally by opening windows to bring in air and sunlight. Use fans to circulate the air
throughout your home.
Check the list of air fresheners tested by NRDC and read the report to learn what the product label won't
tell you.
NRDC and other groups are petitioning the EPA and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to
do more comprehensive testing and to ban hazardous phthalates in consumer products. Support NRDC’s
efforts to protect consumers, join our activist network.
Sept 18, 2007 Source: SimpleSteps.org
Could the floral scent of your air freshener contain toxic chemicals known to cause birth defects? NRDC
recently tested 14 different air fresheners and found that 12 contained chemicals called phthalates
(pronounced thal-ates), chemicals that can cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects and reproductive
problems. Even air fresheners marketed as "all-natural" or "unscented" contained the hazardous
chemicals. In addition to phthalates, air fresheners may contain allergens, volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) as well as cancer-causing chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde.
The air fresheners NRDC tested included aerosol sprays, liquids that emit a continuous scent, and a
solid. Of the 14 products tested by NRDC, there was wide variation in the level of phthalates contained.
Three of the 14 products had very high levels-more than 100 parts per million (ppm)-including products
that ranged from 360 ppm to 7,307 ppm. Two products-Febreze Air Effects and Renuzit Subtle Effects-
contained no detectable levels of phthalates. (NRDC only tested one sample of each product, and more
thorough testing is necessary to confirm the levels detected.)
Phthalates are found in a wide array of consumer products, including cosmetics and fragrances,
pharmaceuticals, vinyl children's toys, automobiles and paints. Phthalates are known to interfere with
production of testosterone and have been associated with reproductive abnormalities.
Pregnant women and children should avoid products that contain phthalates but because there are no
labeling requirements it is virtually impossible for consumers to know which products may pose a risk.
NRDC and other groups are petitioning the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission to ban
hazardous phthalates in consumer products and require that manufacturers provide ingredients
information on the label. Stronger regulations are needed to protect consumers. The EPA should require
manufacturers to research and test the toxicity and health effects of inhaling chemicals from air
fresheners.
Here's what you can do today to reduce your family's exposure to hazardous chemicals:
Freshen your air naturally by opening windows to bring in air and sunlight. Use fans to circulate the air
throughout your home.
Check the list of air fresheners tested by NRDC and read the report to learn what the product label won't
tell you.
NRDC and other groups are petitioning the EPA and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to
do more comprehensive testing and to ban hazardous phthalates in consumer products. Support NRDC’s
efforts to protect consumers, join our activist network.