Air Fresheners Can Cause Cancer & Decreased Testosterone Levels - Are Air Purifiers Any Better?

While perusing down the cleaning aisle of any supermarket, one can be inundated by the number of "Air Fresheners" on the market today. These products, which usually come in the form of aerosol sprays, plug-ins, or candles, often help freshen the air by either masking odors with fragrance; utilize charcoal, rubber, or silica gel to absorb odors; disinfect odors through the use of ozone, bleaching agents, or chlorine; or through the use of anesthetics to dull the smell. The use of fragrances or chemicals to freshen and mask odors has been in existence since antiquity, but during the 1950s, aerosol fresheners were the new trend in air cleaning. By the late 1990s, sales of air fresheners in the United States exceeded several hundred million dollars per year, and this number has since doubled. However, there is now controversy over whether these products can really "freshen" the air safely.

In a study released last week by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), 14 air fresheners off the shelf at a local Walgreens were tested, and 12 of these contained phthalates, a group of chemicals used to dissolve and carry fragrances. Phthalates are also found in toys and nail polish, and their health effects have long been questioned. In addition, studies involving humans and rats have suggested that long-term exposure to phthalates can cause cancer, decreased testosterone, and sex-hormone abnormalities.

Currently, the most popular forms of air fresheners are plug-ins, sprays, and liquids, and these are found in nearly 75% of U.S. households. According to the NRDC study, Walgreens Scented Bouquet Air Freshener, Walgreens Air Freshener Spray, and Walgreens Solid Air Freshener were found to have the highest phthalate content. Subsequently, Walgreens promptly pulled these products off the shelves last week. The two air fresheners that were virtually phthalates-free were Frebreze Air Effects Air Freshener and Renuzit Subtle Effects.

For those who are concerned with the health effects of phthalates but still wish to eliminate odors, the use of air purifiers with activated carbon can help with odor control such as the AllerAir AirTube Jr. room air purifier. As well, simple steps can taken in order to achieve fresher air such as proper ventilation through the regular opening of windows, the placement of coffee grounds in a container on the kitchen counter, or by pouring baking soda into garbage cans. All of the above methods can help rid your air of noxious odors - all without the use of harmful phthalates.