Fragrance Sprays: Are They Safe To Use?

Air fresheners are products designed to mask unpleasant odours and introduce pleasant fragrances. They are available in various forms, including sprays, candles, gels, diffusers, and plug-ins. While they may seem harmless, air fresheners can contain harmful ingredients and release toxic chemicals into the air, posing health and environmental risks.

The use of air fresheners has been linked to adverse effects on health, including respiratory irritation, headaches, and more severe conditions like asthma attacks and liver and kidney damage. Some air fresheners contain carcinogens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxins such as phthalate esters. These chemicals can aggravate asthma, affect reproductive development, and cause hormonal abnormalities.

Furthermore, air fresheners can lead to accidental injuries, such as burns and aerosol burns, and their misuse as inhalants is also a concern.

To maintain a fresh-smelling home, it is recommended to address the source of unpleasant odours and practice good ventilation. Natural alternatives, such as vinegar, baking soda, and houseplants, can effectively eliminate odours without the potential health risks associated with conventional air fresheners.

Are fragrance sprays safe for children?

Fragrance sprays are a common way to mask unpleasant odours and impart a pleasant aroma to indoor spaces. However, the safety of these products, especially for children, has been a growing concern. This is primarily due to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other potentially harmful chemicals in fragrance sprays. While the effects of these chemicals on children's health are not yet fully understood, there are some key considerations and precautions to ensure their safe use around kids.

Toxicity and Health Risks

Fragrance sprays, including air fresheners and perfumes, often contain a complex mixture of chemicals that can have unintended consequences on our health. These products may emit and generate hazardous air pollutants, even if they are labelled as "green" or "organic". One of the main concerns is the release of VOCs, which can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and potentially more severe issues like liver and kidney damage, or even cancer. Additionally, fragrance sprays have been linked to adverse health effects such as migraine headaches, asthma attacks, mucosal symptoms, infant illness, and breathing difficulties.

The potential health risks are particularly relevant for children, as they can be more sensitive to chemical irritation than adults due to their developing physiology. Moreover, children have higher inhalation rates relative to their body weight, resulting in higher inhalation exposure than adults at the same air concentrations. Inhalation of fragrance chemicals can act as respiratory irritants or sensitisers, and prolonged exposure may lead to cumulative toxic effects.

Precautions and Recommendations

To minimise the potential risks associated with fragrance sprays, here are some important precautions and recommendations:

• Keep fragrance sprays out of the reach of children.
• Ensure that plug-in fragrance products are installed high enough so that children cannot access them.
• Follow the product directions carefully, including recommended usage amounts and frequencies.
• Avoid open flames near fragrance sprays, as some of the chemicals can be flammable and pose a fire hazard.
• Choose fragrance-free products or opt for natural alternatives, such as essential oils or non-toxic air fresheners.
• Improve indoor air quality by opening windows and using fans to circulate fresh air.
• Be cautious when using essential oils around children, as some may be toxic to them.
• Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns or notice any adverse reactions in your children.

Age Considerations

The decision to allow children to use fragrance sprays, such as perfumes, is a personal one and may depend on various factors. Some parents introduce their children to light fragrances or body sprays as early as elementary school age, while others wait until their children are in their early teens. It is essential to educate children about the responsible use of fragrances, including not over-spraying and being mindful of others who may be sensitive to strong scents. Additionally, it is recommended to choose age-appropriate fragrances with lighter, less mature scents for younger children.

Are fragrance sprays safe for pets?

The short answer is no. While fragrance sprays can be safe for humans, they can be harmful to pets, especially when ingested or inhaled.

Pets can be exposed to fragrance sprays through inhalation, ingestion, and topical means. For example, if you spray a fragrance in a room, your pet will inhale it. If they walk through the room or roll on the floor, the fragrance may stick to their fur, and they may ingest it when they groom themselves.

Pets have a much stronger sense of smell than humans. Dogs, for example, have 50 times more smell receptors than humans, and their olfactory cortex is 40 times larger. This means that a small amount of fragrance can be overwhelming for a dog. Fragrance sprays can cause agitated behaviour, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems in dogs.

Cats are also highly sensitive to fragrances. Their livers can have trouble processing the compounds found in fragrances, which can lead to organ damage, poisoning, and even death. Other symptoms in cats include breathing difficulties, watery eyes, confusion, nausea, and dermatitis.

If you're concerned about odours in your home, there are some alternatives to fragrance sprays that are safer for your pets. These include:

• Regular grooming and bathing of your pet
• Brushing your pet daily to remove dirt, dead skin, and loose fur
• Using pet-safe shampoo, such as oatmeal-based or hypoallergenic shampoos
• An apple cider vinegar rinse (diluted with water) to neutralise odours and balance skin pH
• Regular cleaning of your pet's bedding, toys, and living areas
• Maintaining good ventilation in your home
• Using pet-safe, non-toxic air fresheners, such as plant-based or essential oil diffusers (e.g. lavender, chamomile, or frankincense)
• Baking soda and vinegar can be used to create a safe, cost-effective air freshener
• Beeswax candles, which do not release potentially harmful chemicals when burned

If your pet has ingested or inhaled a significant amount of fragrance spray, you should contact your vet immediately. Signs of a toxic reaction in pets can include:

• Withdrawing from the area or cowering
• Coughing, sneezing, or producing discharge from the eyes and/or nose
• Vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or lack of appetite
• Long-term effects such as feline asthma

Are fragrance sprays safe for adults?

Fragrance sprays, or air fresheners, are products designed to mask unwanted odours or introduce pleasant fragrances. They are available in various forms, including sprays, candles, gels, diffusers, and plug-ins. While these products are intended to improve indoor air quality and create a pleasing environment, there are concerns about their potential health risks and adverse effects on the environment.

Toxicity and Hazards

Air fresheners may contain harmful ingredients, such as carcinogens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and known toxins like phthalate esters. These chemicals can have short-term and long-term impacts on health. For example, brief inhalation of a small amount of spray air freshener may cause coughing, choking, or difficulty breathing, which usually improves with fresh air. However, long-term exposure to air fresheners and their chemicals can lead to more serious health issues.

A study by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that most of the commonly used air fresheners contain chemicals that can aggravate asthma and affect reproductive development. These products often include phthalates, which are hormone-disrupting chemicals that pose risks to babies and young children. Additionally, certain air fresheners contain paradichlorobenzene (PCDB) and naphthalene, which have been linked to cancer.

The University of Bristol's Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) found a correlation between frequent use of air fresheners and increased earaches and diarrhoea in infants, as well as increased depression and headaches in their mothers. Another study by Anne C. Steinemann of the University of Washington revealed that popular air fresheners and laundry products emitted chemicals regulated as toxic or hazardous, including carcinogens, yet none of these chemicals were listed on the product labels.

Allergens and Irritants

In addition to the potential toxicity of certain ingredients, air fresheners can also contain allergens and irritants that affect a significant portion of the population. Stanley M. Caress of the University of West Georgia and Anne C. Steinemann conducted two national epidemiological studies and found that nearly 20% of the general population and 34% of asthmatics reported headaches, breathing difficulties, or other health problems when exposed to air fresheners or deodorizers.

Misuse and Accidental Injury

Air freshener aerosols can be misused as inhalants, and they have also been associated with aerosol burns and, in rare cases, explosions.

Alternatives to Fragranced Air Fresheners

Instead of relying on air fresheners to mask odours, it is more effective to remove the source of the unpleasant odour. Ventilation is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality, and simple cleaners like white vinegar and baking soda are effective at removing odours. Additionally, certain houseplants can aid in purifying the air and filling your space with natural scents.

In conclusion, while fragrance sprays or air fresheners are widely used, there are legitimate concerns about their safety for adults. The potential health risks, including respiratory issues, allergies, and long-term exposure effects, cannot be overlooked. It is essential to be informed about the ingredients in these products and their potential impacts on our health and the environment.

Are natural fragrance sprays safe?

Natural fragrance sprays are generally considered safer than artificial fragrance sprays. Natural fragrances are derived from nature, including substances extracted from trees, flowers, and other plants, such as essential oils, oleoresins, distillates, and isolates. These natural fragrances typically don't release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can negatively affect health and the environment.

However, it's important to note that natural fragrances may still cause allergic reactions or asthma symptoms in some individuals. Additionally, there are currently no regulations around the use of the term "natural" to describe products, so it's crucial to carefully research and read labels before use.

On the other hand, artificial fragrances are man-made and often paired with chemicals produced in factories and laboratories. While they are more stable and economical, artificial fragrances may release VOCs, which can cause short-term irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as potential long-term health issues such as liver, kidney, and nervous system problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

To ensure safety, it is recommended to opt for natural fragrance sprays that are specifically labeled as containing "no harmful ingredients" and "water-based." It is also crucial to follow product directions and keep them out of the reach of children and pets.

What are the alternatives to fragrance sprays?

While fragrance sprays are often used to mask unpleasant odours, they can also emit potentially hazardous chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and even more severe health issues. With this in mind, here are some alternatives to fragrance sprays:

Non-Toxic Air Freshener Spray

You can make your own natural air freshener spray at home. One recipe includes a mix of essential oils and water. You can also buy non-toxic air freshener sprays, such as those from Grow Fragrance, which are made with 100% plant-based ingredients.

Charcoal Air Purifier

Charcoal air purifying bags eliminate odours and allergens while also absorbing excess moisture to prevent the growth of mould, mildew, and bacteria. They are a great option for bathrooms, closets, cars, and other small spaces.

Ultrasonic Diffuser

Ultrasonic diffusers use tap water and essential oils to fill a room with fragrance. They come in different sizes, so you can choose one that's appropriate for the space you want to scent.

Portable Diffusers

For small spaces or on-the-go, portable diffusers are a great option. One option is a locket that attaches to your car's air conditioning vents and uses reusable, washable felt pads with a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Another option is a USB diffuser that plugs into any USB outlet and has a small bottle for your chosen essential oil.

Essential Oil Burner

Essential oil burners are a more traditional option. They use a small tea light candle and water to diffuse the fragrance. However, they should be kept away from children and pets due to the open flame, and the heat can compromise the therapeutic properties of the essential oils.

Non-Toxic Candles

Most candles are made from paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct that releases toxic chemicals when burned. However, there are non-toxic alternatives made from beeswax, soy wax, or sustainable palm oil. Beeswax candles, in particular, can help improve indoor air quality by releasing negative ions that bond to positively charged particles in mould spores, dust, and other air pollutants.

Scented Plants

Plants such as pine, cinnamon, lavender, pine, and citrus can provide a natural fragrance.

Frequently asked questions