Air Freshener Fragrance Fades: Why And What To Do?

Air freshener sprays are everywhere, from homes to hotel rooms and businesses. They're so common that it's almost impossible to escape their fragrance. But do they lose their scent over time? And are they harmless? While some people may find the smell pleasant, others may be concerned about the potential health risks associated with the hundreds of chemicals that these sprays contain. Some evidence suggests that air fresheners increase indoor air pollution and may pose a health risk with long-term exposure.

Air freshener molecules can embed themselves in everything

Spray air fresheners are everywhere these days. They're in homes, hotel rooms, businesses, and public restrooms. They are so common that it's nearly impossible to escape the stink of them. Because we use these sprays in so many different rooms in our homes, the fragrance (and their hundreds of chemicals) can be everywhere.

Neutralizer sprays can neutralise smells rather than mask them

Air freshener sprays are everywhere, from homes to hotel rooms to businesses. They are designed to add fragrance to the air, but some can also help to remove odours by using disinfectants to kill bacteria or mould. However, some evidence suggests that air freshener products increase indoor air pollution and pose a health risk, especially with long-term exposure.

Neutralizer sprays, on the other hand, can neutralise smells rather than simply masking them with another fragrance. For example, Ozium is a popular neutralising spray that can quickly get rid of foul odours. While it does have its own scent, it dissipates quickly and does not linger. Another example is Febreze, which uses a patented odour-eliminating technology to neutralise acidic and alkaline particles through a chemical reaction.

Some neutralising sprays, such as those containing Metazene, can permanently remove persistent odours without leaving behind any fragrance. This is especially useful for industrial applications or stale food odours in apartment complexes.

It is important to note that neutralizer sprays should not be used as a substitute for cleaning but rather as a complementary step after cleaning to ensure the best results.

Spray air fresheners can contain hundreds of chemicals

Aerosol sprays use compressed gas propellants like butane, propane, or nitrogen to carry the fragrance into the air. While some sprays are designed to simply add fragrance, others use disinfectants such as ethanol to kill bacteria or mould.

Some evidence suggests that air freshener products increase indoor air pollution and pose a health risk, especially with long-term exposure. This is due to the elevated levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylenes. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that’s been linked to cancers of the nose and throat.

The toxicity of many ingredients in air fresheners is undisputed, but more research is needed into the long-term effects of air fresheners. Manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients on the product label, and fragrance formulas are protected under trade secret law. However, there should be a law that strictly indicates whether the products contain any synthetic chemicals for people to be aware of what they are exposed to.

Air fresheners can increase indoor air pollution

The fragrance molecules from air fresheners can embed themselves in everything, and airing out or using vinegar will not take away the scent. The evaporation of the solvent helps carry the fragrance into the air. Solid air fresheners, such as cone-type products, typically contain the fragrance embedded in wax. Gel products, such as evaporating beads, allow slow evaporation that prolongs the presence of the fragrance. Aerosol sprays use compressed gas propellants like butane, propane, or nitrogen.

While many of the spray products are designed to just add fragrance to the air, others help remove odours by using disinfectants, which are chemicals intended to kill bacteria or mould. One such disinfectant is ethanol, which is also found in alcoholic beverages. Despite their popularity, some evidence suggests that air freshener products increase indoor air pollution and pose a health risk, especially with long-term exposure.

The use of air fresheners is associated with elevated levels of VOCs, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylenes, in indoor air. These pollutants are known to negatively affect human health by damaging the central nervous system, altering hormones and more. Evidence suggests that many air fresheners contain harmful VOCs that are not indicated in their product descriptions.

Air fresheners can be a health risk

Air fresheners can increase exposure levels to air pollutants, even at relatively low levels. These exposures have been associated with a range of adverse health effects, including migraine headaches, asthma attacks, breathing and respiratory difficulties, dermatitis, and neurological problems, particularly for sensitive individuals.

Over 75% of air fresheners graded by the Environmental Working Group contain either “likely” or “potentially significant” hazards to health or the environment based on concerns posed by exposure to their ingredients. Exposure to high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) can lead to adverse health effects, such as migraine headaches, asthma attacks, breathing difficulties and neurological problems. Short-term exposure can irritate the eyes, throat and nose, as well as cause nausea.

Reactions to air fresheners can get worse over time, and because we use these sprays in our kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, the fragrance (and their chemicals) can be everywhere in our homes. Air fresheners are among a broader category of everyday products scientists say are laden with chemicals that have the potential to cause hormonal disruptions and respiratory issues.

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