The Air We Breathe

Why Your Air Freshener Might Be Harmful

Sprays, candles, gels, reed diffusers, atomizers, automatically timed metered aerosol dispensers, electric fan air fresheners, plug-ins, aroma beads… variety of room scents and air fresheners has expanded exponentially during the past decade. Generation X will surely remember how the tree-shaped bright-coloured air fresheners made from some sort of paper mass came popular in the cars (Wunderbaum may ring bells to some). Just a thought of it evokes some childhood memories of the summer roadtrips (and motion sickness in the back seat).

Nowadays people turn to more subtle and visually pleasing (sorry, those ‘trees’ were not very aesthetic!) air fresheners, or room scents (which also sounds more aesthetic than an air freshener!). Reed diffusers are one hugely popular example; as an invention they are as ancient as China, Egypt or Greece – in fact reed diffusers were commonly used in these countries during ancient times.

I was an avid fan of reed diffusers, partly because of the above mentioned aesthetical reasons. I was enchanted about the variety of scents and how delicate and balanced they were compared to old-fashioned room sprays. But as I gained more interest to natural ingredients and scents, I discovered the reed diffuser liquid was not always that delicate and balanced in terms of the chemicals it contains. Synthetic fragrances, glycol ethers, isopropanol, petroleum distillates and ethanol. That’s quite a coctail to breathe in every day. Nowadays I’m only using homemade essential oil-based pillow sprays and an essential oil burner, plus occasionally pure sandalwood incense sticks.

So, can the synthetic air fresheners and room sprays be bad for you? Unfortunately, yes. Synthetic air fresheners and room sprays can have several downsides affecting you, your loved ones, your pets and your indoor environment:

1. Chemical Exposure: Many synthetic air fresheners contain chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can be harmful when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. These chemicals can irritate respiratory systems, trigger allergies, or cause headaches.
2. Indoor Air Pollution: While they may mask odors temporarily, they can contribute to indoor air pollution, worsening air quality over time. Some ingredients may actually create more pollutants when mixed with other substances in the air.
3. Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals in synthetic air fresheners has been linked to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even long-term health risks like hormonal disruption.
4. Allergies: Fragrances in these products can trigger allergic reactions or asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. Some people may be particularly reactive to artificial scents. Unfortunately the companies and manufacturers are not required to disclose their fragrance ingredients as they can be declared as trade secrets or intellectual property. Secrets they are, indeed – many times dirty ones.
5. Environmental Impact: Many air fresheners come in aerosol cans or plastic packaging, which contribute to waste and pollution. Additionally, the production of these synthetic fragrances can have an environmental footprint due to the chemicals and energy involved.

If you’re looking for alternatives to synthetic air fresheners, here are some safer options:

DIY Room Sprays and Pillow Sprays: Make your own room spray with water, a few drops of essential oils, and some highproof alcohol (ethyl alcohol is the best but vodka would do as well) to help with mixing and longevity. This allows you to control both the scent and ingredients. Don’t know where or how to start? See my downloadable recipe card for a calming floral pillow spray

Essential Oils: Using a diffuser or a tea-light candle oil burner with essential oils can create a pleasant scent naturally without harmful chemicals. Consider combining several essential oils with similar benefits for specific aromatherapeutic effects, for example calming and relaxing before bed time. See my handy charts to choose the right ones for you: Essential Oil Chart 1., Essential Oil Chart 2. and Essential Oil Chart 3.

Baking Soda: If you’re not into scents or suffer from any sensitivities to scents, a natural deodorizer like baking soda can be placed in small open containers around your home to absorb odors without adding any nose-disturbing scent. Works miracles to smelly shoes as well, by the way!

Beeswax or Soy wax Candles: Unlike paraffin candles, beeswax and soy wax candles burn cleanly and naturally. Dye-free beeswax and soy wax candles scented with essential oils can help re-freshen the air and emit a subtle, pleasant scent.

Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal is great for absorbing moisture and odors. You can find charcoal air purifiers or make your own by placing bags of it in rooms with lingering smells.

Houseplants: Certain houseplants like peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants can help purify the air and that way add a natural, fresh feeling to your space without any strong scent. Plants are also digesting the carbon dioxide we breathe out, so they are the original, truly natural air purifiers!

Herbs and Spices (Potpourri): Simmering a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, or citrus peels can naturally scent your home without relying on artificial fragrances. Or why not pop a handful of dried lavender in a bowl of hot water and let it gently release the aroma. You can also make easy potpourri bags for your wardrobe by mixing dried flowers, herbs or leaves, such as lavender and eucalyptus leaf for a subtle aroma to keep stuffy smell away.

These seven alternatives are healthier for you, the environment, and your indoor air quality, whether you like things scented or just prefer completely scent-free, fresher indoor air.

Lastly, few words about incense sticks and cones: incense can be great in masking unpleasant odours, but many incense sticks and cones contain harmful chemicals and fragrances released in the air while burning. These substances may cause respiratory issues or headaches if inhaled frequently and long-term. Natural incense is available, so look for artisan, hand-rolled incense made from herbs, resins, essential oils, and plant-based binders like Makko powder. Look for charcoal-free and bamboo-free incense for reduced burning residue.

With love and lots of goodness of Mother Nature,

Lulu