The Problem with Air Fresheners

Civilizations have been using various methods to freshen the air for thousands of years. The Egyptians would use aromatic resins and jasmine, particularly during sacrifices. Ancient Chinese cultures were fond of fragrant flowers and mandarin oranges. 

Today, many people use store-bought air fresheners such as aerosol sprays, gel substances, and scented plugins to add pleasant smells to their homes and offices. 

While this sounds good in theory, modern air fresheners aren’t as safe or effective as you might think. In fact, there are a number of concerning facts regarding air fresheners that many don’t realize. Whether it’s a spray, a plugin, or some disposable object you set on a shelf, these air fresheners rely on a number of chemicals to create their aromas. 

Often, we don’t even know what’s in them as companies aren’t required to release ingredients for air fresheners. Nevertheless, the chemicals we do know are present tend to be quite dangerous, even in smaller doses.  

Let’s take a look at the hidden problems and dangers that modern air fresheners pose.   

They’re Only Masking the Scent 

On a surface level, most air fresheners don’t actually do what they claim to; they don’t freshen the air. 

Instead, they simply mask smells with other smells. When the air freshener fades, the previously smells arise again. Often, the air freshener isn’t actually strong enough to cover the smell, leaving you with an unpleasant mixture of scents.  

Bad smells and stale air are usually a sign of something that needs to be addressed, whether it’s uncleanliness, excess moisture, rotting food, dirty air vents, or generally stale air. The better solution is to address what’s causing your home or office to smell unpleasant. 

Dangerous to Children 

Gel-based air fresheners and plugins are often placed in areas within arm’s reach of children. Their attractive scents and bright colors can lure children towards them. Younger children may then try to eat or swallow the air freshener. 

This is a serious danger. 

For one, they can easily choke on it. Beyond that, air fresheners are typically made of chemicals that are toxic to humans. They can cause illness and even death. 

Polluting the Air You Breath 

Even in low levels, air fresheners have shown to cause headaches, asthma attacks, breathing problems, and more. Most air fresheners contain carcinogens which, in addition to causing irritation to your nose and throat, are directly linked to cancer. 

While plugin air fresheners have been marketed as a safer, longer lasting alternative to spray fresheners, this is not actually the case. Plugin air fresheners contain phthalates, which have been shown to impact male hormone levels, and may even have negative effects on your kidney and liver. 

A Better Alternative  

If you’re looking to keep your home smelling clean and fresh, there are better ways to do it. Beyond general cleaning and maintenance, adding high-quality air purifiers to your home or office can make a big difference. These devices do a great job of eliminating stale odors and irritating particles from the air.  

You should also make sure to have your air duct systems inspected and cleaned. Overtime, dust and debris build up inside the ducts. This can lead to stale air, mold, and more. If you’re finding that your home or office’s air feels stale and stuffy, have your air ducts inspected. 

For air duct cleaning in Dayton, Ohio and the surrounding communities, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today. Give us a call at 937-399-4242 or click here to get a quote. We also offer some great air purifier options.