Scented Air Fresheners and Laundry Products May Be Toxic

Author: Drucilla Dyess

Choosing to use fresh-scented air fresheners and laundry products may be hazardous to your health, according to a group of researchers at the University of Washington. Researchers analyzed six popular products including fabric softeners, detergents, and dryer sheets, as well as a liquid spray air freshener, a plug-in air freshener, and a solid disc deodorizer used in commercial-airplane toilets. They found that all of them contained dozens of chemicals and that all six products gave off at least one chemical regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws.

According to Anne Steinemann, a University of Washington professor and study author, none of the chemicals contained in the products were listed on product labels since the federal government does not require companies to disclose ingredients in fragrances. "I was surprised by both the number and the potential toxicity of the chemicals that were found," said Steinemann.
Steinemann explained that she launched the analysis due to complaints from people claiming that air fresheners and other household products left them dizzy or short of breath and had even caused headaches, seizures or asthma attacks. She said, "After you hear about a hundred of these stories, you realize there's something going on."

During the study, a contract laboratory sealed each product inside a container and then used two types of instruments to identify chemicals emitted into the air. The chemicals found included acetone (the active ingredient in paint thinner and nail-polish remover), a citrus-scented molecule known as limonene, acetaldehyde, chloromethane, and 1, 4-dioxane. The health effects of these chemicals are unclear. However, methyl chloride was also found, which has been linked to liver, kidney, and nervous system damage in animals.

In total, 58 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) above a concentration of 300 micrograms per cubic meter were found in the products. (VOCs are compounds that vaporize easily, like paint and gasoline fumes). Over 20 different VOCs were found in a plug-in air freshener, with seven of them being regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws.

Steinemann hopes to see better labeling in the future, but she said "In the meantime, I'd recommend that instead of air fresheners people use ventilation, and with laundry products, choose fragrance-free versions." Steinemann conceded that even this is no guarantee since some products marketed as "unscented" or "fragrance-free" contain the same chemicals as scented products, only with the addition of a "masking fragrance" that rescinds the smell. In addition, many products labeled "natural" or "organic" also contain some of these chemicals.

Cathy Cook, a spokeswoman for an industry group known as the Fragrance Materials Association of the United States, said in a written statement, "We are certain that, when used in compliance with standards, these fragrance ingredients are safe and can be used with confidence." Cook says that all ingredients are tested for safety and the results reviewed by independent scientists.

Lance Wallace, a retired EPA scientist and associate of Steinemann, pointed out that up to 30 percent of people are sensitive to perfumes and other fragrances, although most healthy adults do not experience health issues from slight exposure to toxic or hazardous chemicals.

In 2004 and 2005, Steinemann, along with a colleague surveyed over 2,000 people and found that 20 percent were made ill by air fresheners. In addition, those with asthma reported headaches or breathing problems in numbers as high as 37 percent.

So where can consumers turn for safe and effective products? Why not go natural? Essentials oil such as Orange, Lemon, Rosemary, Rose, Lavender and others can work nicely and safely as air fresheners. Mix 4 ounces of distilled water, 2 ounces of rubbing alcohol, 30 drops of essential oil of your choice (or blend fragrances such as 15 drops of orange and 15 drops of clove for a winter holiday air freshener) and then combine in a carefully labeled spray bottle.

A natural laundry whitener only needs 1/4 cup of lemon juice and some sunshine. Use the lemon juice in your washing machine's rinse cycle and after clothes have spun, hang them in the sun to dry.

Skip the dryer sheets. Fill an un-dyed cotton or linen drawstring sachet with dried organic lavender, give the bag a few squeezes to release the fragrance, and then toss it into the dryer with your laundry. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil on a hankie or dishtowel.

For static cling, remove your clothing before it's completely dry and air-dry it on a rack or line or add half a cup of vinegar in the wash cycle of your load to prevent the problem. (Vinegar will also kill on any bacteria that may be present in your wash.)

For laundry you may want to try Ecover Ecological Laundry Powder or Laundry Wash. These products are environmentally friendly and made of plant-based ingredients that are completely biodegradable with fragrances coming from the plant ingredients found in their products. They have detergents that are nontoxic and safe for delicate washes. You can find their products as well as others at Whole Foods stores and other natural food stores throughout the United States.