Air fresheners hazardous, contain toxic chemicals

Plug-in oils to dryer sheets, fabric softeners and detergents are increasingly ubiquitous, but just how safe are they? According to a University of Washington study, all these products pose a hazard to your health. Fox News reports:

In fact, researchers said all six products tested gave off at least one chemical regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws. . . .

For example, a plug-in air freshener contained more than 20 different volatile organic compounds. Of these, seven are regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws.

Steinemann had this advice for consumers.

"Be careful if you buy products with fragrance, because you really don't know what's in them," she said. "I'd like to see better labeling. In the meantime, I'd recommend that instead of air fresheners people use ventilation, and with laundry products, choose fragrance-free."

Also see this Seatle PI report on the recent research study.

This finding will come as no surprise to Jotman readers. See this previous Jot Your Life post, or this report at Jot Around the World about the Asian air freshener epidemic.