Commercial Buildings and Possible Causes Of Indoor Air Pollution: Air Fresheners

Overview

Air Fresheners are a common commercial product used to create a pleasant smelling and clean indoor atmosphere in homes
and businesses. They are known to contain a number of different chemical agents in order to neutralize offensive odors and
create a more pleasant scent. The basic ingredients in air fresheners are formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, 1,4
dichlorobenzene and aerosol propellants. Recently many of these chemicals have been investigated for their safety. Some
common chemicals found in air fresheners have been found to be toxic to humans and may increase the incidence of many
different health problems. Natural and healthy air fresheners are now being used as alternatives to conventional air fresheners
in order to minimize health hazards and environmental pollution.

Best Practices

Enhance Ventilation - Good ventilation systems reduce the need for air fresheners by eliminating the need to mask odors and naturally eliminates unpleasant odors. Air fresheners cannot substitute for good ventilation.

Minimize Air Freshener Use - Air fresheners only mask the offensive odors and do not remove them. Avoid using air fresheners as often, but when necessary use as little as possible in order to reduce the amount of hazardous chemicals in the
air. Air fresheners should only be programmed to run if needed and should only be used for odors that are unable to avoid.

Use Natural and Safe Air Freshener Alternatives - Many products are available that offer healthy alternatives to commercial air fresheners. Organic soy and beeswax candles, natural potpourri, fresh flowers or herbs, natural essential oils,
environmentally friendly non-aerosol pump sprays, and baking soda are all safe alternatives. Businesses that are looking to find non-toxic air fresheners should investigate available products to ensure their safety. Currently, regulations do not require manufacturers to list ingredients or require them to perform health and safety testing. Businesses and consumers should be
aware of this and should take time to find air fresheners that are known to be safe.

Use Low-level Phthalate Air Fresheners - Use air freshener products known to have low levels of phthalates and other hazardous chemicals present in order to reduce potential health risks. Most products do not have labels that inform consumers
of the presence of toxic chemicals. Consumers should be aware that the majority of air fresheners contain at least a low level of these dangerous chemicals and should understand that they are using them at their own risk.

References : http://toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Air+Fresheners