Air freshener, or polluter?

Air fresheners. Who uses them? We see them every day in various premises, most often as the plug-in variety.

What most people don't realise is these products are filled with artificial fragrance and toxic chemicals that are really bad for your health. Many of them contain volatile organic compounds (VOC's) such as formaldehyde, or chemicals such as limonene, which actually forms formaldehyde when it is expelled into the air. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and has been scientifically proven to cause chronic aggravation to our airways.

Due to the chemical content, air fresheners are particularly bad for lung health. People with allergies, asthma, COPD and other chronic lung conditions, and babies and small children will be more affected.

We've become accustomed to just buying these items and plugging them in, without any second thought to how they may be affecting our heath. If you have asthma or you or your family suffer with any kind of respiratory issues, why not consider ditching the air fresheners just for a few weeks to see if you notice any improvements?

There are many natural alternatives too. The artificial scents are designed purely to mask smells. And let's face it... The two mixed together create a vile fragrance that really gets in the back of your throat!

Consider:

- opening windows regularly, especially in the bathroom and kitchen where most smells originate - getting rid of the root cause of the smells, e.g. emptying bins more frequently or washing rugs and pet bedding - using natural air fresheners (such as Uni Fresh) - making your own natural alternatives, using essential oils, lemon and orange etc. - filling your home with more plants, such as lavender or geranium

- using an oil diffuser to fragrance a room (many essential oils are anti bacterial, anti microbial, AND smell delicious!).