Knowledge Builders

is it safe to use plug in air fresheners

by Kellie Mertz Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Non-toxic plug-in air fresheners are undoubtedly safer to use than ones with toxic ingredients, but even natural air fresheners do come with caveats. For example, if you use a new essential oil that you haven’t used previously, you may experience a reaction anyway if you’re allergic to it.

Compounding the risks posed by formaldehyde, most major brands of plug-in air fresheners contain a chemical known as naphthalene. They have shown that Naphthalene can cause tissue damage and cancer in the lungs of rodents in laboratory studies. It's plausible to assume that it causes similar effects in humans.

Full Answer

Are plug ins unhealthy?

One of the most hazardous effects of a plug-in air freshener is that it catches fire if plugged in for a considerably long time. It can put the entire house on fire. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), plug-in air fresheners contain various toxic chemicals like camphor (that can cause irritation in the nose, eyes, skin ...

Are Glade plugins safe?

In terms of fire safety, Glade PlugIns and other plug-in air fresheners are safe to leave plugged in for long periods of time.

Are plug in deodorizers safe?

Type in your name, wait 8 seconds, brace yourself. Plug-in air fresheners are safe for both pets and humans and can be used in normal amounts to keep your room fresh. It grows harmful when you use it like every instance of 5 minutes or if you apply it on your pet’s fur for his bad odor.

Are Airwick plugins safe?

The Air Wick Plug-Ins are safe to use, as long as you read the instructions and follow the instructions. It is always a good idea to follow basic safety precautions when using electrical products. It is recommended that you use this product with caution due to the possibility of electric shock and fire. Are Glade Plug In Safe For Cats?

image

Are plug-in air fresheners safe to leave on?

But, you shouldn't leave these air fresheners plugged in forever, either. Fire chiefs told the Daily Mail that if they are left plugged in for extended periods of time, they may eventually become so warm that they cause an electrical fire.

Are Air Wick plug ins toxic?

Air Wick's plug-in scented oils do not contain many of the common toxins that similar conventional brands do (like xylene, styrene, benzene, parabens, phthalates, and others).

Are air fresheners safe to breathe?

Briefly inhaling a small amount of a spray air freshener might cause some coughing, choking, or difficulty catching the breath. These effects should get better quickly with fresh air. Swallowing air freshener can cause toxicity ranging from minor irritation of the mouth to life-threatening effects.

Are scented wall plug ins safe?

Generally, it's safe to leave a Wallflower, or any plug-in air freshener, plugged in for long periods of time since they use very little electricity. The only instance in which plug-in air fresheners can become fire hazards is if there is faulty wiring (which has nothing to do with the freshener itself).

What is the safest air freshener to use?

4 Of the Best Non-Toxic Plug-In Air Fresheners for Your HomeScent Fill. ... Enviroscent. ... Airomé ... Aura Cacia. ... Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Car Diffuser. ... Plant Therapy Portable Diffuser with Travel Pack. ... Plant Therapy Multi-Crystal Carfresh Diffuser.

What can I use instead of air fresheners?

Ditch the chemicals and use a natural air freshener to get rid of stinky smells.Pomander Balls. I gift pomander balls during the holiday season, but they're more than a sweet homemade gesture. ... Essential Oils. Essential oils are natural deodorizers. ... Baking Soda. ... Coffee. ... Vinegar. ... Fragrant House Plants. ... Natural Candles.

Which air fresheners are toxic?

Do You Know Which Air Fresheners are Toxic?Air Wick Scented Oil.Citrus Magic.Febreze NOTICEables Scented Oil.Glade Air Infusions.Glade PlugIn Scented Oil.Lysol Brand II Disinfectant.Oust Air Sanitizer Spray.Oust Fan Liquid Refills.More items...•

Can air fresheners damage your lungs?

New research shows that a chemical compound found in many air fresheners, toilet bowl cleaners, mothballs and other deodorizing products may be harmful to the lungs.

Are glade plugins bad for your health?

Because of the process they go through to be made, ethoxylated ingredients have been found to be contaminated with two toxic ingredients: ethylene oxide (an endocrine disruptor and carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane (a carcinogen). There are also phthalates included on this list.

Are Febreze plug in air fresheners safe?

Yes, Febreze is safe to use around children. But remember, just like other household products, Febreze is not a toy and should be kept out of reach of children.

How do you keep your house smelling good?

Clean your garbage disposal. Notice a stale stink in your kitchen? ... Refresh carpets and rugs. Go One Step Further. ... Spruce up your trash can. ... Simmer herbs and fruit on the stove. ... Scatter candles throughout your house. ... Bring the outside in. ... Freshen up your air vents. ... Deodorize with dryer sheets.

Are diffusers better than plug ins?

At the end of the day, you have to choose the product that works best for you and your lifestyle, as well as your goals. If you want long-lasting, continuous fragrance for your home and the convenience of just plugging a diffuser into the wall, then the wall plug in is probably the best choice for you.

Which air fresheners are toxic?

Do You Know Which Air Fresheners are Toxic?Air Wick Scented Oil.Citrus Magic.Febreze NOTICEables Scented Oil.Glade Air Infusions.Glade PlugIn Scented Oil.Lysol Brand II Disinfectant.Oust Air Sanitizer Spray.Oust Fan Liquid Refills.More items...•

Are glade plugins bad for your health?

Because of the process they go through to be made, ethoxylated ingredients have been found to be contaminated with two toxic ingredients: ethylene oxide (an endocrine disruptor and carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane (a carcinogen). There are also phthalates included on this list.

Is Air Wick safe for pregnancy?

It's probably best to avoid using air fresheners and aerosols during pregnancy. They contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and artificial fragrances, which can be harmful. When used indoors, aerosols and air fresheners can cause VOCs to build up, which may not be good for you and your baby.

How to get rid of rotten food smell?

Taking out the trash daily keeps the stench of rotten food from accumulating, while sprinkling baking soda on the bottom of trash cans keeps them odor free. Placing fresh coffee grounds on your kitchen counter top removes odors. Grinding up lemon slices in the garbage disposal gives your house a natural citrus scent.

What are the dangers of phthalates?

The National Resources Defense Council, in a study of 14 different air fresheners, confirms that phthalates, a chemical found in many air fresheners that may cause: reproductive problems. birth defects.

How to get rid of stale smell in house?

Finally, airing out the house may eradicate stale odors. Taking out the trash daily keeps the stench of rotten food from accumulating, while sprinkling baking soda on the bottom of trash cans keeps them odor free. Grinding up lemon slices in the garbage disposal gives your house a natural citrus scent.

Why are phthalates dangerous?

Phthalates are especially dangerous because they can penetrate the skin and enter through the nasal cavity. Exposure levels to phthalates depend on several factors. In a spacious room, chemicals cannot diffuse as effectively as in a small enclosure.

Can phthalates cause premature birth?

Phthalates may cause the premature delivery of babies , speed the onset of puberty in girls and decrease sperm count in men.

Can plug in air freshener affect your intake?

Additionally, your proximity to the plug-in unit can affect your intake of the toxin. Lastly, the length of time a person remains in a room furnished with a plug-in air freshener influences exposure levels. Phthalates are especially dangerous because they can penetrate the skin and enter through the nasal cavity.

Do air fresheners have phthalates?

In fact, air freshener labels need not even list phthalates among the product ingredients. Contrastly, the European Union, along with other countries worldwide, has banned the use of phthalates in children’s toys.

Is Air Wick Toxic for Dogs, Cats, or Other Animals?

Because fo the info above, we know that Air Wick’s fragrance products are not healthy for most living things, furry or not. But pet owners should be extra careful when it comes to scented products because animals are especially sensitive to certain plants and oils that are safe for humans. This includes:

Are Air Wick Plug-In Air Fresheners, Sprays, and Other Products Toxic?

When we start digging into the actual ingredients in Air Wick’s plug-ins, sprays, candles, and more, we see some pros and cons…

Why are air fresheners bad for you?

Health problems are thought to occur from the chemicals in the air fresheners and from their secondary pollutants. Secondary pollutants are formed when a product’s chemicals combine with the ozone already in the air. Even when these products are used as directed, there are concerns about health problems with repeated exposure.

What is an air freshener?

Air fresheners have been used to mask unpleasant odors for decades. The first type developed for home use were aerosols. These products are sprayed into the air and create a fine mist of fragrance that lingers. When the use of aerosols became unpopular due to health and environmental concerns, manufacturers responded by reformulating air fresheners as scented oils, reed diffusers, solids, and gels. High-tech versions are heat activated or can automatically spray into the air throughout the day. Even the names of the fragrances have been revamped. Traditional scents such as "rose" or "lemon" have been replaced with more exotic sounding names such as "Tahitian spring mist" or "dewy citrus orchard."

How does air freshener affect the skin?

Getting air freshener on the skin can cause some irritation and redness. Typically, the discomfort goes away after washing the area well. Fragrances are known to cause allergic-type skin reactions, so a rash is also possible. Small amounts of air freshener in the eye are expected to cause redness and irritation, but these effects should resolve within an hour after a thorough irrigation with water. Medical evaluation should be obtained if eyes are not back to normal about an hour after irrigation. Briefly inhaling a small amount of a spray air freshener might cause some coughing, choking, or difficulty catching the breath. These effects should get better quickly with fresh air.

How many air freshener beads did a 2-year-old swallow?

Case 3: A 2-year-old girl swallowed up to 20 air freshener beads, became very drowsy, and had a low heart rate. These symptoms lasted for days and the girl needed hospitalization for medical care.

How long does it take for air freshener to go away?

Small amounts of air freshener in the eye are expected to cause redness and irritation, but these effects should resolve within an hour after a thorough irrigation with water. Medical evaluation should be obtained if eyes are not back to normal about an hour after irrigation.

What is the difference between gel and aerosol spray?

Solid air fresheners, such as the cone-type products, typically contain the fragrance embedded in wax. Gel products, such as the evaporating beads , allow slow evaporation that prolongs the presence of the fragrance. Aerosols sprays use compressed gas propellants like butane ...

What is the best spray to remove odors?

Aerosols sprays use compressed gas propellants like butane or propane. While many of the spray products are designed to just add fragrance to the air, others help remove odors by using disinfectants, which are chemicals intended to kill bacteria or mold.

What are the effects of plug ins?

Plug Ins. Studies have confirmed that the residual chemicals from plug ins can accumulate in ever-increasing amounts in the human body over a period of time, causing health consequences . Plug ins rely on heat induction technology and special heat-activated gels, which cause a scent to be released.

What type of diffusers use electric current?

2. Ultrasonic diffusers. These diffusers use electric current to cause a vibration that spreads essential oil microparticles into the air. This is in the form of a cold mist. No heat is applied to the oil, which keeps the essential oil’s healing properties intact. It is the most popular type of essential oil diffuser today.

Why Use an Essential Oil Diffuser?

When you use an essential oil diffuser, the essential oil permeates every part of the atmosphere.

How many square feet does a doterra diffuser cover?

You can get these when you purchase an essential oil starter package here. The Petal covers about 350 square feet and the Lumo covers 500 square feet.

How does a diffuser help with illness?

Boost Against Seasonal Illnesses and Threats —Using a diffuser can help you fight illness in three ways: many of the essential oils you can use are powerful anti-microbics, and their vapors ward off airborne pathogens before they can invade your body. Essential oils also can be used to boost the immune system, and they also double as humidifiers to keep your airways moist and healthy so you are not so susceptible to seasonal “bugs.”

Why are candles toxic?

In addition, some of the scents and dyes used to make scented candles release harmful chemicals that can cause hormonal, behavioral and general health related issues.

How does a diffuser work?

1. Waterless diffusers. These work like a perfume atomizer. They place essential oil into the space of the environment in the form of droplets.

How many VOCs are in air fresheners?

One 2011 study in Environmental Health Perspectives tested 25 different home products that included air fresheners and detected an astounding 133 different VOCs. Close to half the products generated at least one of 24 carcinogenic pollutants.

How long does a waterless diffuser cover?

Plugging into any standard wall plug, you won’t need to fill this one with water over and over again. It’ll cover 100 square feet for up to four weeks.

Are Plug-In Air Fresheners Toxic?

Traditional plug-in air fresheners (the ones you’ve likely seen lining grocery store shelves since the 1990s) do contain a fair share of toxic chemicals.

How to scent a car?

For a naturally scented, and pretty, way to scent your car, consider this crystal diffuser that attaches right to a vent. Include a few drops of essential oil on the stick, put on a crystal cover, and you’ve got an eye-pleasing way to enjoy essential oil in the car.

Do air fresheners have chemicals?

Like many household and personal care products, companies tend to include chemicals in air fresheners that make the manufacturing process easier and are typically less expensive. Although these chemicals are more convenient, they’re not exactly ideal for people who then breathe in the chemicals after using the air fresheners in their homes.

Is air freshener safe to inhale?

The short answer? Air fresheners made with toxic chemicals aren’t exactly the best thing to be inhaling in your home. It’s up to every individual person to weigh the risks of anything you bring into your living spaces (maybe you just can’t part with your fave Summer Rain-scented plug-in), but luckily, there are plenty of alternatives out there that can be better for your overall health.

Can plug in air fresheners be harmful?

Underneath the jasmine flowers or lilies lie chemicals you likely can’t pronounce, ones that can potentially, and unfortunately, harm one’s health or the well-being of their family members.

image

1.Are Plug-in Air Fresheners Safe? - Home Quicks

Url:https://homequicks.com/are-plug-in-air-fresheners-safe

12 hours ago According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), plug-in air fresheners contain various toxic chemicals like camphor (that can cause irritation in the nose, eyes, skin and throat as well as dizziness and nausea), ethanol, (which is toxic to the gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular systems), benzyl alcohol (which affects the central nervous system, causes …

2.Videos of Is It Safe to Use Plug In Air Fresheners

Url:/videos/search?q=is+it+safe+to+use+plug+in+air+fresheners&qpvt=is+it+safe+to+use+plug+in+air+fresheners&FORM=VDRE

4 hours ago  · One of the primary concerns health experts have about plug-in air fresheners is their wide-spread use of phthalates. The NRDC also warns that airborne phthalates can cause allergic symptoms and asthma. Even trace amounts of phthalates can accumulate to cause these harmful side-effects.

3.The Toxicity of Plug-In Air Fresheners | Healthfully

Url:https://healthfully.com/toxicity-plugin-air-fresheners-6941471.html

4 hours ago  · Lastly, the length of time a person remains in a room furnished with a plug-in air freshener influences exposure levels. Phthalates are especially dangerous because they can penetrate the skin and enter through the nasal cavity. Additionally, your proximity to the plug-in unit can affect your intake of the toxin.

4.Are Air Wick Plug-In and Spray Air Fresheners Safe?

Url:https://www.thefiltery.com/are-air-wick-plug-ins-safe-or-toxic/

1 hours ago Naphthalene. Compounding the risk that formaldehyde brings, most major plug-in air fresheners brands have been shown to contain a chemical called naphthalene. Lab studies, conducted on rats, have found that it can cause cancer in the lungs and tissue damage. Are plug-in air fresheners carcinogenic?

5.Air Fresheners: Are They Safe? - Poison

Url:https://www.poison.org/articles/air-freshener-171

36 hours ago  · Just like with other plug-in air fresheners, Air Wick is not likely to be a fire hazard if you leave it plugged in for a long period of time. Just make sure you’re using it properly and that there isn’t anything faulty going on with the wiring in your home or office building where you’re using the plug-ins. Better Non-Toxic Alternatives

6.Shocking Dangers of Plug-Ins, Air Fresheners and …

Url:https://thepaleomama.com/2018/01/15/essential-oil-diffuser/

24 hours ago  · All the available evidence indicates that Glade brand plug-in air fresheners do not constitute a proven fire hazard. Should you unplug air fresheners at night? No you should be fine, they use so little electricity they barely get warm, even when they run out of the liquid they are fine plugged in. 23 Related Questions and Answers

7.8 Of the Best Non-Toxic Plug-In Air Fresheners for Your …

Url:https://www.thefiltery.com/best-non-toxic-plug-in-air-fresheners-home/

16 hours ago Are electric plug in air fresheners safe? One of the primary concerns health experts have about plug-in air fresheners is their wide-spread use of phthalates.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9