Air Fresheners
Products designed to mask or eliminate odors in indoor spaces. Include sprays, plug-ins, gels, and candles. Often contain dozens of undisclosed fragrance chemicals.
Why It Matters
Continuously release chemicals into air you breathe. Phthalates commonly found even in 'unscented' products. Can trigger asthma and allergies. Mask rather than eliminate odor sources.
Chemicals of Concern in This Product
Phthalates
A group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. Also used as...
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
A broad category of chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, releasing gases into...
Synthetic Musks
Artificial fragrance compounds designed to mimic natural musk scent. Two main types: nitro musks...
Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers
A colorless gas used as a preservative, disinfectant, and textile finishing agent. In clothing,...
Ingredient Red Flags
Watch for these on ingredient labels:
- Any 'fragrance' or 'parfum' listing
- Phthalates
- 1,4-Dichlorobenzene
- Formaldehyde
- Aerosol propellants
What to Look For
- ✓Open windows for natural ventilation
- ✓Address odor sources rather than masking
- ✓Essential oil diffusers with pure oils
- ✓Activated charcoal for odor absorption
Finding Safer Options
Natural ventilation, houseplants, essential oil diffusers, simmer pots with herbs and citrus, activated charcoal bags, baking soda for absorbing odors.
Certifications to Look For
Other Products in This Category
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Multi-surface cleaning products used throughout the home on counters,...
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Products for washing clothing and linens. Residues remain in fabric after...
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Hand dishwashing liquid used for cleaning dishes, cookware, and utensils....
Learn More →
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