How Commercial Air Fresheners Can Harm Your IAQ
Keeping your Sebree, Kentucky, home clean and smelling fresh is likely important to you, not only for your family members but also for your guests. When the air becomes stale in your home or you detect an odor, the first thing that you probably reach for is a commercial air freshener. What you may fail to realize is that these types of air cleaners can be the cause of poor IAQ.
Hazards of Commercial Air Fresheners for IAQ
Advertisements present commercial air fresheners as a simple and effective way to eliminate embarrassing household odors and get the air in your home fresh. Unfortunately, these air fresheners are actually damaging the air in your home instead of refreshing it.
The use of commercial air fresheners can lead to a host of health problems, such as respiratory illness and worsening asthma and allergy symptoms. These fresheners contain ketones, chlorinated hydrocarbons, petroleum distillates, and other hazardous chemicals. Some even contain nerve-deadening agents called phthalates. Even though phthalates are being slowly phased out in the U.S., they are still used in many air fresheners and have been linked to the destruction of nasal passages, birth defects, and even cancer.
Alternatives to Traditional Air Fresheners
The good news is that you have plenty of options to help to keep your air smelling fresh while improving your home’s IAQ. The first choice is purchasing green or all-natural air fresheners from the store. The other option is to create your own using simple household products. Try combining a few drops of essential oils, vinegar, and lemons in a spray bottle.
If you are looking for a dry, stand-alone air freshener, you can create your own in a mason jar by combining a few drops of your favorite essential oil scents along with a cup of baking soda.
Looking for other ways to improve the IAQ in your home? One of our E&M Heating, Plumbing, & Air Conditioning technicians will help you find the ideal solution.
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