Did you Know Most Air Fresheners Are Toxic?  

Air fresheners have become a staple in many households, workplaces, and public spaces. Their origin can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where natural materials like flowers, herbs, and spices were used to freshen the air. However, modern room sprays have deviated significantly from their natural predecessors. Today, most conventional air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which pose several health risks to humans and pets alike.

The Problem with VOCs and Other Toxic Ingredients in Air Fresheners:

VOCs are a group of chemicals that vaporize at room temperature and can cause numerous health problems, including respiratory issues, headaches, and even damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Furthermore, MADE SAFE®, an organization dedicated to identifying and promoting products made without harmful chemicals, has outlined several toxic ingredients commonly found in room sprays. These include:

• Acetaldehyde – a probable carcinogen^[1] 
• Benzene – a known carcinogen and developmental and reproductive toxin^[2] 
• d-Limonene – associated with skin and eye irritation. This substance is a sensitizer, which means it’s likely to increase the odds of a future allergic reaction ^[3] 
• Formaldehyde – a known carcinogen^[4] 
• Parabens – linked to breast cancer and effects associated with hormone disruption
• Phthalates – associated with effects from endocrine disruption, including damage to the female reproductive system, birth defects, and lower sperm counts
• Styrene – associated with cancer and neurotoxicity^[5] 
• Toluene – linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity^[6] 
• Xylene – linked to the effects of central nervous system depression, like headache, dizziness, depression, and impaired short-term memory^[7] 

Another significant concern with conventional air fresheners is the "hidden" ingredients often disguised under the term "fragrance". Due to regulations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), companies are not required to disclose the specific components that make up their fragrances since these formulations are considered trade secrets. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about the products they use in their homes.  The term fragrance actually includes thousands of chemical ingredients, many known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.

6 Essential Tips for a Healthier Indoor Air Experience

1. Identify and Eliminate Odor Sources: Rather than masking odors with air fresheners, tackle the root cause. Use natural odor absorbers like baking soda to eliminate unpleasant smells effectively.
2. Opt for Natural Fragrance Solutions: If you desire a scented home, choose natural alternatives such as essential oil sprays, beeswax and coconut wax candles, or simmer pots with herbs and spices. These options provide a pleasant aroma without the health risks associated with synthetic fragrances.
3. Ventilate and Purify: Ensure proper ventilation to avoid accumulation of food odors and pollutants. Use appliances with recirculating vents, HEPA air purifying systems or simply open windows to refresh the indoor air.
4. Incorporate Air-Purifying Plants: Enhance your indoor air quality naturally with air-filtering plants like spider plants and snake plants, but ensure they are safe for pets and children.
5. Support Fragrance-Free Spaces: Remember, many people prefer or require fragrance-free environments due to health reasons. Supporting and promoting fragrance-free policies in public spaces contributes to a healthier and more inclusive atmosphere for everyone.
6. Prioritize Product Transparency: Choose products that have been rigorously tested and certified to be free from harmful chemicals to ensure a safer indoor environment.

A Solution for a Safer Home

Recognizing the need for safer, more natural alternatives, The Swell Score has stepped in to fill the gap. With our team of Doctors, Naturopaths and Toxicologists, we have diligently researched and curated a selection of the safest, most natural home room and body sprays available on the market. Our focus is on brands that prioritize the health of their consumers and the environment, such as Root & Splendor and Natural Sloth.

1. Root & Splendor: Their Room and Body Sprays are a testament to the power of nature. Comprised of essential oils, vegetable glycerin, and distilled water, each ingredient is meticulously selected for its safety and environmental friendliness. These sprays are versatile, suitable for freshening rooms, bodies, linens, and even pets, making them a perfect addition to any health-conscious household.

1. Natural Sloth: Standing firm in their commitment to purity, their room sprays are free from artificial fragrances, parabens, and phthalates. Instead, they harness the essence of pure essential oils and organic cane alcohol to create a refreshing experience. Their products prove that it's possible to enjoy a fragrant home without compromising on health or environmental integrity.

The Power of Informed Choice is in Your Hands

The journey towards a toxin-free home starts with awareness and the willingness to demand more from the products we bring into our spaces. By adopting these practices and choosing safer products, you not only create a fresher and more pleasant living space but also contribute to the overall well-being of your household.

Let's embrace the brands that help us breathe easier, knowing our homes are not just fragrant but truly fresh and safe.

^[1] EPA. (2000). Acetaldehyde - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/acetaldehyde.pdf   

^[2] OEHHA. (1987). Benzene. Oehha.ca.gov. https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/chemicals/benzene

^[3] SCHER. (2006, January 27). Emission of chemicals by air fresheners Tests on 74 consumer products sold in Europe. SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS. https://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_scher/docs/scher_o_098.pdf

^[4] OEHHA. (1988). Formaldehyde (gas) OEHHA,Oehha.ca.gov. https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/chemicals/formaldehyde-gas  

^[5] OEHHA. (2016). Styrene. Oehha.ca.gov. https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/chemicals/styrene  

^[6] ATSDR. (2021, February 10). Public health statements. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/PHS/PHSLanding.aspx?id=159&tid=29

^[7] Kandyala, R., Raghavendra, S. P., & Rajasekharan, S. T. (2010). Xylene: An overview of its health hazards and preventive measures. Journal of oral and maxillofacial pathology: JOMFP, 14(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-029X.64299