11/14/2025
Are you using essential oils to scent your home? I recently saw this and thought I'd share. (PS my new home is stinky....)
Plug-in air fresheners and scent diffusers have become popular for creating pleasant scents in our homes. However, there are concerns about their potential impact on our health, especially with long-term use. Let's examine the information from the search results to understand the potential risks associated with these products.
Air Fresheners and Indoor Air Quality [1]:
- Air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which are chemicals that can turn into v***r or gas easily at room temperature.
- These VOCs, even at low levels, have been associated with a range of adverse health effects.
- Adverse health effects may include migraine headaches, asthma attacks, breathing and respiratory difficulties, dermatitis, and neurological problems, particularly for sensitive individuals.
Air Fresheners: Are They Safe? | Poison Control [2]:
- Air fresheners contain a variety of fragrances and essential oils, which are chemical compounds with pleasant odors.
- Liquid air fresheners, such as plug-in refill bottles and reed diffusers, typically contain fragrances and essential oils dissolved in a solvent like isopropyl alcohol.
- Solid air fresheners, such as cone-type products, typically contain the fragrance embedded in wax, while gel products allow slow ev***ration of the fragrance.
- Aerosol sprays use compressed gas propellants like butane or propane.
- Concerns exist that these products increase indoor air pollution and pose a health risk, especially with repeated exposure.
- Unintentional injuries have been reported, including burns when flammable air fresheners have been ignited by a nearby flame.
The Top 3 Most Toxic Products in Your Home, and What to Use Instead - Aroma Sense USA [3]:
- Air fresheners, including plug-ins, contain phthalates, which are known hormone disruptors and have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
- Many air fresheners also contain dangerous levels of formaldehyde, a toxic carcinogen.
- Synthetic chemicals in air fresheners can pose significant health risks and only mask odors rather than neutralizing them.
Based on the information from these sources, it is clear that plug-in air fresheners and scent diffusers can potentially have negative effects on our health if used for long periods of time. The release of VOCs, the presence of phthalates and formaldehyde, and the use of synthetic chemicals raise concerns about indoor air pollution and the risk of adverse health effects.
Let's consider using pure essential oil to scent your home, especially with children. When you buy essential oils from Gilley's, I'll include some reed diffusers for you to use in your home!