Fresh flowers, on a weekly basis, can get expensive quickly. With this in mind, when an undesirable smell (after say a trip to the bathroom or burnt soup in the kitchen), the most affordable thing to do is spray a little air freshner. Thanks to a new study from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the "cost" of those few sprays may be much more than we first thought. Spray and solid air freshners were tested, 14 in all, and 12 of them were found to have phthalates in them (even the "all-natural" and "unscented" ones).
Phthalates are known to interfere with hormone and testosterone production. Children and unborn babies are particularly vulnerable to the toxins. The State of California notes that five types of phthalates - including one detected in air fresheners - are "known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm." Still, phthalates are used in many common consumer products -- to soften plastics in children's toys, as sealants and adhesives in nail polish, and as solvents in perfumes and fragrances.
NRDC's testing was limited, but the results do suggest that more comprehensive, in-depth testing of air fresheners is warranted. NRDC and other groups are petitioning the EPA and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to do more comprehensive testing and to take action to protect the public from dangerous chemicals in air fresheners. While consumers should be concerned about the chemicals, NRDC stressed that there is no cause for panic. The chemicals pose their greatest risk over long term repeated exposure.
Of all the widely-available freshner tested, those made under the Walgreens store brand had the highest level of phthalates. In swift response to the study, Walgreens has already agreed to pull said air freshners off their shelves.
From personal experience, I recommend the Mate Mist line; one bottled lasted nearly 6 months in my apartment (and that includes usage by two adult males). How do you keep your home smelling sweet? Candles? Incenses? Sprays?
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