Febreze is one of the most popular air fresheners produced by the famous American company Procter & Gamble. According to the manufacturer, this product works uniquely by trapping or shutting in molecules of odor a chemical that comes in the shape of a donut.
So, it is very important to remember that Febreze doesn’t remove odor molecules or clean the item. The molecules of odor are there, but you won’t be able to smell them because the chemical is covering this smell. In other words, you can only smell the chemical.
This fact alone should make you skeptical. It is a well-known fact that inhalation of chemicals is bad for the health and some of the ingredients found in Febreze and other similar products are capable of irritating the lungs. What is even more shocking, this product should be inhaled.
If you want to do some research, you will notice that there is not much information about Febreze and similar products on the Internet.
However, the EWG or Environmental Working Group has run a test for all the ingredients found in one P&G product called Febreze Air Effects.
The test conducted by EWG has revealed some shocking facts. For example, although P&G has placed only three ingredients on the label, there are 87 chemicals in their product.
Of course, we are talking about only one product from the Febreze line, but the huge difference in the number of listed ingredients leaves room for suspicion about the rest of their air fresheners and their safety.
Ingredients Found in Febreze
The following is a list of only some of the chemicals that were identified with the EWG test conducted on the Febreze Air Effects air freshener. All of them are toxic to humans.
- BHT – BHT is an endocrine disruptor, and neurotoxin, and causes toxicity in non-reproductive organs, and the immune system and irritates both lungs and eyes.
- Fragrance – This ingredient is listed, but this still doesn’t change the fact that it is an immunotoxin, neurotoxin, and allergen.
- Acetaldehyde – Acetaldehyde has been linked to cancer and it is known as a strong toxin that affects immunity, reproduction, and development. In addition, it irritates the eyes, lungs, and skin.
- 1.3-Dichloro-2-propanol – This substance can lead to cancer
- Propylene Glycol – It causes allergies, and cancer, builds up in the body, toxic to the immune system, and non-reproductive organ system. It is also a skin, lung, and eye irritant.
- Limonene – It irritates the eyes, skin, and lungs. It is an allergen and immunotoxin.
- Alcohol denatured – This is another ingredient that is officially listed in Febreze. It is related to cancer and can lead to reproductive and developmental toxicity.
- Methyl pyrrolidone – Immunotoxin and allergen, toxic to development and reproduction and acts as a lung, eye, and skin irritation.
- Ethyl acetate – This ingredient was linked to neurotoxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, lung, skin, and eye irritation, and organic system toxicity.
- Butylphenyl methylpropional – immunotoxin, allergen, and lung, eyes, and skin irritation.
- Linalool – irritates eyes, lungs, and skin, a well-known immunotoxin and allergen.
- Geraniol – Can contribute to the development of allergies. Geraniol is also linked to organ system toxicity, immunotoxicity, and eye, lung, and skin irritation.
- Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether – toxic for the non-reproductive organ system
- Benzaldehyde – a neurotoxin that can irritate the lungs, eyes, and skin.
- Hexyl cinnamal – immunotoxin, allergen, irritator of the skin, lungs, and eyes.
- Ethylhexanol – a reproductive and developmental toxin that can irritate the eyes, lungs, and skin.
- And a few dozen more. You can check the list at the Washington Post.
In addition, you can view the complete report prepared by EWG about the potential dangers of using Febreze and similar cleaners on the following link.
Removing Odors Naturally
Before we suggest some solutions, we should point out that the use of these products is not only risky to our health, but the fact is that they are not cleaning the items and air or completely removing odor. They are used for covering the odor. The odor molecules continue to exist and maybe they are continuing to bring problems to your health.
In case you are interested in naturally eliminating odors, you should follow these recommendations:
- Houseplants that can purify the air – In this article, you will find a list of the best houseplants that can help you freshen indoor air and their efficiency.
- Removing Odor naturally – In this article, you will find out how you can remove odors naturally for all types of surfaces….easily and safely.
- Febreze – Febreze doesn’t clean the air it just covers the odors. However, essential oils can clean the air and remove odor for good.
There is no need for chemicals, experiencing their side effects, and spending tons of money. You can take a few simple steps that will keep your home healthy and fresh.
Via Febreze