A doctor claims air fresheners are the most ‘toxic’ thing in the home (Image: TikTok/@drpedinaturalhealth)
Have you ever considered what the most harmful and potentially dangerous item in your household might be? A naturopathic doctor believes it’s actually something you “wouldn’t believe”.
Dr Pedi Mirdamadi used TikTok to share that the item in question can be linked to allergies, itchy eyes, upper respiratory infections and asthma. That item? The humble plug-in air freshener.
“Many of these products contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde as well as volatile organic compounds, which enter our bodies through our breath,” he claimed. “The air we breathe is the quickest and easiest way to get toxins into our body.”
He concluded with some guidance: “If you have any of these plug-in air fresheners in your home or in your car – switch them off and dump them, especially if you’re experiencing any signs of allergies or asthma.”
The doctor added an additional suggestion in his video’s caption, writing: “Instead, use an essential oil diffuser to freshen the home. Avoid this if you are a dog owner! Even if I get into an Uber and they have an air freshener plugged in, I unplug it and kindly tell them I have allergies.”
Dr Mirdamadi’s followers were also quick to share tips that had worked well for them in the past. One said: “I simmer orange peel, cloves, cinnamon stick and cranberries. It’s a much healthier alternative.”
Similarly, another wrote: “I simmer fresh sliced lemons, thyme and water in a two-quart pan, on low. Cleans the air and smells so fresh and nice.”
And a third person remarked: “I simmer fresh rosemary from the garden, double up and use the water as a skin tonic or hair tonic when cooled!”
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Are plug-in air fresheners dangerous?
Plug-in air fresheners aren’t usually considered dangerous when they’re used exactly as directed, but there are a few things worth bearing in mind.
Even if liquid oils don’t contain formaldehyde as an ingredient, some plug-ins can still release formaldehyde into the air.
Formaldehyde is a toxic irritant and, at high enough exposure levels, is classed as a known human carcinogen. That’s why it’s best to avoid prolonged use in small or poorly ventilated rooms, where airborne chemicals can build up.
As the government notes: “Formaldehyde has been classified as a cancer-causing chemical in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).”
That said, this doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get ill from using plug-in air fresheners. The same guidance adds: “Low-level exposure from the correct use of these products would not be expected to cause adverse health effects.”
If you’re worried about symptoms or how these products might affect your health, speak to a medical professional for advice.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
