According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are over 6 million pregnancies in the United States each year. The EPA has recently released information warning expectant mothers to avoid certain toxins during their pregnancy, as many personal care items contain harmful chemicals. By taking simple precautions and avoiding products with potential toxins, expectant mothers can help ensure a healthy pregnancy for both themselves and their child.
Types of Air Freshener
It’s important to be aware that aerosol spray cans may contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs are used to help fragrances enter and remain in the air, but can cause health problems. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends ensuring proper ventilation exists when spraying aerosol cans indoors.
Aerosol-free sprays are a great alternative to traditional aerosols because they don’t contain any VOCs. The formulas in these sprays are either a synthetic compound or one using essential oils, both of which are environmentally friendly. When using these sprays, you’ll just need to spritz the air rather than spraying a lot at once.
Solid air fresheners usually emit a fragrance within a certain radius over time. According to the EPA, if eaten, solid air fresheners usually cause death in both humans and rats.
There are several different types of diffusers that can be used to perfume a room. Reed diffusers use stick-like wands that are immersed in a concentrated form of oil. As the reeds soak up the fragrance, it is emitted into the surrounding area. Other diffusers use a heat source to heat the fragrance, which then diffuses it into the air.
Ingredients
Air Fresheners usually have four main ingredients: formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, p-Dichlorobenzene, and aerosol propellants. However, there is a wide variety of air fresheners on the market, so it’s important to read the label before purchasing one. Some air fresheners may only have two or three of these ingredients, while others may have all four.
Formaldehyde is a colorless and flammable chemical used widely in building materials and many household products. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause short-term effects such as headaches, coughing, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified formaldehyde as a human carcinogen.
Petroleum distillates, also known as mineral spirits, are a type of highly flammable solvent. They are used in a variety of products, including paint thinners, cleaners, and degreases. Exposure to petroleum distillates can cause headache, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. The CDC published a pocket guide about petroleum distillates, which explains their hazards and offers tips for protecting oneself from exposure.
p-Dichlorobenzene is a white crystalline solid that has an unpleasant odor similar to mothballs. It is combustible and exposure to it can cause cancer in animals. Exposure to p-Dichlorobenzene can also cause headache, eye irritation, vomiting, weight loss, and jaundice.
Aerosol propellants are a combination of hydrocarbons, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. This combination is flammable and can cause headaches, increased heart rates, and dizziness.
Natural air fresheners
PUREFRESH air fresheners are made with essential oils and free of synthetic chemical compounds. They come in a non-aerosol product or diffuser format, delivering natural and fresh air wherever you need it.
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, pregnant women should avoid using essential oils during the first three months. Certain oils are also recommended to be avoided during the remainder of the pregnancy, as they may cause adverse reactions.
Other great natural air fresheners come from the kitchen! Boil orange peels and cloves on the stove top to fill your home with a pleasant, citrus aroma. Just be sure to keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t boil dry. You can also simmer cinnamon sticks in water for a wonderfully spicy scent. There are so many fun and easy ways to make your home smell amazing!
Health Risk to Fetus
A developing fetus is constantly growing and can be exposed to harmful substances even when in the womb. This exposure can lead to immediate or long-term health complications.
A study published in PubMed.gov suggests that there may be a connection between childhood cancers and leukemia with exposure to areas that use VOCs. It is suspected that the mothers of these children inhale these elements while pregnant and unknowingly pass them along to their developing fetuses.
The FDA has been conducting extensive studies into the effects of VOCs, particularly exposure levels and duration of exposure. This is a significant issue because VOCs are present in many common household products, such as paint and cleaning supplies. Exposure to VOCs can cause a range of health problems, from simple irritation to more serious issues like cancer. Therefore, it’s important to understand exactly how VOCs can affect our health so that we can take steps to minimize our exposure.
Exposure to VOCs in spaces with poor ventilation can lead to high concentrations of VOCs, which may cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and irritation of the skin, eyes, and nose. The EPA has suggested that some of these elements may be carcinogenic in both animals and humans.
Toulene and Xylene are two compounds often found in air fresheners, and according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, are both quite toxic. They can both cause irreversible brain damage if someone is exposed to them chronically, meaning for a long period of time.
Recommendations
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether or not to use air fresheners during pregnancy. Some women may find that the scents help them relax, while others may prefer to avoid them altogether. The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, it is important to be aware of the type of chemicals used in air fresheners and their potential health effects. Some air fresheners contain phthalates, which have been linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive problems. Others contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause respiratory problems. When choosing an air freshener, look for one that is free of these harmful chemicals.
If you’re not sure about using store-bought air fresheners during pregnancy, try making your own natural air fresheners at home. For example, you can boil spices and fruit peels on the stove, or bake an apple pie. Both of these methods will help to freshen up your home and are completely safe to use during pregnancy.
