To worry that air fresheners can cause cancer?

[Bluwilllowtree]

Okay so naturally I'm a very anxious person... I always try my best to use 'safe' alternatives to chemicals (e.g white vinegar) as I'm so worried about chemicals and carcinogenics, but having 2 young dc and 2 indoor cats my house doesn't always smell of roses even though I'm constantly cleaning and opening my Windows. Aibu in how much I'm worrying about the chemicals in plug in airfreshers? Would they really sell them if they were that dangerous? Am I just being over cautious?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[user1476961324]

[ShowMePotatoSalad]

Read some research in to the health benefits of house plants.

[coffeetasteslikeshit]

Can't really give you any advice as I'm inclined to think the same as you.

[DermotOLogical]

Candles are far nicer than air fresheners.

They absolutely stink and you can taste them. They always smell worse than the smell you are trying to cover.

I bet with a clean house and open windows your house is fine.

[arbrighton]

If you're that bothered, don't use them

And the evidence is slim at best.

[arbrighton]

oh, and if I tell you that white vinegar is also a chemical, called ethanoic acid....

[pocketsaviour]

Everything we do in life involves a risk.

Unless you're prepared to move to an insular, isolated community where there are no vehicles allowed, no electricity or gas, etc, then you have to accept that certain things in the atmosphere will not be good for you.

If this is really making you anxious then maybe you could investigate making your own candles or essential oils?

I'd be inclined to think that the ammonia levels in cat piss would be way worse for you than any theoretical damage from evaporating "white linen" or whatever.

[Sparklingbrook]

I don't really like the plug in/spray type air fresheners. They smell artificial and you wonder what smell is being masked.

I don't mind a candle or a reed diffuser.

[coffeetasteslikeshit]

The plug in ones make me nauseous. They're so strong!

[Pigeonpost]

Plug in air fresheners are grim. My DH considers them to be the root of all evil. Not sure he thinks they cause cancer though.

[HermioneJeanGranger]

It wouldn't be cancer I'd be worried about - but the fact that they seem to give me really awful headaches, even after only 20 minutes or so.

They smell horrifically artificial and I agree with a PP that you can almost taste them as well. Yuck.

[AuntieStella]

You could make a spray using some drops of essential oils and squirt it round when and where you need it. Or make your own liquid for a reed diffuser.

It doesn't sound as if you'd ever be reconciled to a plug-in.

[BarbaraofSeville]

I've never bought or used an air freshener. I'm sure with all the cleaning and window opening the house smells fine and if not, why mask one smell with another.

Just another pointless product designed to separate gullible people from their money IMHO.

[JaneJeffer]

I can't stand air fresheners, they make me feel sick. Opening the windows is better. Try not to worry about things so much. I'm sure that's worse for your health. And you don't have to have everything sterile. I think a bit of dirt is good for children's immune systems, well that's my excuse anyway

[normanreedusWILLbemyhusband]

Pinterest have loads of great recipes.
Like cinnamon, orange and some herbs in a jar with water. Heat it up for a bit then leave in a room, smells great for ages!
(I had a few on the go until the cats knocked them everywhere )
Also great for giving the kids something to do on a rainy day!

[user1471433377]

The last fire training I had for work specifically mentioned plug in air fresheners as a major cause of house fires. I've never used them and since then I've been overly cautious with things like feliwel (? Cat) things

[NowtAbout]

I will think this will be as obvious the knowledge that smoking is bad for you in a few years.

My friend is a plumber and that in houses that have lots of air fresheners in the filters have a white powder from all the particulates that are floating about.

They also smell like toilet cleaner which isn't great.

[LadyMetroland]

I continually find it stunning that people really believe everything is safe and happily spray chemicals all round their homes.

In years to come the chemicals in air fresheners and cleaning products will be banned. It just takes years before things do get banned - look at BPA in baby bottles.

Stick to natural scents and eco cleaning products and do your kids a favour

[FelixtheMouse]

Never found one that didn't make me feel nauseous. I'd rather have the smell of cats and kids.

[BradleyPooper]

I hate them with a vengeance. I have a cold steam vaporizer that I plug in an add essential oils to, smells gorgeous, no chemicals or fake fragrance or soot from candles....

[RockNRollNerd]

Where do you get chemical free essential oils from?

[Dumbo412]

I may just go and unplug the air fresheners I have plugged in all around the house, and cut down -stop- the use of air fresheners in the house.

Also of the anxious persuasion, but been a bit preoccupied with using the energy to make my entire house smell of air freshener the whole time!

[ThePiglet59]

Never mind that.
Does underarm deodorant cause piles?

[specialsubject]

Open the windows. Chuck the fresheners which reek - nappies and cat poo are preferable. Accept some smells and I suspect spend less time cleaning.

Plug in stinkers are indeed a waste of energy and a fire risk.

[BradleyPooper]

Not chemical free (everything is made of chemicals) but certified organic plant oils from Neal's yard.... better than synthetic perfumes imho.