Do Aerosol Air Fresheners leave air fresh?

Interesting, an article I read in Organic LifeStyles Magazine, under Household toxins by Raymond Francis. The following are some interesting excerpts:

We accumulate toxins from air, water,and food. Surprisingly, most of our toxic load comes from sources in our own homes. Indoor air pollution poses a serious threat to the health and safety of our families Indoor air is usually five time more polluted than outdoor air.

Common household products contribute some of the most dangerous chemicals. Enter the interesting information about aerosol fresheners. A new study in the Archives of Environmental Health looked at the effect of aerosol air fresheners and found formaldehyde and phenol are components of air fresheners that interfere with the ability to smell by coating nasal passages with an oil film or by releasing a deadening nerve agent.

Aerosol products, from air fresheners to cleaning products and shaving cream, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can include known carcinogens such a benzene and known neurotoxin such as xylene. Studies have shown that within 26 seconds of exposure to such products, traces of these chemicals can be found in every organ in the body.

Daily use of air fresheners has been shown to cause adults to experience a 10% increase in headaches and 25% increase in depression. Infants living in these homes suffered significantly more earaches and were 32% more likely to suffer from diarrhea. The solution is simple: do not use aerosols, if you must, use them sparingly and with very good ventilation.

I always want you to know I am a glass half full person. My purpose here is to tell you it is time to pay attention to what we are using in our homes and businesses and to safeguard the air we breath. Since toxins seem to be unavoidable, we must take steps to reduce our exposure to toxins, nourish our bodies to fight off toxins and take saunas to detoxify our bodies.

To find out more, read the February March 2009 Issue of Organic Lifestyle magazine