Harmful Effects of Air Fresheners on Homes in the United States

Literature Review: Harmful Effects of Air Fresheners on Homes in the United States
Title: Harmful Effects of Air Fresheners on Homes in the United States Name
Course  University
November 7th, 2022
Harmful Effects of Air Fresheners on Homes in the United States Introduction             Air fresheners are consumer products used in indoor built environments to create a pleasing space by emitting fragrance to provide an aroma to the air environment. These products come in a large variety, including liquids, sprays, plug-ins, gels, and scented candles (Steinemann, 2017b). Their ability to provide a pleasant smell has attracted many consumers who use them in indoor environments such as homes, offices, hotels, hospitals, churches, and theatres. However, its usage is common at homes. Studies show that over 75% of American homes in the United States use some form of air freshener, generating upward of USD 1 billion in profits for the industry (United States Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.). Despite the usefulness of air fresheners in creating a welcoming indoor environment, they emit air pollutants that can be hazardous to human health. This literature review aims to identify the harmful substances emitted by air fresheners and explore the health impact of these products, focusing on American homes. Air fresheners emit toxic substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOC) and other pollutants that cause harmful health impacts, including asthma attacks, breathing difficulties, neurological problems, and ventricular fibrillation. They are a source of indoor air pollution. Materials and Methods             This study relied on journal articles and government agency websites to collect data. The resources were selected based on the quality of information and research conducted to meet validity and reliability criteria. Authors of the selected materials used different methods in their studies. Steinemann (2017b) surveyed U.S. participants in his quest to answer ten questions concerning air fresheners and indoor build environments. He used participants’ responses to make findings and draw conclusions. This approach enabled the researcher to gather first-hand information and gauge the participants’ views and experiences regarding the subject.      Steinemann (2016a) conducted an online survey of the adult-American population, using a national random sample representative of age, gender, and region. Survey questions investigated the use and exposure to fragranced products, health effects related to exposure to these products, and preferences for France-free environments and policies. Dalton et al. (2020) applied observation and experimental methods in their study, whereas  Johnson et al. (2019) used a secondary method to do their research. They relied on previous studies to explore the science, safety and benefits of air fresheners. Results and Discussion Harmful Chemicals Emitted by Air Fresheners A study by Steinemann (2017b) found that air fresheners emit numerous chemicals, including VOCs (terpenes such as limonene, beta-pinene, and alpha-pinene; terpenoids such as alpha-terpineol and linalool; benzene, xylene, ethanol, toluene, and formaldehyde) and semi-VOCs like phthalates. These chemicals are toxic to human health. In the same context, the University of California, Berkeley, researched air fresheners and household cleaners that discovered ethylene-based glycol, categorized by the EPA as a toxic air pollutant (United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, n.d.). The research also found terpenes: - chemicals obtained from citrus oils that are not naturally hazardous but react with ozone to form formaldehyde (United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, n.d.). 1, 4 dichlorobenzene, an active ingredient in mothballs, is also present in many air fresheners used in American homes (Steinemann, 2016b). Under EPA's air quality guide, this chemical is toxic because its vapor can impair respiratory function.   Phthalates, primarily found in plug-in air fresheners, are linked to hormonal abnormalities, congenital disabilities, and fertility problems (Johnson et al., 2019). According to (Steinemann, 2017b), most American families risk being exposed to these substances due to a high rate of air freshener usage at home. Of the general population surveyed in Steinemann's (2017b) study, it was reported that 72.8% use air fresheners and deodorizers more than once a week, and at least 57.9% are exposed to these substances from other people's use. A previous report from the same study indicated that roughly 75% of U.S. households use air fresheners (Steinemann, 2017b). Health Impact of Air Fresheners The above findings demonstrate that many American homes are at high risk of suffering from the air freshener effect. While investigating the effect of air freshener emissions on human health, Steinemann (2017b) found that exposure to the toxic substances emitted by air freshener results in a range of adverse health impacts, including asthma attacks, migraines, breathing difficulties, dermatitis, neurological problems, mucosal symptoms, respiratory problems, infant diarrhea, and ventricular fibrillation. This is according to a survey done on 1,136 participants in the U.S....