Doctor Says This Overlooked Household Item May Be the Most Toxic

When people think about potentially harmful household products, air fresheners may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, one naturopathic doctor says a common item found in homes and cars could be more concerning than many realise.

Dr Pedi Mirdamadi discussed the issue in a TikTok video, linking plug-in air fresheners to problems including allergies, irritated eyes, upper respiratory infections and asthma. His focus was on the familiar devices used to scent indoor spaces.

He claimed that some air fresheners contain substances such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which can be inhaled. “The air we breathe is the quickest and easiest way to get toxins into our body,” he said.

Dr Mirdamadi advised viewers to turn off and dispose of plug-in air fresheners in their homes or vehicles, particularly if they are experiencing allergy or asthma symptoms.

In the caption accompanying the video, he suggested using an essential oil diffuser instead, while warning dog owners to avoid that option. He also said he unplugs air fresheners when he encounters them in an Uber and explains that he has allergies.

Several followers responded with their own natural ways to make a home smell pleasant. One person recommended simmering orange peel, cloves, cinnamon and cranberries as a “much healthier alternative.”

Another said they gently heat sliced lemons, thyme and water in a two-quart pan, claiming the mixture helps freshen the air while creating a clean scent.

A third follower described simmering fresh rosemary from the garden and reusing the cooled water as a skin or hair tonic.

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Are plug-in air fresheners dangerous?

Although plug-in air fresheners are generally not regarded as dangerous when used according to the instructions, experts say there are still some precautions worth considering.

For example, a product may not list formaldehyde as an ingredient while still releasing the chemical into the surrounding air under certain conditions.

Formaldehyde can irritate the body and is classified as a known human carcinogen at sufficiently high exposure levels. Avoiding prolonged use in small, poorly ventilated spaces can help limit the chance of airborne chemicals accumulating.

Government guidance states: “Formaldehyde has been classified as a cancer-causing chemical in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).”

However, that classification does not mean that everyone who uses a plug-in air freshener will become unwell. The same guidance says: “Low-level exposure from the correct use of these products would not be expected to cause adverse health effects.”

Anyone concerned about allergy or asthma symptoms, or the possible health effects of household air fresheners, should seek personalised advice from a qualified medical professional.