Why I Stopped Using Candles and Plug-in Air Fresheners

According to a study conducted by the NRDC, 86% of air fresheners tested contain a high level of phthalates. Phthalates are well known to interfere with production of the male hormone testosterone, cause allergic symptoms and asthma, and have been associated with reproductive abnormalities

Air fresheners typically contain another toxic compound called formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a well-known human carcinogen that has been linked to cancers of the nose and throat. It is also known to cause ongoing irritation of the throat and airways, potentially leading to dangerous infections, frequent nosebleeds, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. These risks are particularly elevated in the elderly, infants, and people with compromised immune systems. In a 2013 study of more than 2,000 pregnant women, those who used plug-in air fresheners during gestation were statistically far more likely to have babies that suffered from serious lung infections.

Most major brands of plug-in air fresheners contain a chemical known as naphthalene. Naphthalene has been shown to cause tissue damage and cancer in the lungs of rodents in laboratory studies.

Plug-in air fresheners also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well. VOCs are compounds with a low boiling point that form gas or vapor at room temperature. Thus making them an excellent scent dispersal agent. Unfortunately, they too have been linked to an increased risk of asthma, particularly in children.

Most candles are made from a petroleum byproduct, paraffin (which is a toxic chemical). Aside from accidental fires, the process of burning emits unhealthy fumes or particles

Exposing yourself to those toxic fumes – benzene and toluene, can contribute to damaging the brain, lungs and central nervous system. It can also lead to developmental difficulties such as cancer, allergies and asthma. Especially in children.

So what's the safer, all natural alternative? Diffuse essential oils! Diffusing essentials can not only change the aroma of a room, but they also product positive emotional, mental and even physical therapeutic health benefits.