By Nicole Chiu - Contributing Health Journalist

Everybody loves a nice scent added to a car interior or bathroom environment. Some even need a touch of rose or lavender – or what seems to be such smells – in their laundry, kitchen, wardrobes and living areas. Yet with the range of scented products available, experts are warning that consumers need to be aware that not all manufacturers list exactly what chemicals go into the making of such scents.
  
Anne C. Steinemann from the University of Washington-Seattle has just published a study in the journal Environmental Impact Assessment Review, concerning the identification of more than 100 difference volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in common fragranced products.

Steinemann’s study could not find one brand that “didn’t emit at least one toxic chemical,” and during the study she “actually witnessed someone having a seizure when exposed to an air freshener.”

The study consisted of placing six products in an isolated, room-temperature enclosure and using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify the VOCs emitted. Of the six products – dryer sheets, fabric softener, laundry detergent, and air freshener – Steinemann found VOCs at higher levels than 300 micrograms per cubic meter. This level of concentration is enough to pose serious health risks equivalent to toxic substances.

Of the detected chemicals, Steinemann identified three hazardous air pollutants – acetaldehyde, chloromethane, and 1,4 dioxane. Seven other federally regulated toxic or hazardous chemicals were also identified.

In terms of public health, the concern remains with the fact that Steinemann identified one of the air fresheners as commonly used in airline bathrooms, whilst a separate air freshener was regularly found in schools and even medical facilities.

Federal law, however, does not make it mandatory for manufacturers to disclose the ingredients used to make any of their scented products or fragrances. This means that “if an ingredient is hazardous, they still don’t need to list it.” Thus the toxic chemicals remain unidentified, and companies simply “put on a warning label.”

Steinemann’s recommendation is to cut out scented products completely, or use natural resources. “Cut open an orange, or use spearmint leaves,” advised Steinemann.

Other options include using baking soda or other essential oils – not ‘fragranced’ oils.

One drop of pure essential lavender oil in a wash cycle will have an even more uplifting effect than synthetic lavender scented laundry products.