The typical consumer spends $266 per year on home fragrance products which include purchases of candles, plug-in, solid and aerosol air fresheners. Few realize that along with the pleasant scents, they’re buying continuous exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, p-dichlorobenzene and aerosol propellants are the four chemicals from which most air fresheners are made. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) these substances are

“…usually highly flammable and strong irritants to eyes, skin and throat.”1

One peer-reviewed study tested the health effects of formaldehyde, a common preservative found in air fresheners.

“Significantly greater prevalence rates of asthma and chronic bronchitis were found in children from houses with formaldehyde levels of 60-120 ppb than in those less exposed, especially in children also exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.”2

AIR FRESHENER WARNING!

As well, the Cancer Prevention Coalition includes air freshener ingredients on their list of products linked with breast and other cancers.3

Just these few eye-opening facts about air fresheners should be enough to cross them off your shopping list forever and investigate the healthiest air fresheners you can find – Young Living. Essential Oils. For starters, essential oils are safer because they’re distilled from organically- grown plants – not a toxic chemical in sight.

They’re easy to use whether you have a special diffuser, a fan or simply an air vent – no flammable propellants required! And there’s nothing fresher than a home filled with the fragrance of pure therapeutic- grade essential oils.

Masking vs Eliminating Odors
Unlike most air fresheners which overpower odors with deodorizers, and synthentic fragrances, essential oils such as PURIFICATION and CITRUS FRESH literally alter and dissolve the odor-causing molecules.

THIEVES essential oil blend has even greater powers. This top-selling blend has a 99.3% kill rate against airborne
microbes after just 12 minutes of diffusion.4 Thieves is deadly for mold and fungus too and, consequently, their ability to cause illness. Don’t expect your plug-in air freshener to do that for you and your family! For a comparison of the health effects of air freshener ingredients and Young Living essential oils, see page two.

How to Get Real Fresh Air Diffusing is the most effective way to fragrance your home with essential oils. Try either the Ultrasonic Diffuser or the Home Diffuser for the finest, longest-lasting mist. Prefer a low-tech approach? Place a few drops of essential oils in the Travel Fan, press the button and you’re on your way to healthier indoor air.

Ultrasonic Diffuser and Home diffuser clean the air at home and office.
Travel Fan freshens cars, small spaces.

Resources
1 www.epa.gov
2 Krzyzanowski M. et al. Environ Res 52 (2):117-25 1990.
3 preventcancer. com.
4 Essential Oils Desk Reference. 4th ed. 2007.
All references are from www.epa.gov unless noted otherwise.