Healthy Air for all
Creating Healthier Indoor Spaces: Addressing Air Quality Issues
I have always appreciated walking in quiet forests, beautiful meadows, and other natural spaces, enjoying the fresh air and peaceful environment. Unfortunately, when traveling, I often notice how difficult it is to find healthy indoor spaces due to toxic cleaners, synthetic fragrances, poor maintenance, and other air quality issues.
Since indoor air quality is influenced by outdoor air quality, I will cover that in another blog. For now, here’s a quick guide to improving indoor air quality by addressing synthetic fragrances, mold, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
1. Synthetic Fragrances
Why Are Synthetic Fragrances a Problem?
Health Risks:
Respiratory issues: Asthma attacks, migraine headaches, breathing difficulties¹
Neurological effects: ADHD, nervous system damage³
Hormonal disruption: Thyroid disorders, reproductive issues⁴
Cancer risks: Liver, kidney, breast, and prostate cancer⁴
Mental health concerns: Aggression, hyperactivity, depression, attention issues⁵
Environmental Impact:
Air pollution: Synthetic fragrance chemicals released from dryers and air fresheners contribute to smog⁶.
Harm to wildlife: Synthetic musks and chemicals disrupt fish reproductive hormones and larval development⁷.
Where Do They Come From?
Synthetic fragrances are found in:
✔ Personal care products (perfumes, deodorants, lotions)
✔ Household cleaners & laundry products
✔ Air fresheners, scented candles, garbage bags, tissues, and toilet paper
Action Plan: How to Avoid Synthetic Fragrances
✔ Identify & Replace Products
🔍 Check ingredients for terms like "fragrance" or "parfum"—these often contain synthetic chemicals.
✔ Safer Alternatives
Cleaning: Vinegar, baking soda, pumice stones
Laundry: Fragrance-free detergents like Dr. Bronner's, Seventh Generation, Biokleen
Air Fresheners: Essential oils (grapefruit, lemon, eucalyptus, Thieves oil)
How to Remove Chemical Fragrances from Fabrics & Rooms
For Clothes & Linens:
Soak in ¼ cup distilled white vinegar + ⅛ cup fragrance-free detergent per gallon of water for 30+ minutes.
Add tea tree oil for stubborn odors.
Use vinegar in the bleach compartment of your washing machine.
Air dry in the sun—avoid using a dryer, as heat "bakes" fragrances into fabrics.
For Rooms & Cars:
☀ Use sunlight to heat up the space, then ventilate. If natural heating is not possible, carefully, use a powered heat source without creating any danger or fire risk.
💨 Alternate between heating & ventilating to release trapped chemicals.
🧼 Use baking soda, vinegar cleaners, essential oils, and Bioesque to absorb and neutralize odors.
2. Mold Prevention & Removal
How to Prevent Mold Growth
✔ Clean spills immediately to prevent moisture buildup.
✔ Keep humidity below 50% (use dehumidifiers if needed).
✔ Regularly check for leaks under sinks, in laundry rooms, and bathrooms.
✔ Dispose of trash and food properly to prevent mold-friendly environments.
How to Treat Mold
🛑 Wear an N95 mask to avoid inhaling mold spores.
✔ If water damage is recent (under 24 hours), dry it immediately.
✔ If mold is present, spray with Bioesque and let it sit for 5 minutes.
✔ Alternative natural solutions: Baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, or grapefruit seed extract.
3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
What Are VOCs and Where Do They Come From?
VOCs are harmful chemical gases released from:
🚫 Plastics, furniture, and new products (toys, carpets, flooring)
🚫 Paints, solvents, aerosol sprays, and cleaning products
🚫 Air fresheners, dry-cleaned clothes, and pesticides
How to Reduce VOC Exposure
✔ Choose natural materials for furniture, clothing, and home items.
✔ Ventilate new products outside before bringing them indoors.
✔ Use sunlight, heat, and fans to help VOCs dissipate faster.
✔ Wash new items with soap to remove chemical residues.
✔ Use air filtration with activated carbon filters to absorb VOCs.
✔ Wear a mask with activated carbon if working with VOC-heavy materials.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered why indoor spaces sometimes feel stuffy, irritating, or overwhelming, synthetic fragrances, mold, and VOCs are likely to blame. By making small, mindful changes, we can improve our indoor air quality and create healthier environments. For further research, check out scientific studies and references on the health effects of indoor air pollutants pollutants below.
Don't just take my word for it—ask ChatGPT! 😉 I did and pasted the questions and responses below the references
References
¹ Steinemann, A. (2016). Health and societal effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products. Preventive Medicine Reports, 5, 45-50.
² Steinemann, A. (2017). Ten questions concerning air fresheners and indoor built environments. Building and Environment, 111, 279-284.
³ Froehlich, T. E., Anixt, J. S., Loe, I. M., Chirdkiatgumchai, V., Kuan, L., & Gilman, R. C. (2011). Update on environmental risk factors for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Current Psychiatry Reports, 13(5), 333-344.
⁴ Kazemi, Z., Aboutaleb, E., Shahsavani, A., Kermani, M., & Kazemi, Z. (2022). Evaluation of pollutants in perfumes, colognes, and health effects on the consumer: A systematic review. Journal of Environmental Health Science & Engineering.
⁵ Engel, S. M., Zhu, C., Berkowitz, G. S., Calafat, A. M., Silva, M. J., Miodovnik, A., & Wolff, M. S. (2009). Prenatal phthalate exposure and performance on the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale in a multiethnic birth cohort. Neurotoxicology, 30(4), 522-528.
⁶ Steinemann, A., et al. (2013). Chemical emissions from residential dryer vents during use of fragranced laundry products. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 6, 151-156.
⁷ Li, W. L., et al. (2024). Assessing Contributions of Synthetic Musk Compounds from Wastewater Treatment Plants to Atmospheric and Aquatic Environments. Environmental Science & Technology, 58(12), 5524-5533.
Direct from ChatGPT
Are Synthetic Fragrances Harmful?
Yes, synthetic fragrances can be harmful to both human health and the environment. These fragrances are found in perfumes, cosmetics, cleaning products, air fresheners, and personal care items. Many contain toxic chemicals such as phthalates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and endocrine disruptors, which can cause hormonal imbalances, allergies, respiratory issues, and environmental pollution.
1. Health Risks of Synthetic Fragrances
a. Endocrine Disruptors (Hormonal Imbalances)
Many synthetic fragrances contain phthalates, which are linked to:
✅ Reproductive issues (infertility, birth defects, low sperm count)
✅ Early puberty and hormonal disruptions
✅ Thyroid and metabolic disorders
🧪 Scientific Evidence:
A 2021 study in Environmental Health Perspectives found that phthalates in synthetic fragrances interfere with estrogen and testosterone regulation, increasing the risk of reproductive issues.
b. Respiratory Issues & Allergies
Fragrance chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene can cause:
✅ Asthma attacks and breathing difficulties
✅ Skin irritation, rashes, and contact dermatitis
✅ Headaches, nausea, and dizziness
🧪 Scientific Evidence:
The American Lung Association warns that fragrance ingredients in air fresheners and cleaning products release VOCs that can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma symptoms.
c. Neurological & Cognitive Effects
Synthetic fragrance chemicals may affect brain function and mood, leading to:
✅ Memory problems & brain fog
✅ Increased risk of migraines
✅ Mood disturbances and anxiety
🧪 Scientific Evidence:
A 2017 study in Toxicological Sciences found that chronic exposure to synthetic fragrances can alter neurotransmitter function, contributing to neurological disorders.
2. Environmental Impact of Synthetic Fragrances
a. Water Contamination
Fragrance chemicals do not break down easily and end up in:
✅ Rivers, lakes, and oceans, harming aquatic life
✅ Drinking water supplies, exposing humans to toxins
🧪 Scientific Evidence:
A 2021 study in Environmental Pollution found that synthetic musks and phthalates in wastewater disrupt fish reproductive systems and accumulate in the food chain.
b. Air Pollution (Indoor & Outdoor)
Synthetic fragrances emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to:
✅ Indoor air pollution (often worse than outdoor air!)
✅ Smog formation and ozone depletion
🧪 Scientific Evidence:
The EPA states that fragrance chemicals are among the top five allergens and pollutants in indoor air, affecting respiratory health.
3. How to Avoid Synthetic Fragrances
✅ Choose fragrance-free or essential oil-based products
✅ Look for certifications like "EWG Verified" or "Made Safe"
✅ Use natural alternatives (baking soda, vinegar, essential oils)
✅ Avoid products with vague labels like “fragrance” or “parfum”
Can Synthetic Fragrances Cause Cancer?
Yes, some synthetic fragrance ingredients have been linked to cancer due to their inclusion of carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. While not all synthetic fragrances are proven to cause cancer, certain compounds used in perfumes, personal care products, air fresheners, and household cleaners may increase cancer risk with long-term exposure.
1. Cancer-Linked Chemicals in Synthetic Fragrances
a. Phthalates (Endocrine Disruptors & Carcinogens)
Commonly found in: Perfumes, air fresheners, lotions, deodorants
Health risks:
✅ Linked to breast cancer, reproductive cancers, and hormone-related tumors
✅ Mimic estrogen, which can fuel hormone-driven cancers (e.g., breast and ovarian cancer)
🧪 Scientific Evidence:
A 2021 study in Environmental Health Perspectives found that phthalate exposure is associated with increased breast cancer risk due to hormone disruption.
b. Benzene Derivatives (Carcinogenic VOCs)
Commonly found in: Synthetic musks, air fresheners, scented candles
Health risks:
✅ Linked to leukemia and blood cancers
✅ Suppresses immune function, increasing cancer susceptibility
🧪 Scientific Evidence:
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies benzene as a known human carcinogen. A 2020 study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that chronic exposure to benzene-containing fragrances increased leukemia risk.
c. Formaldehyde (Classified as a Known Human Carcinogen)
Commonly found in: Air fresheners, perfumes, scented lotions
Health risks:
✅ Linked to nasopharyngeal and lung cancer
✅ Causes DNA damage and oxidative stress
🧪 Scientific Evidence:
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) classify formaldehyde as a human carcinogen due to its role in causing lung, throat, and nasal cancers.
d. Styrene (Carcinogenic Component of Some Fragrances)
Commonly found in: Synthetic perfumes and scented plastics
Health risks:
✅ Linked to neurological damage and an increased risk of cancer
✅ Known to cause DNA mutations and oxidative stress
🧪 Scientific Evidence:
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has identified styrene as a possible human carcinogen, with studies linking long-term exposure to lung cancer and lymphoma.