The big stink We've talked about the potential hazards of microwave popcorn several times over the past few months. But it turns out that there may be an even greater danger to your health disguising itself as an everyday household item. A recent analysis done by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NDRC) found that that innocent-seeming air-freshener you keep in your bathroom or kitchen may very well contain toxic chemicals. These chemicals, called phthalates, can negatively impact hormone levels and impair reproductive health in humans. And the NDRC researchers found them in 12 of the 14 brands of air fresheners they tested. While Walgreen's has pulled their phthalate-containing air fresheners off the shelves, not all manufacturers of similar products have followed suit. And what makes this discovery even more disturbing is that no one is regulating the safety of these products -- things we're inhaling on a daily basis, in many cases. Just because we're not technically "ingesting" them, doesn't mean these substances aren't making their way into our bodies. Yet, according to the sources I read, neither the FDA nor the EPA test air fresheners for safety. Even worse, manufacturers of these products aren't required to meet any safety standards. Knowing that suddenly makes the day-old onion smell wafting from my kitchen trashcan a lot more bearable. But if for some reason you find you can't live without an air freshener, there were two products that got a passing grade from the NDRC: Febreeze Air Effects and Renuzit Subtle effects, which "contained virtually no detectable levels of phthalates." A word to the wise, though: a passing grade on a single test does not an honor-student make. Dried herbs and flowers or freshly cut citrus fruit can go a long way in neutralizing any offensive odors without coating your home -- and your lungs -- with chemicals. Sources:
"New study: Common air fresheners contain chemicals that may affect human reproductive development," Natural Resources Defense Council (www.ndrc.com), press release, 9/19/07
"Consumer alert: Popular air fresheners found to contain toxic chemical," NewTarget (www.newstarget.com), 9/26/07 | 
