People
with asthma or allergies may want to avoid air fresheners and other
chemicals used to spread fragrant scents throughout their homes.
Sneezing, wheezing and runny noses are just a few of the symptoms that
can occur from scented candles and using air fresheners in the home that
emit VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, according to allergy and
immunology experts. VOC’s are a respiratory irritant that could also
affect friends and guests visiting your home. To breathe easier and keep
your home free from pollution, top allergists recommend eliminating
fragrances from the home. Some of the harmful compounds found in scented
candles, sprays and plug-in air fresheners include formaldehyde,
petroleum distillates, limonene, esters and alcohols. Despite claims
that the products eliminate odors, allergists say they only mask odors.
