Air fresheners, like many candles, do not reduce the smell, but mask it by covering it with another chemically synthesized odour. Aerosol sprays release finely divided chemicals that can be harmful when inhaled.
In general, avoid the use of deodorants and instead, use healthy solutions such as airing your home.
Less-toxic alternatives
Sodium bicarbonate, or zeolite, can be used in a container to absorb odours.
| Brand name | Product description |
| Lee Valley | Volcanic Deodorizer |
DIY
To reduce unpleasant odours and bring freshness to your home, opt for natural solutions.
Here are a few examples:
Ventilate your home by opening the windows.
Remove garbage frequently.
Avoid the following chemicals in regular products
Cresol: irritant and corrosive to the skin, eyes, respiratory and digestive tracts, neurotoxic
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol): possible carcinogen (confirmed in animals), irritant to skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract, neurotoxic
Formaldehyde: carcinogen, eye and respiratory irritant, respiratory sensitizer
Butane gas: neurotoxic
Naphtalene: possible carcinogen (confirmed in animals), skin and eye irritant
Synthetic fragrances: allergens
p-Dichlorobenzene: possible carcinogen (confirmed in animals), skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant, neurotoxic, skin sensitizer
Phenol: irritant and corrosive to the skin, eyes, respiratory and digestive tracts
Xylene: irritant to skin, eyes and respiratory tract, potentially toxic to development