Car air fresheners seem pretty harmless, right? Drivers all around the world use them, and the variation of fragrances are seemingly endless. New car, fresh linen, citrus, pine, coastal breeze… some people even like gas and oil air fresheners.
I recently learned that drivers with strong/negative olfactory senses when around fragrance-heavy products, especially inside smaller vehicles where airflow stays limited, can have strong negative reactions.
So, can car air fresheners actually be bad for your health? Learn what drivers, especially anyone who drives for work, commutes long distances, or roadtrip often, should know about car air fresheners and how to keep a vehicle fresh without overdoing it.
Why Some Car Air Fresheners Cause Symptoms
Mainstream car air fresheners in the U.S. are required to meet certain safety standards. However, that doesn’t mean they are necessarily “safe” or will be comfortable for everyone. In fact, a 2020 study by the CDC found that car air fresheners, including both regular and natural versions, emit numerous volatile chemicals, some classified as hazardous, many of which are not disclosed to the public.
“Car air freshener emissions are of particular concern, given that car interiors are small and enclosed spaces that can be subject to air pollutants from both outdoor and indoor sources, and thus air fresheners represent an additional source of pollutants and health risks,” the study says. “In addition, air fresheners, which add a chemical mixture into the air space, are designed to impart a scent or mask an odor, rather than to reduce air pollutants or health risks.”
Some air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. In a compact car with closed windows, occupants can inhale these chemicals without enough fresh air to clear them out. The CDC study also noted that vent clips could dispense “potentially hazardous VOCs into the enclosed space” because they attach directly to the car air vent.
According to the EPA, fragrances and scented products can contribute to indoor air pollution. Some drivers notice symptoms almost immediately.
The American Lung Association says people with asthma, allergies, migraines, or chemical sensitivities have stronger reactions, and that common irritation areas include the nose, throat, or eyes. Headaches, dizziness, coughing, brain fog, or light-headedness are also possible.
Anyone with children, pets, or elderly or immunosensitive passengers should be especially cautious.
Safer Ways To Keep A Car Smelling Fresh
Air fresheners, as the name implies, are normally used to freshen or “cleanse” stale air or bad odors. A better option over trying to mask that unpleasant smell would be to fix the cause of the stink. Common odors could include garbage, gym clothes, wet mats or seats, or a dirty cabin air filter that prevents the stale air from being cleansed by the vehicle.
If you’re insistent on using your favorite air freshener, opt for milder scents and periodically open the windows to allow fresh air to enter the vehicle. The stronger formulas can be the biggest issue. Scents marketed as “extra strength” or “long-lasting” may work better in larger areas than inside a small vehicle cabin.
Also, only use one air freshener at a time and opt for ones that don’t clip to the vehicle’s vent. If a new air freshener is causing any symptoms, it’s likely too strong for the space and not worth the health impact.
As always, safety should always be priority number one when handling heavy machinery.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Volatile Chemical Emissions from Car Air Fresheners
- Environmental Protection Agency: “The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality”
- American Lung Association: “Indoor Air Pollutants and Health
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