
How can they cause problems?
Solid air fresheners often contain a chemical called para-dichlorobenzene. According to the EPA, this chemical can cause headaches, swollen eyes, loss of appetite, nose and throat irritations, and even cancer.
Can air cleaners help?
Possibly, but there are other strategies to try first.
What you can do…
- Don’t cover odors with sprays and potpourri’s. Find the sources of odors and deal with them.
- Monitor the temperature and humidity in your home.
- Have your heating and cooling system regularly checked and serviced.
- Contact the Healthy Homes Program to get more specific answers and recommendations.
Additional Links
- Request Additional Information
- Watch the Air Fresheners TV Commercial
- Curious about the products you’re using? Look Them Up – Household Products Database
- An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality
- US EPA – Dichlorobenzene Page
- US EPA – Air Cleaner Information Page



