They're all chemical-based, so they fill the surrounding air with chemical emissions. They may smell pleasant (depending on your preferences) but are the emissions safe?
2007-02-01 16:50:32 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Environment
Humans evolved in a natural environment that had no refrigeration to preserve our food and we had to deal with insects and other creatures that deliberately poisoned other creatures for their survival. Our biology has a certain amount of resistance to harmful chemicals and agents. Alcoholic drinks, cheese and spices are all examples of "poisons" that we can tolerate in our food alone. But with that said, technology now moves at a pace much faster than evolution and we are bombarding ourselves with all kinds of chemicals that could have dubious effects upon us. Personally, I would stay clear of excessive use of the chemical products you mention, but it's nothing to panic about. If you smoke one cigarette in your lifetime, it's not going to have any impact on your health. But, repeated exposure can certainly have an impact.
The biggest problem with air sprays used to be the propellants. Environmental laws has come a long way at reducing that problem. Even if these items can cause harm you, it wouldn't be any time soon. I personally, would just rather be safe than sorry. You may think differently.
2007-02-01 20:10:48 · answer #1 · answered by anim8er2 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Solvent abuse can kill.
Direct inhalation will do damge. Contact with eyes will cause irritation.
I'm not sure about plug in ones but when spritzing a room I leave it for a few minutes before re-entering, also I ensure my cat isn't in the room because the chemicals could settle on her fur.
2007-02-01 17:00:15 · answer #2 · answered by vanessa 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes they are very bad for us. Read the following:
Aerosols
Such as air fresheners – contain isobutene, propane, butane – all toxic to our hearts and nervous system.
Ammonia
Found in window cleaner, stain remover, detergents – damages trees and plants and causes eye irritations, sickness and coughing.
Amyl acetate
Found in nail varnish, paint – toxic to the skin and respiratory tract (throat and nose).
Benzaldehyde
Found in soaps, shampoos, perfume, hairspray – Can irritate throat, eyes, lungs, mouth, skin, cause stomach pains and kidney damage.
Quaternary ammonium compound/HCL
Found in toilet cleaners, shampoos, disinfectants – can cause respiratory problems, sickness and diarrhoea.
Phenol
Found in disinfectants, mouthwash, sore throat tablets – Can cause liver damage and diarrhoea when exposed to high dosages.
In summary:
·Avoid products that contain ingredients with long, difficult-to-pronounce names. These are usually synthetic ("man-made") chemicals that are untested for their effects on our health.
·Avoid products with strong scents or smells. This includes perfume, cologne, scented lotion, powder, etc. These items contain chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which destroy brain cells and can cause cancer.
·Avoid products with ingredients listed as "fragrance", "perfume" or "scent".
·Avoid products with "Warning", "Caution", or "Danger: labels (i.e., cleaning products and pesticides). These labels are there because one or more of the ingredients has the potential for causing serious harm or death.
The following can be used as safer alternatives:
·Baking Soda - cleans, freshens air, softens water and cleans.
·White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odours, some stains and wax build-up.
·Isopropyl Alcohol - is an excellent disinfectant.
·Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
·Lemon juice – cleans grease and smells nice.
Sorry to overload you with information - I am an environmentalist and have recently given a series of workshops on this issue so had the information to hand!
2007-02-01 17:02:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-19 12:53:47 · answer #4 · answered by james 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think they are a rediculous invention. I hate 'fake' smells. Why dont people keep their house/room/car clean so they dont need the artificial additions. Or if you want an addition choose something natural like home grown flowers
2007-02-02 00:25:01 · answer #5 · answered by Carrot 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your lungs are meant to inhale oxygen, not chemicals. They definitely aren't safe. In small quantities sure, but over time it accumulates in your system.
2007-02-01 17:02:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
any thing with chemicals is harful!
that why it should only be used in moderation.
2007-02-01 17:24:46 · answer #7 · answered by witheringtonkeith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nah...once you smell it, you start getting warts, and you begin to sneeze out blood. Its weird man.
2007-02-01 16:57:53 · answer #8 · answered by The One 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋