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Air fresheners can harm mothers and babies

Air fresheners and other commonly used aerosols around the home can be damaging to mothers and young children according to UK research.

Scientists at Brunel University in West London, followed 14,000 children from birth and found that frequent use of fresheners and aerosols during pregnancy and early childhood was linked to higher levels of illness.

These products release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which can cause diarrhoea and earache in infants and headaches and depression in mothers. VOCs are irritants which are also found in solvents, floor adhesives, paint, furnishings and cleaning products.

The study looked at levels of VOCs in the homes of 170 of the children and interviewed 10,000 of the mothers about their use of air fresheners and aerosols. In homes where air fresheners were used every day rather than once a week, 32 per cent more babies had diarrhoea. They were also more likely to experience earache.

Daily use of aerosols such as polish, deodorant and hairspray was associated with a 30 per cent increase in infant cases of diarrhoea, and also affected mothers' health. These mothers suffered 10 per cent more headaches and were 26 per cent more likely to suffer from depression.

The researchers said the most surprising result was the apparent link between maternal depression and air fresheners.

Lead researcher Dr Alexandra Farrow said, "People may think that using these products makes their homes cleaner and healthier, but being cleaner may not necessarily mean being healthier.

"Air fresheners combined with other aerosol and household products contribute to a complex mixture of chemicals and a build-up of VOCs in the home environment."

He suggested that pregnant women and babies up to six months might be particularly susceptible to the effects of this, because they spend around 80 per cent of their time at home.

He added, "More research is needed, but in the meantime, it might be safer to limit use of air fresheners and aerosols in the home. Squeezing a lemon is just as effective at freshening the air."

Dr Chris Flower, director-general of the Cosmetics, Toiletries and Perfumery Association, said, "Cosmetic products such as hairsprays and deodorants are required by legislation to be safe in normal use.

"Aerosol forms of these products are labelled with advice that they should not be used in confined spaces and current evidence shows these products are safe. We shall be looking into the new research by Bristol University to see whether people are following advice and whether additional advice may be required."

The research, to be published in Archives of Environmental Health, was being discussed at the UK Indoor Environments Group conference.

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