Can Air Fresheners Cause Lung damage?

THE CLAIM

Air fresheners can cause lung damage.

THE FACTS

For years, scientists have suspected that a chemical in many household deodorizing products may cause short-term lung problems -- and possibly worse.

Now it appears that those concerns are probably valid. In a study published this month, scientists at the National Institutes of Health say they found that people with relatively high blood concentrations of the substance -- 1,4-dichlorobenzene, an organic chemical -- show signs of slightly reduced lung function. The chemical is also in mothballs, tobacco smoke and toilet deodorizers.

The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, followed 953 Americans, average age 37, for six years. After controlling for factors like smoking, it found that the 10 percent of people with the highest blood levels of 1,4-DCB did 4 percent worse on lung function tests than the 10 percent of people with the lowest levels.

Four percent may sound inconsequential, but the researchers pointed out that even a small reduction in respiratory function "may indicate some harm to the lungs."

The simple solution, scientists say, is to limit the use of such products.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Studies suggest chronic exposure to a chemical in air fresheners can cause lung problems.