Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Rachel Bujalski Leslie Bixby, a sophomore elementary education major, plugs an air freshener into her bathroom Thursday morning.

Think again before spraying to get rid of that smell in the apartment or residence hall.

Recently, the National Resources Defense Council conducted a study testing 14 air fresheners off of the shelf at Walgreen's, including those labeled "all-natural" or "unscented." Of these, 12 contained phthalates, a group of chemicals that can cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects, reproductive problems and possibly even cancer.

The report included spray and plug-in varieties, the NRDC concluded that only two brands contained no phthalates, Febreze Air Effects and Renuzit Subtle Effects.

The others contained trace amounts of more than 10 parts per million.

Four of those tested, including two Walgreen's brand fresheners, had the highest concentration of phthalates at more than 300 ppm.

Though it has been shown in studies of rat and human subjects that high exposure to these chemicals can cause serious health problems, including cancer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has no regulations on the use and does not require manufacturers to label the phthalate content of a product.

Beside being in air fresheners, some phthalates can also be found in children's toys because of its ability to soften plastics, or in cosmetics because of its use as a sealant or adhesive.

In 2004, the European Union banned the use of two kinds of phthalates in cosmetics and children's toys, 14 other countries have similar restrictions. The NRDC report states that the majority of Americans are routinely exposed to at least five different phthalates. The first state bill to ban phthalates is awaiting signature from California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

After learning of the phthalate content of their air fresheners Walgreen's pulled them off of shelves across the country.

In a statement, Dr. Gina Solomon, NRDC scientist, said, "Hopefully other companies will follow Walgreens' lead. And we also hope that the federal government will step up and protect citizens further by taking a closer look at the risks of phthalates and requiring companies to test for these chemicals and properly label their products."

The NRDC, however, did not research factors that could increase the risk for humans, they admit that this is the first such test done in the U.S. and more should be done.

Air fresheners are used in nearly 75 percent of households and generate $1.72 billion, according to the NRDC.

Freshman general student, Melissa Hlad, said that she uses Febreeze in her room, however, in regard to the NRDC's findings, she stated, "I would not want to use other brands like Oust, and I am probably not going to use others."

Like Hlad, Gabe Hoerger, a freshman math education major, would continue to use Febreze.

Hoerger said "I would keep using Febreze because I know it is safe, and because I need to keep using it. However, knowing about the other brands, I will look out for them now."

The NRDC recommends more natural ways of clearing the air in your residence, they suggest opening a window, or making sure the trash is taken out regularly.

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