Human population studies from the National Institute of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) found that exposure to a volatile organic compound (VOC) called 1,4 dichlorobenzene (1,4 DCB) (found in many air fresheners, toilet bowl cleaners, mothballs and other deodorizing products) may be harmful to the lungs, causing modest reductions in its function.

"Even a small reduction in lung function may indicate some harm to the lungs," said NIEHS researcher Stephanie London, M.D., lead investigator on the study.

"The best way to protect yourself, especially children who may have asthma or other respiratory illnesses, is to reduce the use of products and materials that contain these compounds."

Personally, I never really liked the smell of these products, gives me a terribly headache. But then the best way always is to use in moderation, and if you can skip it altogether in use of natural substitutes (like lemon and orange peels as air freshener), the better.

Read more at NIEHS News.

Photo Credit: Solutia