Just check ingredients. A safe air freshener should have the least amount of fragrances, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, m,p-xylene, and phthalates. All these chemicals have become the primary source of indoor air pollution.

High concentrations of VOCs present in the emissions from numerous air freshener types, including sprays, plug-ins, and solids.

1,4-Diclorobenzene (1,4 DB), one of the VOCs, may impair lung function. This is particularly worrying for people with asthma or other breathing issues, especially kids.

Benzene is recognized as a carcinogen and is also harmful to development and reproduction.

Formaldehyde incudes cancer.

Phthalates are linked to issues caused by endocrine disruption, which can harm the female reproductive system, lead to birth defects, and result in decreased sperm counts.

Toluene also has developmental and reproductive toxicity.

Xylene is associated with central nervous system depression, which can lead to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, feelings of sadness, and trouble with short-term memory.