Interior perfumes emit harmful substances

Aromatic candles, air sprays, electric diffusers, and other products meant to perfume or deodorize indoor spaces can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes, and fine particles, according to Dr. Frédéric Le Guillou, a pulmonologist, allergist, and president of the Association Santé respiratoire France.

Types of products and their emissions

These products, known as "interior perfumes," include incense, Armenian paper, ambient sprays, scented candles, and electric diffusers, which operate through different mechanisms. Electric diffusers and sprays mainly release volatile substances, while products that burn, such as scented candles, incense, Armenian paper, or sage, produce pollutants related to combustion.

Pollutants and health effects

The nature and quantity of substances emitted depend on the product, its composition, and its mode of diffusion. Interior perfumes and deodorizers can release several categories of pollutants, including aldehydes such as formaldehyde, VOCs like limonene, linalool, citral, eugenol, or cinnamon aldehyde, and fine particles, particularly when the product is burned. These pollutants can cause eye and respiratory irritation, including stinging or running nose, sneezing, throat irritation, coughing, or respiratory discomfort.

Impact on asthma and long-term risks

Interior perfumes can worsen asthma symptoms in some individuals, though they are considered a contributing factor rather than an independent cause of asthma. The risk depends on individual sensitivity, duration and frequency of exposure, and ventilation. In poorly ventilated rooms or with simultaneous use of multiple scented products, exposure to substances in indoor air can increase. Fine particles, which are particularly concerning due to their small size, can penetrate deeply into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and disrupting blood vessel function. Long-term or repeated exposure may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction and stroke.

Natural products are not risk-free

Essential oils, despite being natural, are not necessarily risk-free. They contain molecules that can cause eye, nose, or throat irritation, coughing, respiratory discomfort, or difficulty breathing, particularly in people with asthma or existing respiratory conditions. "Odor-destroying" sprays are not necessarily safer, as they also diffuse substances into the air and should not be confused with air purification systems.

Recommendations for better indoor air quality

To improve indoor air quality without using perfumes, Dr. Le Guillou recommends ventilating homes for 10 to 15 minutes per day, especially after cooking, cleaning, or using products that emit substances. He advises addressing the source of bad smells rather than masking them and limiting the use of candles, incense, and other burning products. Continuous use of diffusers and perfumed products should be avoided, and if symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or respiratory discomfort occur after using a product, it should be discontinued, and the room should be ventilated. If symptoms persist, medical consultation is recommended.