Whether in liquid or solid form, as an electric diffuser or as a spray, room air fresheners all emit many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, benzene and limonene. When there is combustion, as with candles, there is also the emission of particles and carbon monoxide. And even so-called “natural” products are sources of chemical pollutants.
Deodorants, beware!
In 2005, the European Bureau of Consumers’ Unions (BEUC) carried out a study on the emissions of volatile substances by the different types of indoor deodorants: candles, incense, electric diffusers, aerosols, gels and slow release liquids. The results show that gels and liquids emit 10 to 46 different molecules of VOCs, while electric diffusers emit between 9 and 29. For sprays, the study counted up to 42 different molecules.
And is incense natural and therefore harmless?
Beneath its natural surroundings, frankincense is a small bomb of chemical pollutants: particles, acrolein, benzene, ethylbenzene, formaldehyde, naphthalene, acetaldehyde … to name but a few. According to a report from the National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks (Ineris), “the incense are much more emissive than candles and their use seems to present risks even in the case of monthly use ”. And to continue: “The burning of incense potentially presents acute risks, chronic risks and carcinogenic risks; and these risks are borne by several pollutants. The incense reflex is therefore definitely to be abandoned, just like the Armenian paper, for the same reasons. In the long term, moreover, the most polluting products, for example incense which emits more than 2 µg / m3 of benzene, will be banned.
Should we prefer essential oils?
There are now many products on the market with essential oils boasting “purifying”, “sanitizing” and “bactericidal” effects.indoor air. It is true that certain essential oils have a recognized antiseptic action. But we have to weigh the pros and cons. “Although natural, essential oils are not harmless to health. Depending on the sensitivity of the person, they can be allergenic. In addition, they release VOCs, like any product with an odor, ”warns Laurent Héritier. Diffused in the air, essential oils enter the lungs and then pass into the blood, which can cause undesirable effects if they are not suitable for this use.
Which ones to use and how?
Moderation. We do not combine the modes of use of essential oil (diffusion + massage, it is clearly too much) and we do not leave its diffuser running all day long. At most, we broadcast 10 to 15 minutes per hour.
Quality. An essential oil must be 100% pure and natural; it must not contain anything else (neither vegetable oil, nor flavor, nor solvent). The organic labels (AB, SIMPLES, Nature & Progrès, Ecocert) provide an additional guarantee. It is also ensured that the chosen oil is suitable for the diffusion, because some are contraindicated because of their content of phenols or ketones, potentially toxic.
Diffusion. We never heat essential oils because this generates carcinogenic substances. We use a diffuser by respecting the dosages to the drop.
We avoid the diffusion of essential oils if there is at home:
A baby or a young child (less than 7 years old);
A pregnant or breastfeeding woman;
A person allergic, asthmatic or suffering from asthmatic syndrome (respiratory spasm, wheezing);
A person of fragile health.
