Household spray cleaners and air fresheners may be an important risk factor in new-onset asthma, according to a study published this month in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The research involved collaboration from twelve scientists across Europe and over 3,500 subjects. According to the study results, frequency of use of glass cleaner, furniture sprays, and spray air fresheners correlated with increased frequency in new-onset asthma.
With use of household air fresheners in the U.S. at an all-time high, what effect with this health news have on the multi-billion dollar industry? Richard Weening, CEO of ambient-scenting company Prolitec, believes the news will change the way consumers shop for scenting products.
“Not all products and technologies are equal,” says Weening. “The dangerous products contain volatile compounds made necessary by the inferior technology of the spray bottle. With the proper technology, these chemicals aren’t needed.”
To address these issues, Prolitec has developed a proprietary scent-distribution technology and machine that produces microscopic-sized fragrance particles in miniscule amounts, compared to the huge particles and large amounts created by a spray bottle. Prolitec provides scent machines to businesses and homeowners across the world.
With the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission currently considering risk assessment and regulation of the industry, changes are on the horizon. But despite the current lack of government regulation on the air freshening industry, there are some guidelines that could be used by makers of scenting products.
“We’ve used California Prop. 65 and OSHA subpart Z to guide us,” says Weening. “Consumer health and safety have been foremost for us in the development of our technology and fragrances.” Prolitec’s products use only pure fragrance oil and inert ingredients, made possible, according to Weening, by Prolitec’s technology.
Read more at American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, U.S. News & World Report and SF Gate
