Phthalates (hormone disruptors)
Formaldehyde
Terpenes (react with ozone to form formaldehyde and ultrafine particles)
🧠 Health Impact:
Can worsen asthma, cause headaches, and irritate nasal passages.
✅ Use Safely:
Avoid in bedrooms and nurseries
Never use near infants or people with respiratory conditions
Open windows after use
🌿 Better Alternatives:
Simmer citrus peels + cinnamon sticks in water
Essential oil diffusers (use sparingly, never heat undiluted oils)
Houseplants like peace lily or spider plant (natural air purifiers)
2. Aerosol Cleaners & Sprays
❌ What They Release:
VOCs (like ammonia, bleach fumes, ethanol)
Micro-droplets that linger in the air and enter deep into lungs
🧠 Health Impact:
Linked to chronic bronchitis and reduced lung function in frequent users (e.g., professional cleaners).
✅ Use Safely:
Wear gloves and a mask if using strong cleaners
Spray onto a cloth — not directly into the air
Ventilate well — open windows and use fans
🌿 Better Alternatives:
