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Hot topic - Smelling sweeter may not be healthier

28 October 2004 - written by Bupa's Health information team

Frequent use of aerosols and air fresheners in the home could make mothers and babies ill, according to research from the University of Bristol's Children of the 90s study.1

What did the research show?

The research showed that mothers who used aerosols and air fresheners in their homes every day were more likely to be ill than those mothers who used them once a week or less. Aerosols included polish, deodorant and hairspray, while air fresheners included sticks, sprays and aerosols. The children of the mothers who used aerosols daily were also more likely to have some illnesses. More than 40 percent of families use air fresheners regularly.1

How was the research carried out?

The researchers randomly selected 170 homes of the mothers taking part in the Children of the 90s study. They studied the household levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over the course of a year, and looked at which household products appeared most likely to increase the levels of VOCs. They then asked 10,000 mothers to complete questionnaires about their use of these household products.1

The researchers also asked the mothers to report any symptoms they and their children suffered at various points during pregnancy and childhood.1

What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemical gases that have no colour or taste, although many have a characteristic smell. There are lots of different VOCs that are produced and used in our everyday lives.2

Where do volatile organic compounds (VOCs) come from?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released from many substances used in the home, including aerosols and air fresheners, as well as paint, solvents and cleaning products. Car exhaust emissions are also a major source of VOCs.2

How did the use of aerosols and air fresheners affect the mothers?

Mothers who used air fresheners daily suffered almost 10 percent more headaches than those who used them less than once a week.1

Of the mothers who used air fresheners, 16 percent suffered from depression compared with 12.7 percent of those mothers who hardly ever used air fresheners.1

How did the use of aerosols and air fresheners affect the children?

More babies (32 percent) suffered from diarrhoea in homes where air fresheners were used daily compared with homes where they were used once a week or less. The babies were also more likely to suffer from earache.1

Overall, the daily use of aerosols was associated with a 30 percent increase in cases of diarrhoea and, to a lesser extent, an increase in being sick.1

Are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) linked to any other symptoms, illnesses or diseases?

Due to the strong smell associated with some volatile organic compounds (VOCs), symptoms such as eye and throat irritation, dizziness and drowsiness have been experienced by some people when exposed to very high levels.2

A very small number of VOCs are known to cause cancer. However, the levels of these VOCs found in homes are so low that this is extremely unlikely.2

Who is most likely to be affected by VOCs?

Pregnant women and babies up to the age of six months may be particularly at risk of the effects of aerosols in the homes, because they spend such a large proportion of their time in the home. Other people who spend a lot of time in the home, such as elderly people, may also be at risk of illnesses that may result from overexposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs).1

Some people may also be more sensitive to VOCs if they already have existing chronic diseases or allergies. Symptoms may worsen or allergic reactions may occur.2

It has also been suggested that exposure to higher levels of VOCs in homes may increase the risk of children developing asthma.3

What links high levels of VOCs to these symptoms?

Although there has been a lot of research that links increased volatile organic compound (VOC) levels in the home with headaches and feeling unwell, the mechanism is not very well understood and more research is required.1

How can you reduce VOC levels in your home?

There are so many sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that it isn't possible to make your home completely free of VOCs. The best thing to do is limit the exposure you have to products containing VOCs when possible. There are things you can do to keep VOC levels to a minimum in your home:

  • limit the use of air fresheners and aerosols
  • when using aerosols, do not use in a confined space
  • when using aerosols, follow the manufacturers guidelines
  • throw away unused or old aerosols, because gases can leak even from closed containers
  • make sure there is plenty of ventilation if you are using paints or solvents

If you want to make your home smell fresh, try squeezing a lemon into a dish as this is just as effective as an air freshener.

What is the Children of the 90s study?

The Children of the 90s study (also known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children [ALSPAC] study) is an ongoing research project based at the University of Bristol. The project began in 1991 to 1992 with the enrollment of 14,000 pregnant women. The women and their children have been followed since then.1

Further information

Bupa resources:

External resources:

References

  1. Farrow A, Taylor H, Northstone K et al, ALSPAC Study Team. Symptoms of mothers and infants related to volatile organic compounds in household products. Archives of Environmental Health.
    http://www.alspac.bristol.ac.uk
  2. Institute for Environment and Health. Volatile organic compounds (including formaldehyde) in the home
    http://www.le.ac.uk/ieh/pdf/vocslflt.pdf
  3. Rumchev K, Spickett J, Bulsara M et al. Association of domestic exposure to volatile organic compounds with asthma in young children. Thorax 2004;59:729-30.

 

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