Plug-In Air Fresheners
Moderate burden — Plug-In Air Fresheners adds a moderate, reducible exposure.
Continuous synthetic-fragrance diffusers.
The breakdown
Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)
Evidence strength: moderate · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.
What this means for you
A Detox Score of 49 places plug-in air fresheners in the Moderate band. It scores as it does mainly because of how much everyday contact it involves. They mask smell by adding phthalates and VOCs to the air you breathe all day. Real ventilation beats masking every time.
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in air fresheners a toxic exposure?
Plug-In Air Fresheners has a Detox Score of 49 out of 100 (Moderate burden), which means it adds a moderate, reducible exposure. They mask smell by adding phthalates and VOCs to the air you breathe all day. Real ventilation beats masking every time.
What is a safer alternative to plug-in air fresheners?
A lower-exposure swap for plug-in air fresheners is: Open a window; simmer herbs; fix the odour source. They mask smell by adding phthalates and VOCs to the air you breathe all day. Real ventilation beats masking every time.
Lower-exposure choices
More in Air
The science behind this entry
Guides in the Science Library that discuss this exposure.