The Hidden Health Risks of Plug-In Air Fresheners

Plug-in air fresheners have been identified as the cause of approximately 170 fires per year, with an estimated $13 million in property damage and countless injuries.

In comparison:

• Candles accounted for 9,300 home structure fires per year, causing an annual average of 86 civilian fire deaths, 827 civilian fire injuries, and $374 million in direct property damage.

So compared to candles, it's not a big number, if it isn't your house on fire.

“Most homeowners don’t realize that something as small as a plug-in air freshener can spark a major house fire,” says certified home inspector Rodney Henry. “I’ve seen melted outlets, scorched walls, and even full-blown fires caused by these devices. Please do not use them.”

During the 1990s, the air freshener market experienced a massive resurgence thanks to the introduction of convenient “plug-in” air fresheners. These air fresheners rely on heat induction technology and special heat-activated toxic scented gels to continually release a scent. Millions of homes rely on plug-in air fresheners for consistent fragrance yet mounting safety discussions have sparked renewed scrutiny of these convenient devices.

“When you leave them plugged in 24/7, especially in older homes or in outlets that aren’t up to code, you’re playing with fire — literally. Add in flammable curtains or furniture, and it’s a disaster waiting to happen.”

Common risks include:

• Overheating when left plugged in continuously

• Malfunctions due to poor-quality manufacturing

• Unsafe placement near flammable materials

• Electrical outlets that are outdated or damaged or overloaded

MORE Plug-In Health Hazards Exposed

As researchers have taken a closer look at these seemingly hassle-free devices, they have discovered an astonishing number of toxic compounds are present in the scented gels that are vaporized into your home and breathed in by everyone, including your pets.

• Phthalates are endocrine disruptors known to interfere with hormone production and have been linked to reproductive abnormalities and birth defects. As the NRDC reported in their research, “Most phthalates are well known to interfere with production of the male hormone testosterone and have been associated with reproductive abnormalities”. Phthalates are on the State of California’s list of toxic substances “known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm”. 

• Formaldehyde is a well-known human carcinogen that has been definitively linked to cancers of the nose and throat. A 2013 study of more than 2,000 pregnant women (reported in the International Journal of Public Health) found that women who used plug-in air fresheners during gestation were statistically far more likely to have babies that suffered from serious lung infections.

• Most major brands of plug-in air fresheners contain a chemical known as Naphthalene. Naphthalene can cause tissue damage and cancer in the lungs of rodents in laboratory studies. It’s plausible to assume that it causes similar effects in humans.

• Toluene: Associated with developmental and reproductive abnormalities, as well as liver and kidney damage. It can cause irritated eyes, nose, and throat; dry or cracked skin; headache, dizziness, feeling of being drunk, confusion and anxiety.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Common pollutants that can cause breathing difficulties and asthma.

PLEASE, DON'T JUST THROW OUT YOUR PLUG-INS

Handle end-of-life disposal with appropriate safety and environmental considerations. Remove units from service and separate fragrance oil from plastic components. Follow these disposal guidelines:

• Fragrance oil handling:

  • Consult local hazardous waste protocols

  • Never pour remaining oil down drains

  • Use approved disposal facilities

NON-TOXIC ALTERNATIVES

• Ultrasonic essential oil diffusers disperse a fine fragrance mist without heat elements, ensuring complete fire safety while maintaining effectiveness. PRO TIP: ONLY USE YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS IN YOUR DIFFUSER TO ENSURE YOUR HOME IS SAFE FROM TOXIC, SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS.

  
  

• Living plants serve dual purposes in home fragrance:

  • Natural air purification through phytoremediation

  • Subtle, organic fragrance production

  • Popular aromatic options include:

    • Lavender

    • Jasmine

    • Eucalyptus

    • Sweet bay

    • Garden herbs

DON'T HAVE A GREEN THUMB?

Young Living has many Essential Oil Bundles up to 50% off retail prices to help keep your home safe as well as your wallet.

CLICK HERE and discover many affordable bundles that are perfect for your home. (The essential oils can also be used to make air freshener spray bottles, carpet deodorizers, sugar scrubs...the possibilities are endless!)

This is the Premium Starter Bundle that got us well on our way to a healthier home. Click HERE to get started on your oil journey.

I'M READY FOR A HEALTHIER AND SAFER HOME

NEW CUSTOMERS: Apply SHAREYL to the promo code box for an extra 10% off!

SHARE THE GOODNESS!

Scent has a powerful effect—it instantly sets the tone for your home and can make guests feel relaxed, cared for, and welcomed. A clean, thoughtfully scented home says, “I prepared this space just for you.” It feels personal and welcoming—not just tidy but inviting.

Once your guests get a whiff of these fall scents, they are going to start asking where they can get the essential oils for their home. Just share YOUR referral link and they will be sooo ecstatic when their home smells as good as yours, naturally.

How to Find Your Referral Link:

• Sign in to your Young Living account

• Click My Account, ShareYL

• Copy Referral Link

• Share it with your friends and family.

PRO TIP: Add your link to your phone contacts to make it easy to share.

When your friends and family use your referral link, Young Living will add a 25% of their order credit to your YL account to use on future orders. WIN WIN!!!

P.S. Don't forget to tell them to use promo code SHAREYL for 10% off their entire order.

Got questions on which bundle is right for you and your home? Email me at julie@wellspringofhope.net and we'll pick the perfect one for you.

Be wise...Be well...Be WYLD

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Hey there 👋,

Thanks for joining me in my little corner of the internet. I am an independent distributor of Young Living and an affiliate marketer for VRAI Cosmetics and WYLD Fragrance. I love fresh, clean, pure products to enhance my life which is why I chose to rep these products. And the extra income isn't too bad either. 😉

*** Any suggestions made in this blog are very specific to Young Living essential oils and should not be used with oils from another source. Statements made on this website about Young Living Essential Oils have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Anyone suffering from disease or injury should consult with a physician. If you are currently on medication, please DO NOT STOP until you have consulted with your physician.

We have done our own research on the purity of oils. I am confident in using oils in our recipes because we only use Young Living. They are beyond organic and never use pesticides, herbicides or any harmful chemicals. Their soil has never been exposed to them as well. I won’t ever suggest using any other oil company for ingestion because I don’t know of their purity. And please, only ingest YL VITALITY Essential Oils (white label).

I am not taking the place of your licensed medical professional; I do not diagnose and do not take responsibility for your health. I encourage you to do your research and seek out conversations with medical professionals that you love & trust.

This info is for learning purposes only. I am simply sharing what has worked for my family and friends. Please consult a health care practitioner when making any changes to your medical routine. This information is educational ONLY and not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. ***