Before you spray Febreze or plug in a Glade Plug-In, light a scented candle, or use some so-called air freshening wick, mist, aerosol, or other car or room deodorizer, think twice. Youll be shocked to learn their ingredients and the harmful effects they can cause. That Cleansing Rain, Summer Breeze, Fresh Country, Cool Morning Air or Berry Burst might be having disastrous effects on your health or the health of your family, including children and unborn fetuses.Hormone-Disrupting Phthalates:The Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC)an international environmental organizationconducted a study called, Clearing the Air: Hidden Hazards of Air Fresheners in which they found86% of air fresheners tested contained dangerous phthalates.Phthalates are used as plastic softeners, anti-foaming agents in aerosols, in vinyl found in childrens toys, automobiles, paints, pesticides, and in cosmetics and fragrances. According to the NRDC research, Most phthalates are well known tointerfere with production of the male hormone testosterone, and have been associated with reproductive abnormalities.Numerous animal studies have shown exposure to phthalates decreases testosterone, causes malformations of the genitalia, and reduced sperm production. Human studies link phthalates tochanges in hormones, poor semen quality, and changes in genital formation. Five phthalates, including one found in air fresheners are listed by the State of California as known to causebirth defects or reproductive harm. Additionally, phthalates in air fresheners are associated withallergic symptoms and asthma, according to the NRDC.Research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control found that themajority of the American population is routinely exposed to at least five different phthalates. Their research also shows that even if the exposures are small (they may not be!), there is a significant health threat due to the combination of phthalates acting as a higher dose.Discover the amount of phthalates in your favorite brands of air fresheners

Even in Low Doses:Additionally, new scientific research has been disproving the outdated belief that the dose makes the poison. In other words, that you have to have a high toxic exposure to have harmful health effects. With the advent of newer testing equipment along with greater volumes of research scientists have disproved this belief, particularly with hormone disruptors. Sometimes even seemingly miniscule amounts can have serious health consequences.Keep reading to discover what you can do