On The Nose Scents and sensibility.

For many Australians, the ‘clean’ claims of fragrance-laden products in the home are not to be sniffed at, writes Paula Goodyer.

Air fresheners, scented candles, fragrant cleaning products and aromatic bin bags may smell nice but don’t necessarily improve indoor air. In fact, many are more likely to pollute it, says Anne Steinemann, professor of civil engineering and chair of the Sustainable Cities research initiative at the University of Melbourne.

Professor Steinemann’s 2017 study found that 33 per cent of Australians reported health problems in reaction to scented household products.

“We know that exposure to fragranced products is linked with respiratory problems and headaches, for example,” she says. “We don’t know what all the long-term effects might be.”

The manufacturers of such products aren’t required to list all ingredients, and reassuring words such as ‘eco’ or ‘natural’ carry little weight. According to Professor Steinemann, results of tests comparing hazardous emissions across a range of air-freshening products found very little difference in those making ‘green’ claims.

What about candles? Those made from soy wax are generally not harmful, concluded scientists from South Carolina State University in a 2009 study. They did find that candles made from paraffin release pollutants that could increase the risk of allergies and asthma. But even soy-based candles don’t necessarily get a tick of approval from Professor Steinemann. If they contain fragrance, they can be problematic, she says.

So can essential oils. Although some studies suggest these can have health benefits, they also produce ultra-fine particles that may cause eye and airway irritation, according to a 2011 study by Taiwanese researchers.

At home, we at least have a choice about whether to use scented products, but it’s harder to avoid them in public spaces or business premises, says Professor Steinemann, who notes that some US workplaces now have fragrance-free policies.

For fresher air, she suggests opening a window or turning on a fan. She recommends avoiding scented products, and cleaning with white vinegar and bicarb.

“If you really want fragrance, try fresh flowers or bunches of herbs,” she adds. “But recognise that even these natural sources can be a problem for some.”

“Exposure to fragranced products is linked with respiratory problems and headaches ... We don’t know what the long-term effects might be.” Professor Anne Steinemann, University of Melbourne