Some Air Fresheners Could Hurt More Than Help
SIEBERG: When you combine an air freshener like this with an ozone machine like this, you might think you get extra clean air, right? Not so fast. That may not be the case, as Holly Firfer reports.</s>HOLLY FIRFER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With searing summer temperatures around the corner, many people may opt to stay inside to beat the heat and smog. But a recent report suggests that the air inside your home could make you sick. From harmful pollutants that form when plug-in air fresheners and ozone combine, the result, a toxic brew that includes formaldehyde.</s>BARRY RYAN, EMORY UNIVERSITY: Essentially you're making it so you can have smog incidents inside your house similar to those that are outside your house, and you just really don't want to do that.</s>FIRFER: In a controlled study, researchers at the Environmental Protection Agency measured the reaction between the fragrances commonly found in home air fresheners and high levels of ozone gas. They found the chemical reaction produced a few dangerous compounds including formaldehyde, a carcinogen that can affect respiratory health. But, the EPA says that although the findings are important, the public should not be overly concerned. They say that while ozone can enter from outside or from ozone generating air cleaners, the levels obtained in the study are not reflective of a normal household atmosphere. But, there is one finding that has the EPA and other experts in agreement. They say that using ozone generators to eliminate household odors is a bad idea. The one thing consumers may wish to take away from this study is something the EPA has stated previously, that the use of ozone generating air cleaners is not recommend. In nature, ground leveled ozone forms when the sun heats air pollution from car exhausts and factory emissions. And studies show that persistent exposure to high ozone levels can affect kids, the elderly, and others at risk for lung trouble, including people with asthma. So, experts maintain that using ozone generators is like cooking up your own supply of outdoor pollutants inside of your home. I would caution people if they are to use ozone generators in the house, they should be aware of what kind of secondary pollutants that it might be making.</s>FIRFER: Wise advice for anyone who truly wants to clear the air while remaining healthy.</s>ANNOUNCER: Just ahead: How the deadly Gila Monster may someday make people healthier.