Sprays and diffusers as indoor air fresheners: Exposure and health risk assessment based on measurements under realistic indoor conditions

Abstract

In temperate climates, most people spend nearly 90% of their time in indoor environments, mainly at home. Consequently, the indoor air quality is a topic of major importance for public health. [1][2][3] Noncombustible air fresheners, such as sprays and diffusers (ie, not burning incenses or scented candles), are commonly applied consumer products. These products can be specific indoor emission sources of air pollutants, for example, formaldehyde, particles, and terpenes, [4][5][6][7] and are a subject of concern. [6][7][8][9] The associated risks should be better understood. 7,10 In particular, only a few health risk assessment (HRA) studies have been conducted, generally studying a limited number of products and substances based on models and laboratory measurements carried out in emission test chambers. 6,[11][12][13][14][15] This study aimed to contribute to a better characterization of the exposure and risk levels associated with the household use of noncombustible air fresheners: an HRA was conducted on fifteen noncombustible air fresheners of various types based on measurements under realistic indoor conditions (i.e., under environmental