This Proctor & Gamble product is advertised as making odors disappear regardless of how offensive. P&G claim the air freshener contains only an odor eliminator, water, fragrance, non-flammable natural propellant, and quality control ingredients. After reading what EWG found, I am not so sure about the P&G claim for Freeze
It appears they are using harmful chemicals to cover up the offensive odors.
Here is what EWG found:
- Acetaldehyde: on California’s Prop 65 list for cancer and reproductive toxicity.
- Ethyl Acetate: a chemical toxic to the brain and nervous system.
- BHT: linked with neurotoxicity, hormone disruption, allergies, and irritation to the skin, eyes, or lungs.
- Propylene glycol: linked with allergies and skin and eye irritation.
- 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol: also used in flame retardants, resins, plastics, and rubber; has been linked with cancer in animal studies, according to the California Environmental Protection Agency.
NRDC Found Similar Results in 2007
Interestingly enough, the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) also tested 14 different air fresheners in 2007, including Febreze, and found they contained phthalates, which are hormone-disrupting chemicals and have been linked with childhood asthma. Again, none of the products disclosed these ingredients.
“Consumers have a right to know what is put into their air fresheners and other everyday products they bring into their homes,” said Dr. Gina Solomon, NRDC senior scientist. “There are too many products on the shelves that we assume are safe, but have never even been tested.””
