Steinemann et al surveyed selected scented consumer goods and using gas chromatography found that the products emitted more than 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including some that are classified as toxic or hazardous by federal laws. Even products advertised as “green,” “natural,” or “organic” emitted as many hazardous chemicals as standard ones.  The survey was published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

Steinemann’s team tested 25 air fresheners, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, disinfectants, dish detergents, all-purpose cleaners, soaps, hand sanitizers, lotions, deodorants, and shampoos.  A single fragrance in a product can contain a mixture of hundreds of chemicals.