Oncologists urge you to stop using this popular product.

It's not cigarettes or processed foods that oncologists want people to limit; the product that is used almost daily in homes, offices, and cars.

Illustration photo: Getty Images

The gentle scent of lavender and the refreshing citrus fragrance of air fresheners have long been a familiar part of many homes. However, behind this pleasant feeling, oncologists are issuing a significant warning: many air fresheners may contain chemicals that pose potential health risks, and some may even be linked to cancer.

According to experts, the risk of cancer doesn't just come from major factors like genetics or smoking, but can also accumulate from small daily exposures to chemicals in the environment.

“Most people think about cancer risk in terms of genetics or major lifestyle factors like smoking,” says Dr. Amar Rewari, chief of radiation oncology at Luminis Health and assistant lecturer at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. “But what we are exposed to every day in our homes is also very important. Cancer risk often builds up from small exposures that accumulate over time.”

Air fresheners are being singled out.

Oncologists interviewed suggested that air fresheners, including sprays, plug-in models, or car air fresheners, are products whose use should be limited.

“Walking into most homes, offices, or cars, you’re likely to encounter pleasant scents like lavender, citrus, or a clean fragrance,” says Dr. Michael J. Levitt, a hematologist and oncologist at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “These scents make the space feel more inviting. But the worrying question is: what are we actually breathing in?”

Photo: Getty Images

According to experts, many fragrance products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – a group of chemicals that can be released into the air and persist for a long time after use.

Some substances in this group, such as benzene and formaldehyde, have been studied for their potential health hazards. Experts warn that exposure to high concentrations or over long periods of time can increase the risk of respiratory diseases and some forms of cancer.

"These chemicals don't simply disappear after being sprayed," Dr. Levitt said. "They can linger in the air, react with other substances, and create additional indoor pollutants."

Although there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence that air fresheners cause cancer in humans, doctors believe that reducing exposure remains a reasonable option, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

“We don’t have conclusive evidence that air fresheners cause cancer in humans,” said Dr. Lee Hong, an internal medicine oncologist at City of Hope Orange County. “However, from the perspective of reducing chemical exposure, limiting the use of these products, especially in enclosed spaces, is reasonable.”

Concerning ingredients

According to Dr. Adeel Khan, a hematology-oncology and epidemiology specialist at the University of Texas Southwestern, many air fresheners contain a mixture of natural and synthetic chemicals, including some controversial components.

• Terpenes: These are plant-derived compounds that create scents like pine or lavender. Although often considered "natural," terpenes can still irritate the respiratory tract.

• Formaldehyde: Some terpenes can react with other substances in the air to produce formaldehyde, a substance classified as a potential carcinogen.

• Phthalates: These substances help fragrances last longer but are suspected of being linked to endocrine disruption and certain types of cancer, including breast cancer.

In addition, other synthetic volatile organic compounds in fragrance products are also being further studied to assess their long-term impact on human health.

There's no need to panic, but you should change your habits.

Experts emphasize that the goal is not to cause people excessive anxiety about the environment, but rather to raise awareness so they can make safer choices.

"Focusing on past exposures doesn't help much," Dr. Rewari said. "What you can do is change small habits starting now."

The simplest recommended solution is to increase natural ventilation. In addition, there are several safer alternatives such as:

• Use baking soda or activated charcoal to absorb odors.

• Regularly dispose of trash and control humidity in the house.

• Use an air purifier

• Create natural fragrances using fresh flowers, boiled citrus peels, or cloves.

Reduce your risk of cancer with small changes.

Besides limiting products containing volatile chemicals, oncologists believe that maintaining a healthy lifestyle remains the most important factor in disease prevention. Basic recommendations include:

• Eat plenty of green vegetables, fruits, and fresh foods.

• Limit processed foods

• Do not smoke or use e-cigarettes.

• Use sunscreen and avoid excessive UV exposure.

• Regular cancer screenings based on age and individual risk factors.

"Cancer doesn't usually stem from a single cause," Dr. Lee Hong emphasized. "It's small, consistent changes over time that make a big difference."

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/cac-bac-si-ung-thu-mong-ban-ngung-dung-san-pham-thong-dung-nay-10417268.html