Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Your Lungs? What You Need to Know

Most people think of cleaning as a way to protect their family’s health but ironically, many household cleaners can actually harm the lungs. Everyday cleaning sprays, even scented air fresheners, have been linked by research to asthma, migraines, and reduced lung function. It’s no wonder why more families are searching for cleaning products safe for the lungs.

How Cleaning Products Affect Lung Health

Household cleaners aren’t just hard on dirt, they can be tough on your lungs, too. Studies show that both children and adults exposed to cleaning sprays face a higher risk of developing asthma or worsening existing respiratory issues.

• One in seven adult asthma cases has been linked to regular household cleaning spray use.
• Healthcare and custodial workers, who use these products daily, often show elevated rates of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Even children exposed at home are at increased risk for developing respiratory disorders.

These findings highlight that spray use isn’t just a workplace problem, exposure in the home can raise risks for adults and children alike. The more often sprays are used, the greater the likelihood of airway irritation, making product choice and cleaning habits an important part of respiratory health.

Cleaning Sprays and Asthma Risk

Sprays pose a higher risk because they create fine droplets and vapors that travel deep into the airways, where they can irritate the lining and trigger inflammation. Studies consistently show a dose-response pattern: the more often people use spray disinfectants, glass, and multi-surface cleaners - and the more different spray products they use - the higher their odds of asthma symptoms or diagnosis.

By contrast, applying a fragrance-free liquid to a cloth and wiping a surface keeps chemicals out of the air and is generally less irritating. Those with asthma or COPD, children, and anyone prone to fragrance-related migraines may be especially sensitive. Practical ways to lower risk include ventilating while cleaning, choosing fragrance-free (not “unscented”) options, and spraying onto a cloth rather than into the room. If a spray reliably triggers coughing or wheezing, consider non-spray alternatives or steam/microfiber, and discuss a plan with a clinician.

Why Air Fresheners Are Bad for Your Lungs

That “fresh linen” or “spring meadow” scent may be doing more harm to you than good. Air fresheners release chemicals into the air that can trigger migraines, worsen asthma, irritate your airways, and even chip away at long-term lung health.

It’s also more common than you might think, more than one-third of Americans report health problems when exposed to fragranced products. For many, these effects are disabling and lead to missed workdays, difficulty concentrating, and reduced quality of life.

Chemicals in Air Fresheners Linked to Cancer

One chemical of concern is 1,4-dichlorobenzene (para-dichlorobenzene), found in some air fresheners, toilet deodorizers, and mothballs. Higher exposure has been linked to:

• Reduced lung function even in otherwise healthy adults
• More frequent asthma and respiratory symptoms
• Greater risk of cardiovascular disease
• Increased risk of certain cancers

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies this as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B), which is a very clear reason to avoid products that contain it.

Other fragrance chemicals can also react indoors to create harmful by-products like formaldehyde (which is a known human carcinogen and airway irritant) and ultrafine particles that are especially risky in small, poorly ventilated spaces.

Why the CDC Bans Fragrances - and Why Workplaces Should Too

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) takes a strong position in this: just as smoking is prohibited in its facilities, so are scented and fragranced products. This policy isn’t just about preference, it reflects decades of evidence that fragrances can cause headaches, asthma attacks, and even long-term lung problems. The CDC protects both employees and visitors, especially those with respiratory conditions or chemical sensitivities, when they visit their facilities.

Fragrance-Free Policies in Workplaces

Businesses have plenty of good reasons to follow the CDC’s lead. Research shows:

• 1 in 5 consumers will leave a business if they encounter strong air fresheners or scents.
• More than half of Americans say they’d prefer fragrance-free workplaces, hotels, airplanes, and healthcare facilities.

The advantages go beyond customer comfort. For employees, a fragrance-free environment can mean fewer asthma flare-ups, migraines, and sick days, in turn boosting both productivity and morale. In other words, fragrance-free workplace policies are beneficial to businesses as well as to employees' health.

Safer Cleaning Options for Better Lung Health

The good news is that you don’t have to choose between a clean home and healthy lungs. By making a few smart switches, you can dramatically reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals while still keeping your home fresh and sanitized.

Non-Toxic and Green Cleaning Alternatives

• Fragrance-free, non-toxic cleaning products: You should look for products that clearly state “fragrance-free” (not just “unscented,” which may still contain masking scents). Certifications like EPA Safer Choice or Green Seal can help guide your choices.
  
  
• Avoid sprays: Swap aerosol sprays for liquid cleaners, wipes, or concentrated solutions that don’t release chemicals into the air.
  
  
• Use everyday pantry items: Baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and castile soap can tackle most cleaning tasks effectively without adding respiratory irritants.
  
  
• Microfiber cloths and steam cleaning: Sometimes the safest “cleaning product” is no product at all, just using a microfiber cloth or a steam mop can sanitize surfaces without chemicals.

How to Reduce Chemical Exposure at Home

• Ventilate while cleaning: Open windows and use fans to keep air circulating.
  
  
• Check sneaky labels: Watch for vague terms like “fragrance” or “parfum,” which can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals.
  
  
• Store smart: Keep strong products out of bedrooms, kitchens, and other living areas to limit off-gassing.
  
  
• Don’t mix products: Combining bleach and ammonia (often found in glass cleaners) can create toxic fumes. Stick to one product at a time.

Protecting Your Lungs Is Part of Protecting Your Future

Avoiding harmful cleaning chemicals is one step toward safeguarding your respiratory health, but wellness is about the bigger picture. At Advanced Medical Care, we believe true wellness and longevity come from prevention, early detection, and proactive lifestyle choices. Our experienced physicians serve patients throughout Brooklyn and Queens with compassionate, comprehensive care designed to help you breathe easier and live longer, healthier lives.

Whether you’re managing asthma, concerned about environmental exposures, or simply want a personalized plan for long-term wellness, our team is here to guide you. Call us today at 347-571-9389 (Queens) or 929-552-2973 (Brooklyn) to schedule an appointment, or book online to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fragrance-Free Cleaning Products & Lung Health

Are air fresheners bad for lungs?

Yes. Research has shown that air fresheners can release chemicals that worsen asthma, trigger migraines, reduce lung function, and even increase the risk of long-term health issues. For sensitive groups, such as children or people with asthma, even small exposures may cause noticeable symptoms.

Is “unscented” the same as “fragrance-free”?

No, not always. Unscented products may still contain masking agents to cover up odors, which can cause the same problems as fragranced products. Fragrance-free means no added scents, making it the safer option for people with asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities.

Which cleaning products are safer for people with asthma?

The best choices are fragrance-free, non-toxic, and non-spray cleaners. Liquid solutions you can put on a cloth, microfiber cloths, steam cleaning, and pantry staples like vinegar or baking soda are generally safer than aerosol sprays or heavily fragranced products.

Are essential oils a safe alternative?

Not necessarily. While marketed as “natural,” essential oils can still irritate the airways and trigger asthma or migraines in sensitive individuals. Diffusers and oil-based sprays release compounds into the air, so they’re not always the lung-friendly solution people assume.

Do plug-in air fresheners or ozone purifiers help?

Plug-in air fresheners add fragrance chemicals to the air, which may worsen lung function. Ozone purifiers are also problematic: ozone is itself an airway irritant, and these devices could even increase indoor pollutants. Ventilation and fragrance-free cleaning are safer ways to improve indoor air.

How can I reduce chemical exposure from cleaning products at home?

There are several ways you can reduce chemical exposure:

• Ventilating while cleaning
• Choosing fragrance-free products (not just “unscented”)
• Avoiding aerosol sprays
• Storing strong products outside main living areas
• Using simple, natural cleaners like baking soda or vinegar

Are green or eco-friendly cleaning products always safe for lungs?

Not always. “Green” or “eco-friendly” products often contain fewer harsh chemicals, some still include fragrances or essential oils that can irritate the lungs. Look for certifications like EPA Safer Choice or Green Seal and always read labels carefully.