According to the study, "the fresh scent of air fresheners may mask a health threat – chemicals called phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) that can cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects, and reproductive problems." In addition, air fresheners contain fragrances, which are irritants associated with watery eyes, headaches, skin and respiratory irritation, asthma and allergic reactions.

A study of 14,000 pregnant women in the United Kingdom performed by epidemiologists at the University of Bristol in England showed a link between the use of air fresheners and aerosol sprays and an increase in headaches and depression in the mothers, as well as ear infections and diarrhea in their babies.

If you want to scent your home, consider using Method products, which are toxin-free (including phthalates), lightly scented, and readily available at Target. Or you can order online directly from Method and get a nifty shopping tote with your order over $20. And while you’re there, check out their Home for the Holidays Kits.

Clearly not all air fresheners were tested in this study, but the ones that were tested and deemed free of harmful phthalates were the following:

• Febreze Air Effects Air Refresher
• Renuzit Subtle Effects

Running a close second were the following air fresheners:

• Citrus Magic
• Lysol Brand II Disinfectant
• Oust Fan Liquid Refills

Marginal (not safe, nor completely unsafe) air fresheners were the following:

• Febreze NOTICEables Scented Oil

• Glade Air Infusions

• Glade PlugIn Scented Oil

• Oust Air Sanitizer Spray

Deemed UNSAFE were the following air fresheners:

• Ozium Glycol-ized Air Sanitizer
• Walgreens Scented Bouquet Air Freshener
• Walgreens Solid Air Freshener
• Walgreens Air Freshener Spray

Worthy of note is that Walgreens has elected to remove their store-brand air fresheners from the shelves as a result of this study, and work on developing air fresheners with safer formulations.