Many cleaning products have “fragrance” listed as one of its main ingredients. While it’s a very attractive ingredient and selling point for many cleaning products, most chemicals labeled as “fragrance” are dangerous and harmful to the environment.

Most fragrances in cleaning products, especially cleaning sprays and odor removal sprays, are based on a chemical called toluene. Toluene is a product derived and synthesized from petroleum, which is the same source of gasoline, diesel, and other fuel. Toluene is also an active ingredient in dynamite.

When inhaled in large doses, toluene can cause lung damage, eye irritation, and even suffocation. If you have to use a deodorant spray, use it sparingly. As soon as you can detect the smallest hint of the fragrance, you have sprayed enough. Better yet, hold off on air fresheners altogether. Clean homes don’t need the use of air fresheners at all. If you learn from this article, you’ll surely be interested in learning how to choose a cleaning prodcut.