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The formulation of an air freshener can have different toxic effects. Most air fresheners are safe for small amounts. Children can get serious side effects from inhaling the gel-type evaporative beads and reed diffuser solution. Repeated exposure to air fresheners can cause adverse health effects and environmental damage.

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For decades, air fresheners were used to mask unpleasant smells. Aerosols were the first to be used at home. These aerosols are sprayed in the air to create a fine mist that lasts. Aerosols were banned in the 1990s due to environmental and health concerns. Manufacturers responded by transforming air fresheners into scented oils, solids and gels. The most advanced versions can be heat activated and spray continuously throughout the day. The names of the fragrances are being renamed. The names of traditional scents like "rose" and "lemon" are being replaced by more exotic soundsing names such "Tahitian Spring Mist" or the "Dewy Citrus Orchard".

Many air fresheners have a range of essential oils and fragrances. Pleasant odors are chemicals that contain fragrances. Essential oils are oils that naturally occur in plants. Essential oils are the oil that contains the essence or scent of the plant. This is why they are called essential. Essential oils can be found in cinnamon oil, pine oil and lavender oil.

Most liquid air fresheners such as plug-in refill bottle and reed diffusers contain essential oils and fragrances that have been dissolved in a solvent, such isopropyl alcohol. This solvent is also known as rubbing alcohol. The solvent evaporates, which helps to carry the fragrance into air. Cone-type air fresheners contain the fragrance embedded within wax. Evaporating beads and gel products allow for slow evaporation, which prolongs the fragrance's presence. Sprays that are aerosolized use compressed gas propellants such as propane or butane. Many spray products add fragrance to the air. However, some disinfectants are used to remove odors. These chemicals are meant to kill bacteria and mold. One example is ethanol, which can also be found in alcoholic drinks.

These products are popular, but there are concerns about indoor air pollution. Long-term exposure can pose a risk to your health. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are released into the air by air fresheners. VOCs are chemical compounds that easily convert to vapor or gas at room temperature. The chemicals in air fresheners, as well as their secondary pollutants, are believed to cause health problems. Secondary pollutants form when chemicals in products combine with the already present ozone. These products can cause health problems even if they are used according to the instructions. These products have been linked to unintentional injuries, such as burns caused by near-ignition of flammable air fresheners.

Air freshener can cause skin irritation and reddening. The discomfort usually disappears after washing the affected area. A rash can also be caused by fragrances. Although small amounts of air freshener can cause irritation and reddening in the eyes, these symptoms should disappear within one hour. If the eyes do not return to normal within an hour of irrigation, a medical evaluation is recommended. A spray of air freshener can cause a slight cough, choking or difficulty in catching your breath by being briefly inhaled. Fresh air should quickly reverse these effects.

Toxicities can be caused by inhaling air freshener. These effects range from minor irritation to severe life-threatening ones. Because the scent is embedded in wax, it is unlikely that the user will experience any symptoms. A small amount of the wax can cause choking in children under five years old, but it is not toxic. When swallowed in small quantities, liquid air freshener can cause minor irritation, nausea, or vomiting. Intoxication or drowsiness can be caused by swallowing large quantities of liquid air freshener. Spray air freshener can have similar effects to liquids, but it is not recommended that you swallow large quantities of the spray.