Air Effects Air Freshener

Name: Air Effects Air Freshener
Brand: Febreze

PFR Grade

Avoid — high plastic content with documented health risks

Febreze contains synthetic fragrances with undisclosed chemical compositions, propylene glycol, and is an aerosol that creates a chemical mist inhaled by everyone in the room. One of the worst products for indoor air quality.

PFR Avoid

Aerosol air freshener with synthetic fragrance. One of the most popular air fresheners in the US.

Score Breakdown

How scores are calculated

Materials (40%): How plastic-free the product is — raw materials, construction, and coatings.

Packaging (20%): Is the product packaged in plastic? Is it recyclable?

Transparency (20%): Does the brand disclose ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing?

Durability (20%): How long does it last? Longer-lasting products reduce plastic waste over time.

Materials

Packaging

Transparency

Durability

$6See Safer Alternatives in Cleaning

This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.

Last updated: April 5, 2026

Share:X / Twitter Facebook

Critical Exposure Risk — Why This Product Category Matters

Cleaning products are among the most chemically complex household items. Many contain synthetic fragrances (which can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals), surfactants, preservatives, and plastic packaging that leaches into the product. Inhalation during use adds a respiratory exposure route.

Synthetic Plastic Content

synthetic plastic by weight

Why We Rated It This Way

Febreze is one of the most chemically concerning household products. Synthetic fragrances with undisclosed compositions, propylene glycol, and aerosol delivery means everyone in the room inhales a chemical mist. Opening windows is a safer and free alternative.

Chemical & Health Analysis

Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.

Contains:Aerosol can

Phthalates

Source

Synthetic fragrance aerosol

Health Risk

Inhalation of phthalate-containing fragrance mist by everyone in the room

Who Is Most At RiskEveryone in the home, especially children and pregnant women

Peer-Reviewed Sources

All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.