Is Your Air Freshener Making Mold More Dangerous?
New research says the two together may be a bigger problem than either one alone.
A research team from the University of Miami, led by Sudheer Salana and co-authors Friedman, Austin, Shrestha, Kurmi, Washeem, and Wu, published a study in the Journal of Hazardous Materials (2026) that looked at something most people haven't thought much about: what happens when household mold and air fresheners share the same space? The results are worth knowing about. You can read the full study here.
Why US Homeowners Should Pay Attention
Mold is one of the most common household problems in America, especially after flooding, water damage, or extended stretches of high humidity. A lot of people reach for an air freshener when they notice a musty smell. This study looked at exactly what happens when those two things coexist.
When researchers exposed human lung cells to a combination of common household mold and air freshener, the harmful effect on those cells was 4 to 5 times greater than from the air freshener alone. That difference matters. The study tested commonly available air freshener products at various concentrations and found that even at lower levels, the combination had a measurably greater impact than either one on its own.
The study also found that the air fresheners themselves contained chemicals capable of irritating the airways and triggering asthma-related symptoms, separate from any mold interaction. One finding that stood out: some of those same chemicals can suppress mold growth, but suppressing mold and being safe for human lungs are two different things. The researchers noted that compounds responsible for slowing mold also posed their own risks to lung cells.
A Few More Things Worth Knowing
Scientists have typically studied mold and household cleaning products as separate concerns. This research is among the first to test what happens when they interact, and the early findings suggest that combination deserves more attention. Two other points from the study that are relevant to anyone thinking about home air quality:
Mold exposure has been linked in prior research not only to breathing problems like asthma and wheezing, but also to cardiovascular issues. Put that alongside cleaning products that already carry their own respiratory risks, and the picture becomes clearer.
Products marketed as "green" or natural are not automatically a safer option. Research cited in this study found that some natural and essential oil-based cleaning products still release toxic gases, including many of the same chemicals found in conventional products. The label does not always tell the full story.
Find Out What's Actually in Your Air
EezyAir offers a no-cost indoor air quality assessment so you can get a clearer picture of what you and your family are breathing at home. No pressure, no guesswork.
