Nine air-fresheners have been targeted by consumer watchdog DECO, which is demanding they are withdrawn from the market for containing toxic substances.
The association tested 18 air-fresheners and detected substances which are “unacceptable in household products” in four brands of incense and five of essential oils.
DECO blames the manufacturers for taking advantage of the “lack of legislation” concerning the use of these “toxic and “harmful” substances.
Brands of incense that have raised concerns according to DECO are Devineau, Gato Preto, Jacob Hooy and Natura, for containing benzene and formaldehyde which are known for being carcinogenic.
DECO’s Teste Saúde magazine, which published the results, revealed that the benzene released from burning just one incense stick could be equivalent to five cigarettes.
Regarding essential oils, brands that should be avoided, according to DECO, are Cardiff, Claremont & May Duft, Gato Preto, Jacob Hooy and Natura, as the levels of formaldehyde released are harmful to the indoor air quality, according to recommendations by the World Health Organisation.
