It's one of the most common objects in our homes and offices today, but some brands still contain cancer causing and brain damaging compounds that are responsible for hormonal and reproductive issues, birth defects and developmental disorders.

The culprit? Air fresheners.

Plenty of air fresheners available on the market today contain nerve-deadening chemicals. These chemicals coat your nasal passages and temporarily kill your sense of smell, according to the National Geographic Green Guide.

Shoppers should be aware of the ingredients list on the air fresheners they are purchasing. If you see benzene and formaldehyde, put the bottle down and walk away.

These two volatile organic compounds can cause headaches, nausea, aggravate asthma, neurological damage and cancer.

According to Scientific American, phthalates are also included in several air fresheners. These dispersants cause hormonal and reproductive issues, birth defects and developmental disorders. Even some "all-natural" and "unscented" air fresheners were tested positive for phthalates.

Knowing the damage that these products can cause to you and your loved ones, it's definitely advisable to stop using them as soon as possible.

Instead, try making your own natural air diffuser!

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