You may have heard aerosol sprays are harmful for the environment, but did you know they are also extremely toxic to human life? In this article, we answer what is a aerosol spray, how you can avoid this toxic mechanism in your home, and much safer alternatives to common household items we recommend. You will be shocked how many aerosol cans you probably have in your home right now.
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What is aerosol?
Aerosol sprays are ubiquitous in our daily lives, offering convenience and efficiency in various applications. However, the convenience they provide often comes at a hidden cost. Aerosols are products packaged in pressurized containers that dispense their contents as a fine mist or spray when the valve is depressed. These containers typically consist of a mixture of propellants and solvents along with their active ingredients. The contents are held under pressure, allowing for easy and controlled dispensing when the valve is pressed.
In order for aerosol sprays to work, hydrocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) often need to be added to the product’s formula. These added compounds can turn an otherwise “clean” product into a toxic one.
Why is aerosol spray harmful to the environment?
Aerosol sprays can harm the environment in several ways. First, the release of VOCs and HFCs contributes to air pollution and climate change, impacting the quality of our air and the stability of our climate. The disposal of aerosol containers can also pose a threat if not properly managed, as these containers can release residual propellants and solvents into the atmosphere.
It’s important to note that the use of CFCs in aerosol sprays has been largely phased out due to their harmful impact on the ozone layer. Today, aerosol products more commonly use hydrocarbons like butane, propane, isobutane, and pentane. Hydrocarbon propellants, particularly isobutane and propane, are considered greenhouse gases.
Why is aerosol spray harmful to human health?
Aerosol sprays can negatively affect human health through exposure to toxic chemicals. Inhaling aerosol propellants and solvents can lead to respiratory issues and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Prolonged exposure to certain toxins, such as phthalates and formaldehyde, found in some aerosol products, has been associated with adverse health effects, including cancer and reproductive problems.
Aerosol sprays can also trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals. Inhalation of these propellants in concentrated amounts can lead to respiratory irritation, dizziness, headache, and nausea. Prolonged exposure to these gases in high concentrations may result in more serious health effects.
Where are aerosol sprays commonly found?
Aerosol sprays have a wide range of applications, making them common in many aspects of our daily lives. They are found in personal care products like deodorants, hair sprays, and perfumes, as well as household items such as air fresheners, insecticides, and cleaning products. The automotive, industrial, and medical fields also use aerosols for various purposes.
How to avoid aerosol sprays
Luckily, it’s actually very easy to avoid aerosol sprays. You just need to make informed choices. It’s as easy as buying “this, not that.” Consider using alternative products that come in non-aerosol forms, such as roll-on or stick deodorants, pump sprays, or solid air fresheners. Look for eco-friendly and non-toxic alternatives that do not contain harmful chemicals. Below is our roundup of our favorite non-aerosol alternatives to common aerosol products found in most rooms in your home.
Non-aerosol alternatives to common household items
In your bathroom cabinet
Hair sprays
Some of our favorite hair spray brands are Innersense, EVOLVh and Yarok, and they all come in non-aerosol spray containers.
Deodorant sprays
Deodorant sprays became so popular in athletic settings because it was easy to share with other players on the team. But in this case, it is much healthier to stick to your traditional aluminum-free bars by Thinksport, Earth Mama, Agent Nateur, and Rustic Maka.
Shaving creams
You can still get a creamy lather without the propellants. The Pacific Shaving Company and Ursa Major Shave Creams are much better options.
Sunscreens
Almost all conventional sunscreens come in an aerosol can. These alternatives by Badger, Blue Lizard, and ThinkBaby are mineral based and come in a cream version. If you still want a “spray,” Babo Botanicals uses compressed air, and not toxic propellants for its spray! Read our article on sunscreens here
In your cleaning supply
Air fresheners
You should be avoiding most air fresheners anyway due to the toxic ingredients in fragrances. Add scents to your home using essentials oils and a ceramic diffuser instead.
House cleaning products
Many cleaning products come in aerosol form. You can usually find regular spray bottles or misters just as easily. Just pour your non-aerosol product solution into the bottles or misters. For our favorite all-purpose cleaner, buy castile soap or Branch Basics!
Mold and mildew remover
Almost all bathroom mildew removers at the store come in an aerosol can. You can find them in regular sprays online. Check out our article on how to get rid of mold naturally.
In the kitchen
Cooking sprays
Sorry PAM, there’s really no reason to get your oil in a spray bottle, just buy the regular version instead. If you like the convenience of a spray, buy these glass oil misters!
Whipped cream cans
On your next ice cream night, skip the aerosol cream, and just buy the tub. Or better yet, make your own whipped cream with an electric mixer.
In your medicine cabinet
Nasal sprays
The last thing you want to do when you’re sick is load up on toxins. Use this natural nasal spray without aerosol by Pressureze instead. Also comes in a child version.
Pain relief sprays
Skip the derm sprays, and get these natural rubs by Boiron instead to soothe joint and muscle pain. Or this Magic Balm by Dr. Bronner’s.
In the garage
Spray glues and adhesives
Often you will find things like fabric glues and other adhesives in aerosol cans. Just keep walking down the aisle, and you will find their non-spray versions which work just as effectively.
Sources:
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).” https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). “Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).” https://unfccc.int/topics/ozone-action/hydrofluorocarbons-hfcs
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. “Phthalates.” https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/phthalates/index.cfm
- National Cancer Institute. “Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk.” https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. “Asthma and Allergies in Children.” https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/asthma-library/asthma-and-allergies-in-children
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