CSPA criticizes NRDC study on air fresheners.

In a recent report, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) suggests that there are health concerns linked to the use of air freshener products for the home. In response to the report, CSPA President Chris Cathcart said, "The CSPA was disappointed with the report issued by the NRDC alleging health concerns linked to the use of air freshener products."

NRDC's report appears to have been based on a limited study of only one unit each of 14 air freshener products. As a result, the study seems to make unscientific generalizations about the products and the ingredients they contain. "CSPA and its members support the fair and unbiased evaluation of products in the interest of the consumer, but we expect that testing to be rigorous and scientific. The NRDC paper, in contrast, seems to rely merely on limited information and aims to create unwarranted fear among consumers," added Mr. Cathcart.

The CSPA has numerous concerns with the NRDC study. These concerns include the NRDC study conclusions being flawed: Statements about product safety should not be based on supposition based on a very limited study. For its paper, NRDC says it tested only one sample unit each of 14 products. The problem is, the study is limited and doesn't account for background contamination, laboratory error or numerous other variables that could occur with a small sample.

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Mr. Cathcart also asserts that "making generalizations about phthalates, as NRDC does in its paper, is scientifically unsound and irresponsible." Phthalates include a large array of chemicals used in industrial and consumer products. While some phthalates have been shown to have adverse effects, many of them have been deemed safe by the World Health Organization, Europe's Scientific Committee on Consumer Products, the Environmental Protection Agency as well as other organizations.

"Air freshener products that are on the market undergo extensive testing to meet or exceed the high standards and regulations set by government regulatory agencies. Companies conduct safety assessments including ingredient reviews, exposure and risk assessments and in-home testing," he said. "As an industry, air freshener producers are committed to providing consumers with products that enhance and freshen their homes, both safely and effectively when used as directed." More info: www.cspa.org.