Effects of spray air fresheners and scented candle exposure on air quality, growth, and locomotor activity in rats

Mariam Abdulsalam Al  Maliki; Nada Abdulrahman Al  Easawi

doi:10.18502/japh.v11i1.21272

Mariam Abdulsalam Al Maliki Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
Nada Abdulrahman Al Easawi Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/japh.v11i1.21272

Keywords: Air fresheners; Scented candle; Indoor air quality; Locomotor activity; Growth rate

Abstract

Introduction: Air fresheners and scented candles release harmful chemicalsindoors, potentially posing health risks with prolonged exposure.

Materials and methods: This study investigated the effects of inhalingemissions from these products on growth and locomotor activity in rats. Fortyrats (180–200g) were randomly assigned to four groups: air freshener (A),scented candle (B), combined exposure (D), and control (C). Exposures wereconducted in a controlled inhalation chamber for 10, 20, and 30 days (1 h/day),with 15 min of direct exposure. Environmental parameters (Particulate Matter(PM2.5, PM10), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs), Formaldehyde(HCHO), temperature, and humidity) were monitored at three time intervals:0–15 min (emission), 15–30 min (without emission), and 30–60 min (withoutemission), using a portable monitoring device.

Results: Significant increases (P≤0.05) in PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, and HCHOwere observed in group D compared to other groups. Rats in group D showedreduced growth rate and locomotor activity.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that combined exposure worsens indoorair quality and may impair physiological and behavioral health.