The next time you find yourself reaching out for scented candles or fragranced air fresheners and cleaning products, think twice.

A study has found that lemon and pine-scented products may be infusing homes with poisonous chemicals. The study measured the levels of a range of volatile organic chemicals in houses over five days.

Researchers found the level of limonene, a citrus-scented chemical found in cleaning products, air-fresheners, candles and foods, was extremely high in some of the houses that were tested.

Limonene, while posing little hazard to health on its own, reacts with ozone to produce formaldehyde, a carcinogen.

However, for those fond of a citrussy fragrance, all is not lost. Opening windows, doors and certain plants such as English Ivy , while geraniums, lavender and various ferns, have been found to absorb formaldehyde in the atmosphere.

Experts say that the best fragrance for homes isn't fresh citrus but natural lavender from house plants.

Source: Times of India

BDST: 1659 HRS, FEB- 24, 2016
Edited by:  Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor