Researchers said often use of such chemicals looked to increase the risk of diarrhoea, earache and other signs in infants as well as headaches and depression in mothers.

The results came from a survey of more than 10,000 women on the use of fresheners and other aerosols during pregnancy and early childhood, as well as their health and that of their offspring.
The study is among the first to look at the effects of chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), on infants. Researchers in Australia lately proposed high levels of VOCs may add to asthma in toddlers.

Statistics had it that more than 40% of families used air fresheners regularly.

"People may think that using these products makes their homes cleaner and healthier, but being cleaner might not necessarily mean being healthier.
"Air fresheners combined with other aerosol and household products contribute to a tough mixture of chemicals and a build-up of VOCs in the home environment.

Pregnant women and babies up to six months may be particularly susceptible, because they spend around 80% of their time at home. There may also be implications for other groups who are at home a good deal, such as old people.

Women may be more prone to the effects of solvents due to their greater percentage of body fat, and the "complex mixture of unknown chemicals" in the home may have an extra effect on their and their babies' health.

It is said that 32% more babies suffered diarrhoea in homes where air fresheners were used daily than in those where they were used once a week or less. They also suffered more from earache.

Daily use of aerosols in other products were associated with a 30% rise in diarrhoea, and, to a lesser extent, vomiting. Mothers suffered nearly 10% more headaches where air fresheners and aerosols were used daily. There was also a link between fresheners and levels of maternal depression; 16% of mothers reporting depression compared with 12.7% of those who seldom used them, an extra risk of 26%.

The questions on aerosol and air freshener use were included after levels of VOCs were studied in 170 randomly selected homes. nd their babies' health.
Aerosols can be naturally or man made generated. The latter can also be produced inadvertently as a portion of combustion emissions, but they are also produced intentionally for commercial uses.

Manufactured aerosols (nano particles and nano materials) are playing an increasing role in water, soil, and air treatments; efficient energy production and storage;
About three-quarters of all aerosols found in Earth's atmosphere come from natural sources.

NATURAL SOURCES OF AEROSOLS

Sea salt

Soil and rock debris

Products from volcanic eruption

Smoke from burning forest