Air Freshener Explosions: Doctor's Warning and Safety Tips

Car air fresheners are common and sometimes stylish items found in cars worldwide. Now, these fragrant items are potential hazards following a recent explosion in a car. In a trending video on TikTok with over 61 million views, Kenny B, a resident of the United States, is seen on a hospital bed in pain as she wipes her eyes with wipes. This incident highlights the risks associated with car air fresheners and underscores the importance of understanding these risks and taking necessary precautions.

Car air freshener incident overview

In March 2024, Kenny B was left hospitalized after a Bath & Body Works car air freshener exploded in her face. In a trending video on TikTok, Kenny appears extremely distraught, in pain, and with a potential eye injury and facial burns.

It appears she required immediate medical attention as she is lying on a hospital bed. The following text is written over the video: “POV: a bath and body works car air freshener overheated and exploded in your face so now you have ocular damage and chemical burns.”

@yourfinestpardon I hope this isnt true!!! #bathandbodyworks #airfreshener ♬ original sound - yourfinestpardon

Later in the video, we see that the car air freshener explosion bleached the interior of her car.

So, how did it happen? How did a sweet-smelling car air freshener morph into a nightmare on wheels? Heat plus pressure — the perfect combination for air fresheners to explode. According to Dr. Kunal Sood, the explosion happened because the car air freshener overheated.

Understanding car air freshener explosions

Air fresheners are known to be a flammable risk and are hazardous products. In fact, they are among the most toxic things in a household, as a lot of them contain toxic chemicals.

Causes of explosions

Certain ingredients in air fresheners can be flammable. Some of these ingredients are benzene derivatives, aldehydes, phenols, and toluenes, which can pose serious health hazards when reacting with other indoor pollutants.

Exploding air fresheners occur under different conditions, such as high temperatures, direct sunlight, pressure buildup, mechanical damage/defects, or improper storage.

Scientific explanation

In the study of a case of burns after using automated air fresheners, it was reported that air fresheners can explode due to the high flammable risk of aerosol droplets. These tiny droplets spread over a large area, making them extremely flammable.

This increased flammability amplifies the risk of chemical burns, eye injury, and fires. Also, when air fresheners are exposed to high temperatures or pressure, they can ignite, leading to explosions and significant burn risks.

According to Dr. Kunal Sood, exposing car air fresheners to direct sunlight or extreme heat for an extended time can contribute to air freshener incidents.

Safety precautions to prevent explosions

The safe usage of air fresheners is crucial in order to prevent harmful events. Manufacturers usually provide guidelines/instructions and warnings for air fresheners. They also provide specific safety precautions.

General instructions are as follows:

• Read all the instructions. Carefully read all instructions and warnings on the product label before using the product.
• Usage. For aerosol sprays, shake well before use; for plug-in devices, insert the refill according to the instructions provided; for solid fresheners, remove the outer wrapping before use; for gel fresheners, open the lid or remove the seal to activate the fragrance. Do not inhale air freshener fumes.
• Placement. Air fresheners should be used in a well-ventilated area — in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. They should not be placed directly on surfaces that could be damaged by chemicals or oils. Car air fresheners are best placed on the vent clips of the car’s air vents. This allows the aroma of the air freshener to spread throughout the inside of the car.

First aid for chemical burns and eye injuries

When faced with an air freshener explosion, there are important immediate steps to take in order to minimize its effects.

For minor chemical burns when an air freshener explodes in your face, take the following steps:

1. Remove any contaminated clothing.
2. Rinse the burnt area with cool, running water for at least 15–20 minutes.
3. Avoid rubbing the area/areas affected by the burn.
4. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water to remove any chemical residue.
5. Cover the burn with a sterile, non-sticky bandage or cloth to clean it.
6. Seek medical attention even if the burn seems minor.

When to seek medical help

If the chemical burn is major, immediately call emergency services and take the steps listed above until emergency help arrives. Various signs, such as severe burns, breathing difficulties, severe pain, and changes in vision, could mean professional medical attention is required.

There are various long-term treatment options for chemical burns and eye injuries. Some of these include medicated eye drops, eye lubricants, and topical antibiotics.

Legal and consumer protection aspects

There are potential legal actions that can be taken by those affected by air freshener incidents.

• The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection is responsible for protecting consumers. They can be a resource for reporting air freshener explosions/incidents and for seeking assistance.
• The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provides information and assistance related to product safety.

Alternatives to traditional car air fresheners

There are several options for air fresheners that can provide pleasant scents without using potentially harmful chemicals or aerosols. Some non-flammable air freshening options include activated charcoal air purifiers, gel air fresheners, coffee grounds, and citrus peels.

Homemade and eco-friendly solutions include essential oil sprays (like pine oil), baking soda air fresheners, vinegar solutions, and herbal sachets.

Expert opinions and recommendations

Medical professionals state that burns caused by exploding air fresheners cause serious injuries and even death. They believe that there is an urgent need to raise public awareness about the dangers of using air fresheners by reporting all incidents.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health suggests to “Limit your use of air fresheners. They are not needed in most cases”. They also recommend using air fresheners that contain fewer chemicals.

Ultimately, while it may seem harmless to use air fresheners to improve the scent in personal environments, such as our cars, it is important to carefully follow their safety instructions. Air fresheners should be used with extreme caution, and any incidents must be reported to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. Where possible, try to use natural alternatives.