Meghan Rebuli, PhD

Research Project:
Do Chemicals in Popular Air Fresheners Have Potential to Harm Key Airway Cells?

Grant Awarded:

Indoor Air Award

Research Topics:

air pollution
basic biologic mechanisms
biomarkers
public health

Research Diseases:

allergy
asthma

Air fresheners are a commonly used product by over 70% of the population of the United States to improve the smell of indoor spaces. Air fresheners are known to contribute to indoor air pollution through release of chemicals into the air, but little is known about what chemicals they contain and whether they may harm lung health. We know little about air freshener ingredients, since manufacturers are not required to disclose this information. Survey studies have shown links between air freshener use and increased airways symptoms, like cough, wheeze, asthma attacks, and runny nose, but no studies have directly evaluated how air fresheners can affect lung health. We will address both issues by identifying the chemical ingredients present in popular air fresheners and testing their potential to harm key airway cells.

Page last updated: October 30, 2025

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