Oncologists Are Begging People To Stop Using This Common Cleaning Product

It goes without saying-but we'll say it anyway-that you'd likely do anything in your power to protect yourself against cancer. But it can often feel hopeless, especially if cancer runs in your family or you know of a young, healthy person who developed the disease.

Oncologists want to shift the narrative about the constellation of factors that can increase cancer risk, some of which are in our control.

"Most people think about cancer risk in terms of genetics or big lifestyle factors like smoking," says Dr. Amar Rewari, MD, the chief of radiation oncology for Luminis Health, an adjunct assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a podcast host. "But what we're exposed to in our homes every day matters too. Cancer risk is often shaped by small exposures that add up over time."

Another oncologist agrees. Family history matters when it comes to cancer risk, but so do the products we use in our home. We're exposed to them daily, after all.

"Many household products release chemicals into the air we breathe, and even if each exposure is small, it can add to our overall 'chemical load' over time," Dr. Lee Hong, MD, Ph.D., a medical oncologist specializing in thoracic oncology at City of Hope Orange County, tells Parade.

These days, you may see tons of news headlines and social media posts raising flags about chemicals in household and personal care products and cancer risk. It's scary. But the oncologists Parade spoke with want to be clear: Fear is not their endgame.

"This is not about being afraid of your environment," Dr. Rewari says. "It is about understanding it so you can make simple, practical choices where it makes sense."

To help you create a healthier home, oncologists share one cleaning product they do not recommend. Here's what to know.

Related: The Popular Cooking Method Oncologists Are Begging People To Limit

The Common Cleaning Product To Avoid, According to Oncologists

Oncologists are urging people to stop using air fresheners, saying some research suggests that using this common cleaning product might expose you to harmful chemicals that could increase your cancer risk.

"Walk into almost any home, office or car, and you're likely greeted by the comforting scent of lavender, citrus or 'fresh linen,'" reports Dr. Michael J. Levitt, MD, FACP, HMDC, a hematologist/oncologist at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "These fragrances are designed to make spaces feel clean and inviting. But behind those pleasant aromas, scientists are asking a more unsettling question: what are we actually breathing in?"

Dr. Levitt and the other oncologists Parade spoke with agree that, often, we're breathing in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by many air fresheners. While "organic" is buzzy in the health and wellness space, VOCs are a group of chemicals, and substances such as benzene and formaldehyde fall under their umbrella.

"At high levels or with prolonged exposure, these compounds have been linked to a range of health concerns," Dr. Levitt states. "They don't simply vanish after being sprayed. Instead, they can linger in the air and react with other substances, forming additional pollutants indoors."

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For instance, VOCs have been associated with a higher risk of lung cancer. According to the American Lung Association, there aren't any studies directly linking air fresheners to lung health issues, but at least one is in the works.

"We don't have conclusive 'air freshener causes cancer in humans' proof, but from an exposure-reduction standpoint, it's not unreasonable if you want to cut back on these products, especially if used intensively in small, poorly ventilated spaces," Dr. Hong explains.

There's also no hard, fast guideline on what qualifies as "unsafe exposure" to air fresheners.

"There is no defined level of normal household use that has been shown to be unsafe," Dr. Rewari says. "Cancer risk develops over time and is influenced by many factors, not one product."

Related: Oncologists Say This Is the #1 Cancer Risk Factor No One Talks About

Ingredients in Air Fresheners

Air fresheners can contain volatile organic compounds.

"These can be natural, synthetic or semi-synthetic, and any given air freshener typically contains a mix," states Dr. Adeel Khan, MD, MPH, MS, a hematologist/oncologist and epidemiologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Dr. Khan explains that some ingredients in air fresheners that may pose health risks include:

• Terpenes. Plant-derived compounds in "natural" scents, like pinene (for a pine/fresh scent) and linalool (for a lavender/floral scent). "These are generally considered to be the safest, but they can cause respiratory irritation," Dr. Khan says.
• Formaldehyde. Dr. Khan warns that terpenes can react with certain molecules to generate formaldehyde, a synthetic VOC and known carcinogen.
• Other synthetic VOCs. Aldehydes give products a fresh, soapy scent, and items with esters smell fruity. Formaldehyde is an aldehyde, but the risks of other synthetic VOCs are less established," Dr. Khan says.
• Phthalates. Phthalates, including diethyl phthalate, are in air fresheners to stabilize the fragrance and let the aroma linger. But Dr. Khan warns that phthalates are linked to endocrine disruption and cancers, including breast cancer.

Related: Oncologists Are Begging You To Stop Making This Microwave Mistake Immediately

Other Ways To Freshen Your Air

Air freshener exposure might raise cancer risk, which is scary. But remember, you can't change what already happened.

"Focusing on past exposure is not helpful," Dr. Rewari says. "What you can do is make small changes going forward if you want to. Cutting back or switching to other options is a simple way to reduce exposure without adding stress."

The easiest way? Open a window.

"Opening windows when possible can make a big difference," Dr. Rewari recommends. "Improving ventilation and addressing the source of odors is often more effective than covering them up. Things like taking out trash regularly, managing humidity or using an air purifier can help."

Dr. Khan shares some other products-likely available at your grocery store (if you don't already have them)-also exist.

"Odor-absorbing compounds like baking soda or activated charcoal also offer safe, noninhaled solutions to rid smells," Dr. Khan tells Parade. "For added scent, natural aromas from entirely natural sources such as flowers, boiled citrus peels and fresh cloves are wholesome alternatives to air fresheners."

Related: ‘I Was Diagnosed With Stage IV Colorectal Cancer at 26-I Wish I Took This Early Symptom More Seriously'

4 More Oncologist-Backed Tips To Lower Your Cancer Risk

Besides revamping your playbook for keeping your indoor air fresh by ditching air fresheners and-dare we say it-opening a window, there are other practical ways to lower cancer risk. Oncologists suggest adapting (or eliminating) habits, such as:

1. Eating a balanced diet (but not focusing on perfection). Dr. Rewari says eating more fruits, vegetables and whole foods and cutting back on heavily processed foods can help lower your cancer risk. "It does not have to be perfect," he emphasizes. "Consistency matters more."
2. Practice safe sun. Slather on sunscreed and avoid tanning beds. The risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, is cumulative and tied to ultraviolet radiation exposure," Dr. Khan notes.
3. Don't smoke or vape. If you do? "Get help quitting," Dr. Hong urges. "Tobacco is still one of the biggest preventable causes of cancer."
4. Stay up to date on recommended cancer screenings. Depending on your age and risk factors, you may be due for a colon cancer screening or mammogram. "Screening can catch cancer early, when it's often most treatable, or in the case of colonoscopy, even prevent it by finding and removing precancerous growths before they develop into anything more," Dr. Hong says.

Up Next:

Related: ‘I'm an Oncologist-This Is the One Cancer Myth I Wish Would Go Away'

Sources:

• Dr. Amar Rewari, MD, the chief of radiation oncology for Luminis Health, an adjunct assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a podcast host
• Dr. Lee Hong, MD, Ph.D., a medical oncologist specializing in thoracic oncology at City of Hope Orange County
• Dr. Michael J. Levitt, MD, FACP, HMDC, a hematologist/oncologist at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center
• Dr. Adeel Khan, MD, MPH, MS, a hematologist/oncologist and epidemiologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
• Do Synthetic Fragrances in Personal Care and Household Products Impact Indoor Air Quality and Pose Health Risks?. Journal of Xenobiotics.
• Unlocking the secrets: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and their devastating effects on lung cancer. Pathology Research and Practice.
• Do Air Fresheners Harm Lung Health? American Lung Association.
• Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk. American Cancer Society.
• Current Intelligence Bulletin 55: Carcinogenicity of Acetaldehyde and Malonaldehyde, and Mutagenicity of Related Low-Molecular-Weight Aldehydes. CDC.
• Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health. Healthcare.

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This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 11:25 AM.