Neurobehavioral Effects of Prolonged Exposure to Solid Air Freshener in Mice

Abstract

Background: Air fresheners are products with fragrances used to mask unpleasant odor in the environment. However, air fresheners contain diverse chemical substances that pose health challenges to the users; hence are of public health significance. Although previous studies have shown that air fresheners affect the lungs, liver and reproductive organs, the neurobehavioral effects of these agents are yet to be evaluated in details. This study evaluated the neurobehavioral effects and biochemical changes in mice exposed to a solid commercially available air freshener (SAF). Methods: Male Swiss mice were divided into 6 groups (n = 7). Mice in groups 2-6 were exposed to powdered SAF (10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 g) via inhalation in their cages for 28 days. Mice in group 1 (control) were not exposed to SAF. The neurobehavioral changes: spontaneous motor activity (SMA), memory, anxiety and depression were evaluated on day 28. The mice brains were then proccessed for determination of malondialdehyde, nitrite, glutathione contents, and the activities of catalase and acetyl-cholinesterase. Results: SAF (25-200g) significantly (p<0.05) impaired SMA compared with control. Mice exposed to SAF exhibited increased anxiety and depression-like symptoms relative to control (p<0.05). It also impaired memory and increased acetylcholinesterase activity (p<0.05). Moreover, SAF increased the levels of nitrite and malondialdehyde accompanied by decreased antioxidant molecules (glutathione and catalase) in mouse brain. Conclusion: These findings suggest that SAF produced neurobehavioral deficits, increased oxidative stress and altered cholinergic system, posing potential health hazards to the regular consumers.

Nigella Sativa Supplementations Attenuate Recognition Memory and Cellular Morphometric Impairments Induced by Toluene Administration in Mice

“…Similarly, mice exposed to 1,000 ppm toluene showed reduction in the recognition index, though reduction was only significant in the groups of mice exposed to 2,000-6,000 ppm toluene (Montes et al 2017). Prolonged exposure to high doses of air freshener containing toluene caused significant memory dysfunction in mice, while no changes were observed in lower doses (Umukoro et al 2021). As opposed to the present study, the study by Chan et al (2019) administered toluene in mice 30 min before the NOR test.…”

Sprays and diffusers as indoor air fresheners: Exposure and health risk assessment based on measurements under realistic indoor conditions

“…This difference with the conclusions of this HRA can be explained by the differences in the selected toxicity values and by the higher maximum exposure levels determined in the present study. However, other types of studies have concluded that exposure to noncombustible air fresheners could be of concern: the measured concentrations could exceed the thresholds associated with the exacerbation of existing symptoms in people with asthma, 27,35,36 and certain epidemiological studies have identified a significant association between the use of some air fresheners and respiratory disorders during the first years of life, 37 a higher risk of breast cancer 38 and a short‐term decrease in lung ventilation capacity, 39 while toxicological studies have reported a significant association between the application of certain air fresheners and inflammatory phenomena in rats, 40 neurobehavioral effects in rats, 41 and adverse effects on the liver cells in young rats 42 . A literature review demonstrated a significant association between the use of noncombustible air fresheners and certain health effects (disorders of the respiratory system) but no causal relation was identified, 25 and other reviews indicated that the available data are insufficient to draw conclusions on the potential health effects associated with aerosol sprays 43 and essential oil air fresheners, 44 while a European collective expert assessment concluded that certain noncombustible air fresheners may cause or aggravate symptoms in highly sensitive persons and may be of concern in children 8 .…”