Does the ubiquitous use of essential oil-based products promote indoor air quality? A critical literature review | Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)

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Citation
Tags

HERO ID

7751149

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Title

Does the ubiquitous use of essential oil-based products promote indoor air quality? A critical literature review

Author(s)

Milhem, SA; Verriele, M; Nicolas, M; Thevenet, F

Year

2020

Is Peer Reviewed?

Yes

Journal

Environmental Science and Pollution Research
ISSN: 0944-1344
EISSN: 1614-7499

Publisher

Springer Nature

Location

HEIDELBERG

Volume

Issue

Page Numbers

14365-14411

Language

English

PMID

32162221

DOI

10.1007/s11356-020-08150-3

Web of Science Id

WOS:000534218600009

Abstract

Essential oils are frequently used as natural fragrances in housecleaning products and air fresheners marketed as green and healthy. However, these substances are volatile and reactive chemical species. This review focuses on the impact of essential oil-based household products on indoor air quality. First, housecleaning products containing essential oils are explored in terms of composition and existing regulations. Specific insight is provided regarding terpenes in fragranced housecleaning products, air fresheners, and pure essential oils. Second, experimental methodologies for terpene monitoring, from sampling to experimental chambers and analytical methods, are addressed, emphasizing the experimental issues in monitoring terpenes in indoor air. Third, the temporal dynamics of terpene emissions reported in the literature are discussed. Despite experimental discrepancies, essential oil-based products are significant sources of terpenes in indoor air, inducing a high exposure of occupants to terpenes. Finally, the fate of terpenes is explored from sorptive and reactive points of view. In addition to terpene deposition on surfaces, indoor oxidants may induce homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, resulting in secondary pollutants, such as formaldehyde and secondary organic aerosols. Overall, essential oil-based products can negatively impact indoor air quality; therefore, standard protocols and real-scale approaches are needed to explore the indoor physics and chemistry of terpenes, from emissions to reactivity.

Keywords

indoor air; essential oils; terpenes; cleaning products; air fresheners; emission; reactivity

Series

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH