Car interiors are prone to various odors such as cigarette smoke, mustiness, and food smells. Hence, many people have turned to car air fresheners as a “life-saving godsend” to eliminate these odors and provide a pleasant aroma inside the car. However, in numerous cases, purchasing cheap and uncertified essential oils has left car owners regretting the unforeseen consequences.
Potential Health Hazards
The market offers countless types of car essential oils with a wide range of prices, accompanied by aesthetically pleasing advertisements claiming they are 100% natural and ensure health safety. However, in reality, many of these oils are made from synthetic fragrances sourced from Thailand or China.
According to numerous experts, inexpensive car essential oils are not extracted from natural plants but are created from odor-producing chemicals such as Acetone, Toluene, Formaldehyde… These substances have the potential to harm the body significantly.
When using car essential oils, the aromatic molecules will primarily affect the body through two main routes: inhalation and skin contact. Therefore, the use of cheap and low-quality oils can lead to various symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, lack of concentration, and sleep disturbances.
Moreover, prolonged exposure to these oils may result in respiratory diseases like asthma, skin conditions, and, more severely, affect the nervous system, causing agitation, disruptions in motor functions, or the risk of cancer.
Damage to Car Interior Components
Not only detrimental to health, but recently, many drivers have also complained about cheap essential oils causing damage or fires to car interior components.
An example is Mr. Tim case, shared in a car enthusiast group: “I bought a bottle of essential oil for 200,000 VND (approximately $8.7 USD), but as a result, I had to replace the air conditioning control unit costing 12 million VND (approximately $521 USD). The costly lesson I learned is not worth it, so everyone should take heed and learn from it.”
Another case is Mr. Leon, the owner of a Toyota Vios: “I bought a car air freshener to create a pleasant scent inside the car, but unexpectedly, after a while, the oil dripped down and seeped into the plastic and leather on the dashboard. Fortunately, I discovered it early, so there was no significant damage, but the aesthetics were greatly affected.”
Potential Risk of Fire Hazards
Car perfumes or cheap essential oils often have high alcohol concentrations exceeding safety standards. Especially when exposed to direct sunlight, particularly during high outdoor temperatures, the risk of fire or explosions becomes significantly higher.
Experienced drivers suggest that instead of purchasing inexpensive car essential oils, drivers should consider using reputable brands or certain waxes that create scents.
Moreover, those seeking natural fragrances could opt for pandan leaves, pomelo flowers… placed in the car, which is a safer option. In cases where oil spillage occurs in the car, immediate cleanup with a damp cloth is necessary to prevent damage to interior components.
In reality, not every type of car essential oil or fragrance product has adverse effects as mentioned above. However, using low-cost and uncertified products might lead to unforeseen consequences.
