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Febreze= Not Guilty! By Dr. Kelly Brodnik
There has been much to do about nothing concerning the product Febreze Fabric Refresher-advertised as an odor-control product that can be sprayed on animal bedding, carpets, etc.! There has been the spreading of rumors regarding the safety of this product over the Internet and the rumors are NOT TRUE!
According to Dr. Tina Wismer of the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC), they have received over 200 telephone calls regarding a product made by Proctor and Gamble called "Febreze". The product is mostly water (90%). The "active ingredient" in Febreze is cornstarch and fragrance. Zinc chloride, present in less than 1% of the product, is being blamed for a whole list of animal ailments. Many pet owners have tried to attribute the product to their pet's deaths or ailments. Investigation began upon the first questions regarding the safety of the product in cooperation with the makers of Febreze several months ago. Upon autopsy, it was found that the cause of death of animals that were thought to be exposed to the product, was due to other significant non-related illness such as cancer, heart disease, and other non-related illnesses. Zinc chloride (Febreze) was NOT a factor.* Again, zinc chloride was NOT attributed to any of the animal's deaths that were believed to be caused by zinc chloride or the use of Febreze per the NAPCC. The following statement has been made available to the public by Steven R. Hansen, DVM, MS, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Toxicology, Senior Vice President on the Febreze website (see address below):
"Veterinary toxicologists at the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center are conducting an on-going investigation into claims that use of Febreze™ in the home caused the death of several pets. All information reviewed to date suggests that there is no evidence that Febreze™ represents any risk to pets when used according to label instructions. Presently, the center considers the product safe to use in households with pets. As with any cleaning product, the center recommends that birds be removed from the room until the product application has dried and the area has been ventilated. Please call 1-800-345-4735 if you have any questions or have a pet that you suspect is experiencing problems or visit us at www.napcc.aspca.org."
For those still concerned about the amount/affects of zinc chloride in Febreze-it is a compound found, often in higher concentrations, in most human mouthwashes (initially tested on animals). As with any chemical ingestion, animals that drink the substance, chew the bottle, or lick the product off of the floor have reported vomiting and diarrhea (general gastrointestinal inflammation) when ingesting larger quantities.
For more information regarding the product and testing; please visit the Febreze web site at:
