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Air Wick review: allergic reaction 59

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10:48 am EDT
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I don't know if anyone has had this problem, but I seem to have an allergic reaction to the new 100% natural air wick air fresheners, all styles. It might be a good idea if someone checked this out to see if the problem is more wide spread, or just me. Now I didn't have this reaction to the orignal style, or to much of anything at all for that matter, so if this is a wide spread problem, air wick should consider changing back untill the cause is figured out, just to be on the safe side.

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59 comments
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Walt Thompson
, US
Jun 20, 2023 4:32 pm EDT
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Without a doubt I can stand behind this comment. several weeks ago found this quite appealing - used them and had been getting severe azma attack like attacks weezing, sinus pain, awful, thought is was me until I did this research took them out 30 hours ago in the trash left AC recirc fan on since to clean the air along the HEP and AirPura system nearly back to feeling great again. I cant imagine a person already predisposition for azma, COPD, Sinuusitis, Bronchitis etc being able to ever tolerate this stuff

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Pearl Hannah
, US
Jan 29, 2023 8:33 pm EST

Last weekend I installed Airwick oil since throughout my home and my office at work. I began reacting to the sent on Wednesday but by Friday I could tell that there was something seriously wrong. By Saturday I ended up at the doctors office with a major reaction to my eyes and he found pockets of histamineOn my eyes so he prescribed me some serious eyedrops which I’ve helped 24 hours later. I really do think that air wicK needs to reconsider their formula.

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Walt Thompson
, US
Jun 20, 2023 4:34 pm EDT
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Thank you all for these potentially life saving feedback strings FDA needs to take this stuff off the market - if you have small children and babies must not be used

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Pearl Hannah
, US
Jan 29, 2023 8:30 pm EST

Last weekend I plugged in air wick scented oil in every room in my house & my office at work. By Friday my eyes were itching, stinging and watery! I knew it was a allergic reaction to something but was unsure what it could be. On Saturday I had to be taken to the eye doctor because my eyes were so red & swollen I could drive. The only thing we changed were the Air wick air fresheners, so we removed them and started treatments the doctor gave me. I am doing better 24 hours later. I was wondering if this is recurring or just me. Thanks to everyone’s comments I done feel I am alone but seriously there is something in them that isn’t conducive to everyone. Air wick needs to research their product better.

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StudentofLife81
Little Elm, US
Jan 23, 2023 8:42 pm EST
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Glad I found this, been using Airwick for more than 20 years and never had any problems. The last scent I used was Paradise Retreat but since it wasn’t in stock I grabbed Fresh Linen. I noticed it seemed stronger than previous scents even on the lowest setting but didn’t think anything of it until I woke up coughing and with a sore throat. The plug-in scent was even stronger since my bedroom door was closed so I unplugged it and had to take cough medicine to fall asleep again. The next day I began to feel dizzy, got a headache and started to cough again. I unplugged the rest and went outside to get some air and felt better. I never noticed until now there are no ingredients listed on the packaging so there’s no way to identify the allergen. The only difference I see between these and the previous ones is “smells amazingly natural” so I will buy my usual but I bought 14 of them so money wasted.

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Chai7
, US
Feb 03, 2022 1:57 am EST

Yes, me too in fact right now i feel like crap. I plugged in the airwick yesterday and the next day, my nose had blood and my throat hurts a kot. I have a lingering headache and gave the chills all day :/

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Visual Presentations Hawaii
, US
Feb 26, 2021 9:52 pm EST

made me sick, haeadache, chills, weak, sinus, breathing, slight fever! its inthe trash!

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C ie
, US
Sep 14, 2019 1:23 pm EDT

I am allergic to fragrances and My daughter uses this i go to her home and the air wick scent comes with me . It is all through my washer and dryer and I can not get the scent out of my house. I do not know what to do. Can anyone help.

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WendyDeichman
, US
Aug 15, 2019 12:23 am EDT

I have never had allergies in my life. I recently used Air Wick plug ins in my house and started having issues with my breathing. I then plugged one into my classroom outlet and soon had issues there. My tongue started feeling like it was a combination of numb and burning and swollen, my throat was burning, and my lips felt swollen and burning. A number of my students started complaining as well. I unplugged the unit immediately and it took a couple days for it to completely clear out of the room. However, ever since this incident, I now have "burning mouth syndrome", which I never had before. It is completely triggered by environmental things like air fresheners and perfumes. None of these things were a problem before this Air Wick Plug In! It is annoying and frustrating and there seems to be no cure for it. It comes and goes and fluctuates in intensity. I really think these air fresheners need to be banned. They should definitely not be used in public places!

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Sendhelp
, US
Jan 30, 2019 11:17 am EST

Whenever my mom cleans the house she uses an air freshener and today she used Air Wick 4 in 1. We began to have a coughing fit and it still hasn't gone away. The house smells nice, but we can't breathe. I'm telling my family that if my lungs give out, to sue air wick.

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Lraf85
, GB
Dec 27, 2018 5:31 pm EST

I want to know if their are any carsogenics any undisclosed contents apparently they only need to supply up to 90% of the content I hate them with a passion it should not be breathable

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Mi Kim
, US
Jul 13, 2018 8:59 am EDT

I ‘ve changed the air wick refills today and the fragrances were so strong i have headache, feeling nausea, stomach pain and short of breaths. Not good for any asthmatics.

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Gabriel DD
, US
May 20, 2018 6:46 pm EDT
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Looking at the dates not sure if people are still having problems, but I just put in a new air wick 2 days ago and I had two well deserved days off and I felt like crap for the past 2 days. Didn't know why till I started putting 2 and 2 together, the last time I felt like this was last summer when I know I had the same air wick. Chest congestion, sinus pain, throat pain and just felt like crap. It wasn't till I thought about it, thought of the connection and came here. Think I know the answer :(

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Alan1187
, GB
Apr 15, 2018 2:17 pm EDT

I've just endured four miserable days thanks to AirWick. My wife bought a plug-in with the weekly shop and that evening I started experiencing early hayfever symptoms of itching eyes, wheezing and sneezing. Despite spending £10 on two types of antihistamines and eye drops I couldn't get any relief. It was only after realising the symptoms went away when I left the house that I realised the connection. I then saw the connection with my wife's sneezing and daughter coughing in the last few days. Unplugged it, ventilated the house and I feel human again. It's gone in the bin. Only sad to see this has been going on for years, how can they still sell this product with no warnings.

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Breskik
, US
Jan 10, 2018 1:00 pm EST
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I deep cleaned my flat before Christmas and engulfed it in Airwick Pure. Because it was not liquid based i thought it would be better on fabrics and carpets. (I have just worked this out) The next night my dog was violently sick all night. Then i came down with a sore throat, husky voice and a very bad cold. Severe headache etc. I broke out in red blisters all over my torso, neck, ears, breasts, arms, scalp and so on. The doctor diagnosed chickenpox. After 8 days of spots coming and going, there were no scabs. My partner is NEVER ill. He started coughing badly and seems to have had his asthma return. Too much of a coincidence for me. I am changing all removable fabric tomorrow to be sure. But i have taken the drastic measure of spraying a small isolated part of my wrist with the product. I will give my results tomorrow. I have taken to Facebook and asked people to respond if they have had any symptoms and if they also used the product around that time.

Kathy

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kayeac
, US
May 05, 2018 2:35 pm EDT
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Replying to comment of Breskik

In December I plugged in a new air wick and a few days later I noticed my cat, LULU, was having a hard time breathing. The vet said there had to something new in the environment that triggered the attack. (She was 12 years old and had never been outside) They tested her for everything under the sun and only found that her bronchial passages were inflamed. They were sure medication, etc would help, but three days later with a $5, 000 vet bill she died. They took tissue samples and confirmed that the only thing wrong with her was that something inflamed her lungs. It was horrible.

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Tee2020
, US
Dec 08, 2017 9:18 pm EST

I too have a host of respiratory issues when the "new" brand of airwick is sprayed.my lungs feel heavy, my nose runs, and I have a coughing spell for hours

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Tarpinhill
, US
Nov 21, 2017 11:50 pm EST

I recently bought a Glade air wick...lungs started burning, ear aches, and coughing and sneezing. Husband also same symptoms. I decided to check this out and read that phalates are mostly in these types of scent producers. Very toxic. No more of these in our home.

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Mandy240
, US
Mar 16, 2017 3:44 am EDT
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I sprayed air wick air freshener had a house full of kids, they all started coughing. I also started coughing and lost my voice for three days with sore throat. Thought I was crazy because I blamed it on the air freshener now I know I'm not. Thanks

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comments1
, US
Mar 30, 2016 1:55 am EDT

This product is used at my work and all these comments will help me convince my manager not to use it plus I may call the on the can also. I am experiencing all the above especially start feeling my throat being scratchy so Start coughing

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Kathy Rutledge
, US
Jan 13, 2022 4:16 pm EST
Replying to comment of comments1

My coworker brought one in the office...it was lemon/pineapple. Started getting bad headaches and asked her not to use it while i was there. It was left on last week and when I went to turn it off, it sprayed in my face. Had a full blown migraine, swollen and sore throat, lost my voice the next day, nausea and hot spots on my face. It has taken me a good 5 days to get over this encounter. NEVER AGAIN!

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HaleyLane
, US
Feb 04, 2016 10:59 am EST

My 7 year old son was coughing like crazy at home and a itchy rash on his entire body including his scalp! After many dr visits not knowing what was wrong with him I figured out since he only had the symptoms at home that it was our new air wick plug in air freshener! My son was having a server allergic reaction to the plug in! These things are so dangerous! Shame on you air wick!

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tull
, US
Feb 02, 2016 2:32 pm EST
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horrible product! plug in leaked onto sinktop and MELTED my hairbrush! MELTED MY HAIRBRUSH! into a sticky goo that when pulled created gummy stands of melted plastic. Nauseated my dogs and sent us to a motel for 2 nights until house was breathable again. anything that MELTS industrial plastic i sure as hell don't want to breath. Considering legal action.

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Mariakl
, US
Nov 26, 2015 4:36 pm EST
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Stayed at an airbnb house and both of us woke up in the middle of the night nauseated and dizzy. There was an airwick plugged in a few feet from the bed. We had to open all the windows to clear out the house and breathe clean air and gradually started to feel better. I would never have bought this product but now I know to check rented places for them and remove them before they make me sick.

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Faye Alison Miller
, US
Nov 12, 2015 4:54 pm EST

My Mother (who has asthma) sprayed Airwick 4 in 1 Fresh Waters scent in the kitchen. I had my very first asthma attack. She lent me her nebulizer.
I forbid her to use any and all aerosol air fresheners.

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Cristian Van Schuerbeck
, US
Oct 24, 2015 5:19 pm EDT

My wife, son and I started having an itchy head since my wife bough a Reckit Benckiser Air Wick reed diffuser. At first I thought it was a shampoo we tried, but after a week changing shampoo and my son kept scratching his head, so has my wife and myself I came to the conclusion that it could be the diffuser! I checked the contains online and this seems to have an allergic reaction in the skin and seems to be quite dangerous! I think contacting health and safety regulators or Air Wick before this keeps damaging more people!
My wife has scars in her head from scratching too much!

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Lauradrian Mc
, US
Sep 24, 2015 12:40 pm EDT

hi my name is lora.
i purchased 4 scented oil sept 10th and it had to be changed sept 20th this is false advertisement. it dont and cant last for 45 days as was stated on the package. i will have to put this up on facebook so consumers will be aware, and test for themselves.
however, i realized that the day i started using this plug ins that my daughter, suddenly came down sneezing non stop, so the first thing i thought shes getting a cold, apparently its now 3 wks and she still has it. the smell is still in the house. however i will never buy your product again. and i want my money back as it was and is very expensive for those plug ins. money should be refunded to all those people that this product has affected and we should all sue this company for destroying our health.
lets start a petition to destroyed all these toxic products within our homes.

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Justin McNell
, US
Jul 29, 2015 6:18 pm EDT

Yes. Whatever is in this product should be pulled. I picked up the 4 in 1 linen scent 100% natural airwick freshener randomly because it was on sale. (wonder why). I sprayed my entire room with it. I basically fumigated my room with the stuff. I then woke up extremely sick. I had a terrible cough and sore throat. I thought wow I am sick again. I then slept in for a good 2 days in the same room taking benadryl and other otc medications for a cold. I even went and bought emergen-c for a cold. This point I was having coughing fits that were dry and tickly. I would cough up a little bit of mucus but never much. I sprayed my room again after someone complained it smelt strange. I then went to sleep and woke up in hives. I had them on my exposed areas basically. Hands, arms, knees, legs, and some torso. I was now thinking I had some serious illness due to being sick for a long period and then now hives?!? I took more benadryl and slept in the same room. Still coughing and weezing. I didn't spray the stuff anymore. I woke up today and had no hives because I slept on my couch. I deduced my symptoms down to being from the spray and it was finally proven by the pattern of my rash when I'd sit on my computer chair. My chair had been sprayed pretty good and wherever my body touched the chair was covered in hives. I have no aired my room out, cleaned the chair, and washed every thing that has been in contact with this poison. I just found out today that it was the air wicks and besides some residual coughing it seems to be subsiding now that I'm not using it or sitting in the byproduct it leaves behind. I hope this really gets pulled because I haven't reacted like that from any product ever and the identical symptoms presented on here are so spot on it can't be anything besides this product. I don't think I'll ever use any air product again I don't trust them at all. I was in a nightmare for 2 weeks.

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cinthebin
, US
Jul 23, 2015 4:22 pm EDT
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Yes -- my tongue gets numb and I get an immediate headache as soon as I am in contact with the Airwick air fresheners.

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penny.lane
, US
Apr 23, 2015 12:16 pm EDT

We have had 2 Air Wicks plugged in for a couple weeks now. A week ago I noticed that I was losing my appetite. A few days later, I had ZERO appetite. The next few days were followed by constant nausea. Every moment I felt sick to my stomach. So I stayed home from work for 3 days, and each day I felt worse and worse. Doctor had no idea what was wrong with me. I had no fever, no pain.. However, I've been itchy and snoring louder than I usually do. The doctor was kinda stumped. It finally clicked on this third day home, going crazy from the nausea and sheer boredom, that the air wicks were most likely making me ill. I unplugged both air fresheners, sealed them in a ziploc bag, opened all the windows and doors and turned the fan on high. Sure enough, there are a lot of articles on the internet confirming what I had suspected. I already feel better and ate a piece of toast with no problem. I can only imagine how these affected my poor dogs. I even noticed one of them not wanting to eat her meals.

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Gina T
Apopka, US
Mar 30, 2015 1:16 pm EDT

I am the same way! I am so glad that I found this thread. About a year or so ago, I bought a can of Airwick 4 In 1 spray, and I immediately started coughing and wheezing after I sprayed it. I had never been affected by any other brand of air freshener before. For days I had symptoms of a chest cold, but I didn't really put the two together at that time. I later noticed that I had the same thing happen when I used Bath and Body Works condensed room spray in Twisted Peppermint. I had used Bath and Body Works room sprays for years with no side effects, but maybe they have changed their formula and are using the same ingredient that is in the Airwick. Two days ago, I made the mistake of forgetting about how I had previously been affected, and I sprayed one tiny mist of the freshener. My lungs were immediately affected again. The following night I could not stop coughing. Today I feel as if I have a chest cold. But when I found this thread, I realized that it is not a virus that I have, but a reaction to the spray. Something in that spray is very toxic.

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cRISs00
San Antonio, US
Feb 24, 2015 5:29 am EST

*sore

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cRISs00
San Antonio, US
Feb 24, 2015 5:28 am EST

I got an extremely horrible cough attack ended up with a soar throat used it only two days ago and feels like I've got it still in my lungs, hurts ! chest burns, a little hard to breathe :(

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Camlo
, US
Jun 07, 2017 2:34 pm EDT
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Replying to comment of cRISs00

I really think we should band together and sue them for causing all these health issues.

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Camron Brewer
, US
Aug 15, 2018 4:09 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Camlo

I'm with you. I live in a smaller house and my wife have had these plugged in and ever since then I feel like my nose runs like crazy and gets super stuffed up and it's hard to breathe. I just unplug them after reading all these comments I'm curious to see if this goes away and if it does we should totally sue... This is insane to read how many people this is happening too.

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Allergic2Airwick
, US
Feb 16, 2015 10:30 am EST
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I am yet another victom to the Airwick 4-in-1 air freshener! The first time I sprayed it, I had a sneezing fit! I haven't used it anymore but the next morning I woke up with my throat hurting and have had so much coughing that its causing my head to hurt, I feel like I have a cold or flu but so far no fever but I keep checking my temperature because I keep having chills. Its been almost a week and im still suffering, . My daughter and grandson are also having the same symptoms! What's really in that can?

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Camlo
, US
Jun 07, 2017 2:32 pm EDT
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Having the same health issues from the Air Wick product. I will consult with my Attorney.

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stacy2015
6 melvin drive, US
Feb 08, 2015 3:13 am EST

Oh my! I'm so glad I found this! Started using plug ins again and that night I began breaking out in hives. Next morning I was worse with being swollen and short of breath. Here it is 5 days later, much prednisone, antihistamines, and a steroid shot and I'm still breaking out. We took the plugins out of the house last night because that was the only other new thing but I'm still a mess! I've had a cough, and now resporatory issues that feel like a cold! Thank u all for sharing! Sad but happy I'm not alone!

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Camlo
, US
Jun 07, 2017 2:29 pm EDT
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Replying to comment of stacy2015

Stacy, I have had the same reaction to the Air Wick product. The rash and breathing problems. I am going to consult with my Attorney.

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Kristen Lawhorn
, US
Feb 25, 2018 2:43 am EST
Replying to comment of Camlo

I bought air wick plug ins two weeks ago and broke out in hives the next morning. I’ve experienced uncontrollable itching and swelling that only occurs while I’m at home. Earlier today I was finally able to narrow the culprit down to the air wick. I’ve unplugged them. I hope that brings an end to the itching. I’ve been miserable.

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Stacey Frantz
, US
Jul 07, 2018 6:43 pm EDT

@Kristen, or anyone, can you please tell me how long it took for symptoms to go away after you unplugged? I recently started using air wick, and I now have visible hives on my face, swollen eyes, itchy all over, and have felt unwell for several days. I had never used fresheners nor experienced intense symptoms like this before. Unfortunately, it didn’t occur to me until today it might be the air wick. After reading comments, I just unplugged and am airing the house with open windows. Trying to figure out how long it might take to heal and/or if I need to get meds from the doctor. So far little/no relief from antihistamines I’ve taken. Thank you.

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Plee87
Pueblo, US
Jan 29, 2015 9:14 pm EST

Had an Airwick car vent freshener in 2 different vehicles. In the first vehicle with no forced air I got moderately ill (nausea and vertigo). The other in my personal vehicle ran with forced air, I had a severe reaction. It almost felt like a heart-attack or aneurism, my vision narrowed, I broke out in a cold sweat, had heavy nausea, lost feeling in both arms, my left hand cramped painfully, and experienced the worst vertigo of my entire life. After deducing that it may be the air fresheners, I removed the one from my personal vehicle, just the limited exposure while removing it caused a mild-onset of the symptoms. I think the fresheners may have way too much formaldehyde.

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jetoy
, US
Jan 07, 2015 9:51 pm EST

Its true that's AIRWICk is wicken your immune system smell like something for bug's spray chemical goes to your lungs. I've tried again I'm sure that was I have a cough flues and almost death and also they can pass to pass once the body reacted to someone have illness from that ### things.
Last two years 2012 I have sickness I don't understand and I don't where it came from also my friend I suggest to use it he's the one have a sick all over the room was spray and his lung's was start to hard to breath. That's all folk and the next had that same problem.

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maria rodas
North Las Vegas, US
Nov 12, 2014 11:01 pm EST

I took my son to the hospital today this is the third week that he is being suffering. From a dry cough, dizziness, weakness and shortness, of breath the doctors can't explain what's. Wrong with him. At school they started, Using air wick in the classrooms, I wonder if is associated. With his symptoms .

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KennyL
Eau Claire, US
May 09, 2014 2:36 pm EDT

I also noticed a reaction to the new airwick freshners. I used to use one years ago, no problem. Recently I just bought another one and within a day, I noticed I was suffering from a severe case of vertigo and nausea. I couldn't even keep fluids in my system and almost went to the hospital, but after taking some dramamine, I was able to keep fluids down. There is some chemical in these that was causing these issues.

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Tatiana886
Melbourne, US
Apr 29, 2013 11:57 pm EDT

This is horrible! I have never had a reaction to any air freshener until Air WIck 4 in 1 and I see that I'm not alone! Definitely not using/buying it again! All air fresheners are probably toxic :/

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ChrisJ1927
Lexington, US
Apr 24, 2013 6:07 pm EDT
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No matter the fragrance, I always have an asthmatic reaction to the Air Wick 4 in 1 air freshener that uses 100% natural propellant. I get really wheezy and cough a lot. It's awful!

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girlbunny
Kearneys Spring, AU
Dec 29, 2012 8:32 pm EST

My oldest child came out with a rash within 12 hours of turning the spray on. He was itchy almost as soon as it turned on. Unfortunately, because it was first turned on for Christmas Eve, it meant for a very itchy and miserable Christmas... and it took a few days to narrow down what the cause of the problem was. Those few days were filled with copious amounts of antihistamines (which never fully cleared up the issue) and itchiness. The doctor couldn't narrow down the problem other than to say he had an allergic reaction to something and he was developing hives because of it. He is now on prednisolone and antihistamine cream in the hopes that it will clear up now that we've narrowed down the cause of the problem and have taken the offending thing away. He has never shown any signs of allergies to anything before, so this came as a surprise. I'm just considering myself lucky that my asthmatic child (who has a tendency toward health problems), and my youngest child didn't also have the same problem. Although, if they had, I could probably have narrowed down the problem earlier.

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BridgieAllergy
, VE
Oct 20, 2012 7:21 pm EDT

I'm allergic to Airwick products too. It's bad that my office has now switched to Glade. I get a hives, and my throat swells. Once i reached to point of having to leave the office to get an antihistamine shot at the doctors office followed by prednisolone. I"m glad I found this post because I thought I was alone too.

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Kathy Rutledge
, US
Jan 13, 2022 4:19 pm EST

Offices should not use these types of products!