CBS 5 - KPHO Study: Some scented cleaning products can harm health

If you take a look underneath your sink, chances are you'll find scented products you use for cleaning. A new study says some of the chemicals in those cleaners can actually make you sick.

"I use floor cleaners, I use dusting products that help me dust, I use products that clean my tile, bathroom products," said Veronica Chavez, who we found shopping in a local store.

"I use soap most of the time or anything that you spray on the house that works really good," said Mercy May-as. "Air freshener, we use that, too."

Sometimes cleaning the house can be a headache.

"It kind of makes me dizzy," May-as told us.

"Maybe half an hour of being in the bathroom cleaning, then I realize I feel a little dizzy," Chavez said.

A new study shows some of the chemicals in scented household cleaning products can cause dizziness, headaches and even shortness of breath. The study's author, Dr. Anne Steinemann with the University of Washington, spoke to CBS News.

"I have not yet found a fragrance consumer product that didn't emit these chemicals that were classified as toxic or hazardous," Steinemann said.

But not everyone thinks you should swap the cleaners for some elbow grease.

"The volume in them are just minuscule," said Dr. Frank LoVecchio with Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. He said the chemicals are only harmful to a small percentage of the population.

"Those who are allergic to these products can develop shortness of breath and a rash," he said.

LoVecchio said least 10 percent of the calls in to the Poison and Drug Information Center are regarding children who have ingested these cleaning products. Some can even look like a sports drink. He said the best way to avoid that is to store the products in high shelves, away from food and out of reach to children.

And for some people, a little lightheadedness is a sacrifice for a good-smelling home. 

"If you want your house to be super clean, that's what you'll do," May-as said.

It is important to mention the American Cleaning Institute, which represents the makers and suppliers of cleaning products, takes issue with the findings in Steinemann's study.

"The fact is these products are safe when used as directed," said Brian Sansoni with the American Cleaning Institute in a statement. "Real-world problems most often occur when the products are misused or improperly stored."

If you are ever feeling very sick from these products, you can call poison control at 1-800-222-1222.

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