Household Chemicals That Can Trigger Allergies and Asthma, and How to Cut Back

Some of the most common indoor triggers for allergies and asthma come from everyday products: cleaning sprays, air fresheners, scented products, paints and solvents, and smoke from candles or fireplaces. The EPA says levels of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. The good news is that a few habit changes can lower exposure a lot.

This guide covers the household chemicals with the best evidence for irritating airways or skin, and simple ways to reduce them. For more, see our indoor air quality guides.

Jump to: Quick answer · The main culprits · VOCs · Cleaning sprays · Skin reactions · How to reduce exposure · FAQ

Quick answer

• VOCs from paints, solvents, cleaners, aerosol sprays and air fresheners can irritate the eyes, nose and throat (EPA).
• Cleaning sprays used weekly were linked to new adult asthma in a 10-country study; non-spray cleaners weren’t.
• Formaldehyde from some pressed-wood furniture, glues and combustion can irritate skin, eyes, nose and throat (EPA).
• Fragrance is the most common cause of allergic skin reactions to cosmetics in the U.S.
• Simple fixes: ventilate, choose fragrance-free and non-spray products, never mix cleaners, and buy only what you need.

The main household culprits

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are gases released from certain solids and liquids. The EPA says studies have found levels of several of them average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. Common sources include paints, solvents, cleaners, aerosol sprays, air fresheners and moth repellents. Short-term effects can include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and nausea.

Formaldehyde is one of the best-known indoor chemicals. The EPA lists sources such as resins in composite wood products, building materials, glues, permanent-press fabrics, paints and coatings, unvented fuel-burning appliances and cigarette smoke, and notes it can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat.

Cleaning sprays and asthma

A European study following 3,503 adults found that using cleaning sprays at least once a week was linked to about 1.5 times the risk of asthma symptoms or medication use, rising with more frequent spraying. Glass, furniture and air freshener sprays carried most of the risk, and non-spray cleaners weren’t linked to asthma. The CDC advises applying cleaners to a cloth rather than spraying them into the air.

Chemicals that cause skin reactions

• Fragrance is the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetics in the U.S., according to the allergy specialty societies’ guideline.
• PPD in permanent hair dyes is the ingredient most often implicated in hair dye reactions (FDA).
• Acrylates in gel polish, acrylic nails and nail glue are the leading cause of reactions to at-home nail products.
• Harsh soaps and over-washing can strip skin and worsen eczema; see overscrubbing and skin allergies.

How to reduce exposure

From the EPA and CDC:

1. Ventilate when using paints, solvents or cleaners: open windows and use a fan that blows air outdoors.
2. Follow label directions and precautions.
3. Never mix household products unless the label says to.
4. Buy only what you need, and safely dispose of old or unneeded chemicals.
5. Store chemicals in a well-ventilated area out of children’s reach.
6. Apply cleaners to a cloth instead of spraying.
7. Choose fragrance-free products. The EPA Safer Choice label, including a fragrance-free version, can help you compare cleaning products.
8. Skip air freshener sprays; deal with the source of odors and ventilate.
9. Don’t smoke indoors, and limit candles and wood fires on poor air quality days.

For cleaning that’s easier on allergies, see our allergy-friendly cleaning guides. For a baby’s room, see chemicals in crib mattresses.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Read our medical disclaimer.

Frequently asked questions

Which household chemicals are worst for allergies and asthma?

Cleaning sprays, air fresheners, scented products and VOCs from paints and solvents are common irritants. Weekly use of cleaning sprays has been linked to new adult asthma.

Are indoor chemicals really higher than outdoors?

For VOCs, yes. The EPA says levels of several average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors.

How can I reduce chemicals at home?

Ventilate, follow labels, never mix products, buy only what you need, choose fragrance-free and non-spray products, and avoid smoking indoors.

Is it safe to mix cleaning products?

No. The EPA advises never mixing household care products unless the label directs it.

What does the Safer Choice label mean?

It’s an EPA label for products whose every ingredient meets EPA safety criteria; there’s also a fragrance-free version.

Sources

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Volatile organic compounds’ impact on indoor air quality. Updated June 23, 2026.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Facts about formaldehyde. Updated March 30, 2026.
• Zock JP, Plana E, Jarvis D, et al. The use of household cleaning sprays and adult asthma: an international longitudinal study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2007;176(8):735-741.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What to do when an emergency occurs (asthma).
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Learn about the Safer Choice label.

Last reviewed: October 21, 2026.