September 11, 2025 – A consumer has reported experiencing a severe asthma attack and difficulty breathing after exposure to Febreze Odor-Fighting Air Freshener – Linen & Sky. The incident occurred in the common areas of a building where the product was used, with the scent reportedly lingering for hours.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On August 7, 2025, a consumer reported an incident involving Febreze Odor-Fighting Air Freshener – Linen & Sky. The individual stated that exposure to the aerosol fragrance caused an asthma attack, making it difficult to breathe. This adverse reaction occurred both during the product’s use and for hours afterward, as the strong scent reportedly lingered in the elevator and lobby of their building.
Upon inquiry, the consumer learned from the maintenance staff that the Febreze Odor-Fighting Air Freshener – Linen & Sky was being used in the building’s common areas. The consumer immediately requested that the maintenance man stop using the product due to the severe respiratory distress it caused, including an asthma attack and inability to breathe.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights potential safety concerns for individuals sensitive to fragrances or those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma.
- Immediate Dangers: For individuals with asthma or chemical sensitivities, exposure to strong fragrances can trigger immediate and severe respiratory reactions, including asthma attacks, wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. The inability to breathe, as reported, is a critical medical emergency.
- Long-term Risks: Repeated or prolonged exposure to strong scents and air freshener chemicals, especially in poorly ventilated areas, could potentially exacerbate chronic respiratory conditions or contribute to heightened chemical sensitivities over time.
- Who Might Be Affected: Individuals with diagnosed asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chemical sensitivities, or even young children and the elderly, may be particularly vulnerable to adverse reactions from fragranced products. People who are generally healthy can also experience irritation.
- Property Damage Potential: In this specific incident, the primary concern is personal health and safety; no property damage was reported or indicated.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers are advised to take the following precautions regarding fragranced products like air fresheners:
- Avoid Exposure if Sensitive: If you have asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities, avoid direct exposure to air fresheners and other heavily fragranced products.
- Communicate Concerns: If you encounter fragranced products in shared spaces (like workplaces, apartment buildings, or public venues) and it impacts your health, communicate your concerns to the building management or responsible parties.
- Ventilate Areas: When using air fresheners, ensure the area is well-ventilated to help disperse the scent and reduce the concentration of airborne chemicals.
- Read Product Labels: Be aware of ingredients, especially if you have known sensitivities. Some manufacturers offer fragrance-free alternatives.
- Report Adverse Reactions: If you experience an adverse reaction to a consumer product, report it to the manufacturer and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to help identify potential safety issues.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you experience difficulty breathing, an asthma attack, or other severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Manufacturer’s Response
The Procter & Gamble Company, manufacturer of Febreze, provided a response on August 21, 2025. They thanked the Consumer Product Safety Commission for reaching out and expressed regret to hear about the consumer’s experience. P&G stated that Febreze products are formulated with great care and attention to safety, adhering to stringent internal safety standards for every ingredient. They also mentioned maintaining an ongoing safety monitoring program.
P&G advised consumers interested in ingredient information to visit https://us.pg.com/ingredients/ and https://www.febreze.com/en-us/ingredients-safety/our-ingredients. They encouraged the affected consumer to reach out to them directly to learn more about the experience, providing a toll-free number (800) 308-3279 (Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST) and a contact form at https://www.febreze.com/en-us/contact-us.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 248-886-8650
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.