In London, a science magazine issued a warning that aerosols and air fresheners may cause headaches and depression in women, and ear infections and diarrhea in young babies. Scientists are not sure but they suspect the aerosols and air fresheners increase susceptibility to health problems by making the skin more permeable and weakening the body's defenses. A survey of 14,000 pregnant women by epidemiologists at the University of Bristol in western England found that expectant mothers who used aerosols and air fresheners most days had 25 percent more headaches than women who used them less than once a week and a 19 percent increase in depression. Babies under 6 months old who were frequently exposed to air fresheners had 30 percent more ear infections and a 22 percent increase in diarrhea.
Experts say that the best defense against indoor pollution is proper ventilation and fresh air.
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