The Consumer Federation of America estimates that the average home has 45 aerosol spray products. These generally contain 3 sets of ingredients - the propellant, the active ingredient, and miscellaneous additives. What makes matters worse, the propellant gas from aerosol sprays remain airborne for very long periods of time scattering the product in a fine easily breathable mist. Paradichlorobenzene, which has recently been found to be a potent carcinogen in animals, is found in solid and aerosol air fresheners . In addition, a few air fresheners contain chemicals that diminish the ability to smell .
Soft plastics present a greater hazard than hard plastics do.
The reason is that soft plastics are chemically unstable - they outgas into the air, whereas hard plastics are chemically inert. Similarly, any pliable plastic will release invisible, toxic vapors into the air, particularly when the plastic is heated. If it has to be plastic, get a HARD plastic cup. The problem of plastics becomes more apparent in small spaces, such as inside an automobile with soft plastic seats, especially when the car is new. In some cases, you can even taste residues of vinyl chloride in your mouth or see a dull film of the substance on the inside windshield.