Millions of Americans rely on Uber and Lyft for regular transportation. However, many of us are exposed to known hormone disruptors and potentially toxic chemicals from air fresheners commonly found in rideshare vehicles.

For passengers with chemical sensitivities, asthma, allergies or chronic illness, rideshare vehicles with synthetic fragrance can cause immediate harm. For those of us that are health-conscious and aware of these dangers, being trapped in a vehicle with synthetic fragrance causes fear, anxiety and an overall negative experience. We demand a “fragrance-free ride" option to ensure our health is being prioritized and protected.

Common car air fresheners have been found to release over 100 different chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and xylene–as well as semi-volatile organic compounds such as phthalates. These emissions react with indoor oxidants, such as ozone, hydroxyl radicals and nitrate radicals to generate secondary pollutants such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Over 90% of car air freshener volatile ingredients remain unknown and undisclosed due to regulatory protections on fragrance “trade secret” formulations. And even “organic” air fresheners aren’t exempt from harmful air pollutants, as there are no regulatory definitions for “clean” air fresheners, with claims in consumer products lacking substantiation and regulation.

In the short-term, these hidden toxins irritate the lungs and can trigger migraines, nausea, skin issues and neurological issues. In the long-term, these chemicals and hormone disruptors have been linked to adverse effects to the neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, immune and endocrine systems, as well as cancer.

Phthalates, a class of common fragrance ingredients that are often hidden under “trade secrets," are known to cause hormonal disruption, birth defects, reproductive issues and developmental disorders. Acetaldehyde, a primary or secondary emission from air fresheners, is associated with both acute and chronic hazards to the respiratory system and is classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a carcinogen with "no safe threshold of exposure." Short and prolonged exposures to synthetic fragrances in car air fresheners are extremely hazardous to the health of both the driver and the passenger.

It’s time for Uber and Lyft to recognize this growing issue and take action. We are asking Uber and Lyft to implement a “fragrance-free ride” option to their apps to ensure safer rides for all. This will also lead to increased driver education as more people learn about the potential harm they are causing by having air fresheners in their vehicles.  

Clean, safe air is a human right. We shouldn’t have to choose between using Uber and Lyft and harming our health. Join us in demanding change!