Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 11 1 2026 04 21 95 116 Mariam Al Maliki Ph.D. student, Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad Baghdad, Iraq Nada Al-Easawi Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Iraq 2025 10 27 2026 02 15 Introduction: Air fresheners and scented candles release harmful chemicals indoors, potentially posing health risks with prolonged exposure. Materials and methods: This study investigated the effects of inhaling emissions from these products on growth and locomotor activity in rats. Forty rats (180–200g) were randomly assigned to four groups: air freshener (A), scented candle (B), combined exposure (D), and control (C). Exposures were conducted in a controlled inhalation chamber for 10, 20, and 30 days (1 h/day), with 15 min of direct exposure. Environmental parameters (Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs), Formaldehyde (HCHO), temperature, and humidity) were monitored at three time intervals: 0–15 min (emission), 15–30 min (without emission), and 30–60 min (without emission), using a portable monitoring device. Results: Significant increases (P≤0.05) in PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, and HCHO were observed in group D compared to other groups. Rats in group D showed reduced growth rate and locomotor activity. Conclusion: These findings suggest that combined exposure worsens indoor air quality and may impair physiological and behavioral health. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/1133 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/1133/465