November/December 2008 Issue

Dollars and Scents

A breezy history of the air freshener.

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1930s

Lysol is America’s most popular contraceptive. Really.

1952

Little Trees first hung on rearview mirrors.

1956

Glade introduces the air freshener spray can.

1974

Glade solid scent sticks hit shelves.

1989

Plug-in air fresheners exude ambience 24-7.

1994

Man sprays Prince Charles with a can of air freshener.

1997

US air freshener sales reach $239 million.

2002

Renuzit unveils the Super Odor Neutralizer.

2004

Air Wick releases Relaxation and Revitalization scents. Febreeze launches Scentstories “scent-themed” discs. Sample: Exploring a Mountain Trail.

2006

Glade presents the Scented Oil Light Show—designed for girls 8 to 12.

2007

Enviro group finds hormone-disrupting chemicals in “all-natural” air fresheners, asks epa for further testing. SC Johnson sues Dial for stealing its three-scents-in-one idea.

2008

US air freshener market hits $2.3 billion—not including scented candles.

Related article: Germ Warfare

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THE TRUTH...

is the first thing despots go after. An unwavering commitment to it is probably what draws you to Mother Jones' journalism. And as we're seeing in the US and the world around, authoritarians seek to poison the discourse and the way we relate to each other because they can't stand people coming together around a shared sense of the truth—it's a huge threat to them.

Which is also a pretty great way to describe Mother Jones' mission: People coming together around the truth to hold power accountable.

And right now, we need to raise about $400,000 from our online readers over the next two months to hit our annual goal and make good on that mission. Read more about the information war we find ourselves in and how people-powered, independent reporting can and must rise to the challenge—and please support our team's truth-telling journalism with a donation if you can right now.

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