Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region IV-A CALABARZON
SAINT SIMON OF CYRENE ACADEMY INCORPORATED

EFFECTIVENESS OF NON-TOXIC GEL AIR FRESHENERS IN THE

A Research Presented to
JOHN MARK ALPAPARA & JANE JAMOTILLO
Of Saint Simon of Cyrene Academy Inc.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Imus, Cavite

In partial fulfillment for the requirements in

By:
Angeles, Tyrone Craig C.
Duero, Alexis Nicohlas S.
Magallon, Jeremiah S.
Monzon, Andrew Ryan V.
Rulida, Shendy B.
Santos, Aiden S.
Sison, Alyssa Joyce A.

January 2024

1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARIES
PAGE NO.

Title Page …………………………………………………………………………………..…...1

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION AND ITS SETTING

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………....3
Background of the Study…………………………………………………………………….....4
Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………………………4
Significance of the Study……………………………………………………………………….5
Scope and Delimitation…………………………………………………………………………6

CHAPTER 2 – LITERATURE REVIEW

Review of Related Literature…………………………………………………………………..7

CHAPTER 3 – METHODS

Research Design………………………………………………………………………………12
Respondents/Subjects of the Study…………………………………………………………12
Data Gathering Procedures…………………………………………………………………..12
Procedures.....................................................................................................................13

2
 CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

1.1. Introduction

Out of all of the five senses of a human, the sense of smell plays a very

important role when it comes to determining a person’s experience. The sense of smell

significantly contributes to how individuals perceive and interact with their surroundings,

influencing emotions, memories, perceptions, and even physiological responses. In

relation to such concept, restrooms or also known as comfort rooms should induce a

pleasant odor at all times in order to provide a feeling of hygiene and comfort when

being used.

In a busy setting, such as schools like Saint Simon of Cyrene Academy, Inc., the

restrooms, which are frequented with students, can often be plagued by unpleasant

odors arising from various sources including bodily waste, cleaning materials, and

stagnant air. The presence of unpleasant odors within the restrooms of Saint Simon of

Cyrene Academy, Inc. affects the student’s comfortability, experience, and overall

satisfaction with the facilities. Aside from those, constant exposure to unpleasant odors

could pose serious health and wellbeing risks. The production and placing of gel air

fresheners made with non-toxic ingredients has been offered in order to expel

unpleasant odors within the restrooms and to promote higher levels of comfort and

increased hygiene standards within Saint Simon of Cyrene Academy, Inc.

3
Background of the Study

The study aims to explore the historical background of toilet odor management,

the contemporary obstacles encountered by users, and the possible advantages of

producing and placing gel air fresheners to establish a more comfortable and user-

friendly lavatory environment.

Through an analysis of the current odor-related problems, students working on

this capstone project will have a thorough grasp of the various components that

contribute to the problem. The initiative intends to eradicate offensive odors and provide

a sustainable and comprehensive approach to toilet hygiene by fusing gel air fresheners

with the practice of responsible usage of restrooms. This research presents the use of

environmentally friendly and natural substances as a calculated response to the actual

and urgent problem of lingering smells in Saint Simon of Cyrene Academy Inc.’s

restrooms.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of non-toxic gel air fresheners in

the restrooms of Saint Simon of Cyrene Academy, Inc. The comfort rooms having

stagnant unpleasant odors can lead to discomfort for whoever uses it. Specifically, the

study aims to provide answers to the following questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1. Occupation

1.2 Gender

4
 2. How satisfied are the respondents with the overall restroom experience at

Saint Simon of Cyrene Academy, Inc.?

3. How does the idea of having non-toxic gel air fresheners in the restroom’s

environment affect your opinion when it comes to the hygiene and comfort of

such facilities?

4. What is/are the respondents' preferred scent for an air freshener?

5. How do these unclean and odorous conditions affect you as a student, teacher,

or staff member?

1.3. Significance of the Study

This study will be helpful to following:

STUDENTS: Implementing this product could indeed help to reduce the

unpleasant smell that is building up in the restrooms pf Saint Simon of Cyrene Academy,

Inc., creating a cleaner and more hygienic environment. This could potentially lessen

the stress for students who use the restrooms, knowing it's a cleaner space.

TEACHERS: By having a pleasant odor, they can benefit from moments of

peace and relaxation. Having a comfortable and tranquil environment in the restroom

can provide them with a brief respite from their busy day, allowing them to recharge and

return to their work with renewed focus and energy.

5
 STAFFS: Non-toxic air fresheners that can eliminate bad odor can free up the

time for the school’s staff to attend to other tasks. By minimizing the unpleasant odors

and the need to eliminate such odors, these products can produce a positive impact and

contribute to a more efficient work environment.

1.4. Scope and Delimitation

The focus of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of non-toxic gel air

fresheners in the restrooms of Saint Simon of Cyrene Academy, Inc. Using survey

questioners, the researchers aim to involve 50 high school students, teachers, and staff

as a respondents. This research aims to enhance hygienic atmosphere, potentially

reducing unpleasant odors and promoting better hygiene practices among students and

also a more pleasant and welcoming environment, which can positively impact their

overall experience and comfort while using the facilities. It is crucial to note that this

research is limited to Saint Simon of Cyrene Academy, Inc., which includes the

restrooms inside this specific geographic area.

6
 CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Literature Review

This chapter discusses the literatures, concepts, and the result of other

researches regarding air fresheners and sanitization in general. These literatures or

studies are included within this chapter to further help in familiarizing all the information

or ideas that are relevant to the present study.

An air freshener is a product that releases a scent to remove unwanted odors

from a space. Air fresheners are available in various formats, including sprays, gels, oils,

liquids, solids, plug-ins, hanging discs, beads, potpourri, wick diffuser, and scented

candles. They can be active or passive, and they can emit aroma instantly, intermittently,

or continuously to disguise or minimize unwanted room smell. Usually, these products

inject scent into the air and other odor counteractants. (N. Rozani, 2021)

Air freshener is mainly made up of two components namely fragrances and

solvents. Solvents usually used are either water or oil. Fresheners that use a water-

based system are usually made in the form of gel. Air freshener gel is a water-based

system, contains few ingredients such as gelling agent, fragrance oil, water and used

together in various combinations to ensure rigidity and stability of the solidified gel. (P.

Roy et al., 2023)

7
 Air fresheners emit a range of volatile organic compounds, which can include

hazardous air pollutants. Exposure to air fresheners has been associated with health

problems such as migraine headaches, respiratory difficulties, and asthma attacks. (A.

U. Yakasai and B. Mohammed, 2022)

According to Yuningtyaswari and S. Dwi in 2016, air fresheners can cause indoor

air pollution if used unwisely. Air freshener contains a variety of volatile organic

compounds such as formaldehyde with the potential to damage the liver.

Indoor air pollution among others came from deodorizer such as air freshener.

Chemicals that can be found in the air freshener include: benzene, formaldehyde,

limonene, even phthalate. Such compounds are generally harmful to the reproductive

system by interfering with the endocrine system of the testes, the cells Leydig. Chemical

composition varies depending on the form of air freshener or manufacturer.

(Yuningtyaswari and N. Zulkhah, 2016)

Fulfillment is an idea that has shown up in numerous fields. A restroom is one of

the essential facilities in any establishments, even in public areas. For this reason, the

development of student satisfaction is the other key aspect of improving and providing

the necessary materials to satisfy the students. Each day lots of students will use the

restroom in a couple of hours, and after using, there are different feedbacks that will

come out, either a positive or a negative feedback. (R. Dagoc, et al., 2020)

8
 Based from T. Shao, et al. in 2021, cleanliness was the primary consideration for

students’ toilet use on campus. The visual experience of the overall cleanliness of toilets

had the most significant impact when students used toilets. While washing facilities and

convenient hand-washing had the least impact on toilet use.

Fragrances are considered important sensory attributes in the formulation of

fragranced products as fine fragrances or functional perfumes like soaps, household

cleaners, detergents, and so on. In air freshener products, fragrance plays important

role in spreading scent for relaxation and in cleaning the air. (L. Phuong, et al., 2022)

Hirasawa, et al. in 2019, stated that unpleasant odors impair our mood and may

affect physical health, even when the odorants are not toxic. A possible cause for such

negative effects is stress induced by odors.

Every day we perceive different smells in the street, at work, on public transport,

in the home... These smells can be pleasant and bring pleasant memories to mind, but

sometimes they are unpleasant and we tend to try to change that sensation. Society is

faced with the need to neutralise these unpleasant smells wherever they are present. (A.

Castro and M. Renė, 2022)

9
2.2. Synthesis

The literatures and studies above indicates the properties of air fresheners. In

general, air fresheners are used to eliminate unwanted odors or malodors within an

indicated space. Although it harbors such benefit, unfortunately the chemicals that are

used in the solutions of air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds which causes

health complications if you are exposed to the chemicals for a long duration of time. The

studies cited also states how air fresheners can also be a cause of indoor air pollution

because of the VOCs within it.

It also states how the sense of smell or olfactory has an impact regarding the

stress levels, emotions, and overall wellbeing of a person. Overall, the studies that are

mentioned above are all about maintaining hygiene and cleanliness to the environment

of the restrooms. This gives the students, teachers, and staff a more comfortable, and

satisfying experience with the restrooms of Saint Simon of Cyrene Academy

Incorporated.

2.3. Definition of Terms

Key concepts in this study are operationally defined as follows:

1. Air Freshener - A substance or device that is used for making the air in a
room smell fresh or clean.

2. Odor - also called a "smell" or a "scent", which can refer to either an

3. Malodor - Having an unpleasant smell or offensive odor; smelling bad.

10
4. Volatile Organic Compounds - VOCs for short, are gases that are emitted
into the air from products or processes. Some of which may short-term and
long-term adverse health effects.

5. Indoor Air Pollution - is created by the release of harmful pollutants inside.

11
 CHAPTER III

METHODS

3.1. Research Design

The design that will be used is a pre-test experimental approach. This study aims

to examine the effectiveness of non-toxic gel air fresheners in expelling the unpleasant

odors and improving user satisfaction in public restrooms. A sort of quantitative method

in which the researcher focuses on a specific subject and analyzes data collected

through surveys. The researchers have accumulated sufficient data on the discomfort

and effects of unpleasant odor restrooms on the high school students, teachers, and

staffs of Saint Simon of Cyrene Academy Incorporated High School.

3.2. Respondents/Subject of the Study

The respondents of the study are people at the school in Saint Simon of Cyrene

Academy, Inc., in 2024. Random sampling will be used to select each of these

participants. The study's respondents will be chosen at random. Any random employee

or student at Saint Simon of Cyrene Academy, Inc. would be the respondents.

3.3 Data Gathering Procedures

The process of collecting data will be carried out in Saint Simon of Cyrene by

conducting a survey with each participant individually about their comfort room

experience. A combination of junior high school and senior high school students will

12
take part in the survey to learn more about the effectiveness non-toxic gel air fresheners.

A similar set of questions about their overall comfort room experiences were given to

each participant. The researcher sought to use language that was comprehensible and

relevant to each of the participants being surveyed (Bryman, 2001).

The purpose of this data collection procedure is to get the participant involved in

order to acknowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the study. Before beginning

the process of gathering data, the researchers will first ask the participants for their

consent. Participants' rights to privacy and identity protection are implied by the Data

Privacy Act of 2012, which will regulate data collection. Participants will be given the

reassurance that getting their consent will happen before the survey even starts.

Procedure

Before proceeding with the production of our air fresheners, we carried out a

survey in order to determine whether the high school students of Saint Simon of Cyrene

Academy, Inc., identifies any foul odor on the rest rooms of the school. We also

included a question in our survey about their preferred scents in order determine the

scents of our air fresheners.

The survey has a total of 45 respondents, and out of the 45 high school students,

93.33% have noticed unpleasant odors within the restrooms of Saint Simon of Cyrene

Academy, Inc. And 86.67% of the respondents thought that the idea of placing air

fresheners inside the restrooms of the school is a good idea.

13
 Regarding the preferred scents of the students for air fresheners, a lot of

suggestions were given. But the most repeated answers were Lavender, Lemon, and

Floral/Blossom.

And now that we know the respondent’s preferred scent for an air freshener, we

will proceed in making the mixture for the air freshener. The ingredients of the solution

will consist of non-toxic products such as water, alcohol, gelatin powder, food coloring,

and essential oils.

We first started with a sample of the air freshener mixture to see if it is actually

effective. We chose lemon, cherry blossom, and mint scented essential oils for our

sample.

To make the sample air freshener mixture:

 In a mixing bowl, add 100 ml of cold water.

 Then mix in around 1/4 of a pack of gelatin powder.

 Mix until the powder dissolves, then add in 100ml of boiling water.

 Stir again until combined, then add in the food coloring that is suited to the

essential oil that will be used.

 Add in 30-50 drops of chosen essential oil, and then stir until combined.

 Let it set in a refrigerator for 8 hours.

14
 Unfortunately, our first sample of air freshener did not succeed, as the mixture did

not set or solidify despite being inside the refrigerator for 8 hours. We tested it out first

before proceeding with another way of making the air fresheners. We placed the sample

on the 4th floor restroom. The scent was not dispersing throughout the restrooms of the

school, meaning it is also not effective. We then proceeded into the new formulation of

our product. This time we used a lily scented essential oil.

To make the new formulation of the sample air freshener:

 In a pot, add in about 100ml of room temperature water.

 Add in your gelatin powder, and stir until dissolved.

 Add in your food coloring of choice.

 Heat up the pot in low heat.

 Once the mixture starts to bubble up, remove the pot from heat.

 Transfer the gelatin mixture onto the chosen container.

 Add in about 5ml or half a bottle of your chosen essential oil.

 Let the Gel Air Freshener set or solidify a bit.

 Then add in the rest of the essential oil.

 Let it cool down before placing a lid on it.

This new sample of air freshener has solidified as intended without the need of

refrigerating it. We once again tested it out by placing the Gel Air Freshener within the

restroom located at the 4th floor of the school.

15
 We then proceeded to making the branding of our gel air fresheners. The name

and logo and packaging of our product are the following:

Product Name Logo

Product Branding

16