Air fresheners may be hazardous to your health, according to a Sussex MP.

Lewes MP Norman Baker says research indicates air fresheners could cause head-aches, postnatal depression, diarrhoea and ear infections.

The Liberal Democrat environment secretary made the discovery through a parliamentary question.

Health minister Hazel Blears said research by scientists at Bristol University indicated a link between health problems and air fresheners.

A survey of 14,000 pregnant women found those who used fresheners every day suffered 25 per cent more headaches than those who used them once a week. There was also a 19 per cent increase in postnatal depression among women who used them daily.

Babies were 20 per cent more likely to suffer diarrhoea if fresheners are used daily and babies under six months had 30 per cent more ear infections.

Mr Baker urged the Government to sponsor urgent studies into the affects.