The Vox Box

Wed., Oct. 1, 2008

Febreeze anyone?…

Many are considering putting the kabosh on their household air-freshner use - the associated health risks just simply stink. (sorry...could not resist that pun)

In 2007, the Natural Resources Defense Council evaluated 14 air fresheners, finding that 12 contained "varying amounts of pthalates, chemicals that...can cause developmental abnormalities."

Dr. Andrew Weil, Prevention magazine, includes that exposing yourself or others to the chemicals in air fresheners as little as once a week can increase chances of developing asthma or other lung damaging problems by 71 percent.

"A boquet of fresh flowers" may be the better, and healthier choice, says Weil.

What do you think about those little tree fresheners? Would you stop freshener useage to protect those around you?

Posted Oct. 1, 2008, 6:19 a.m.

In 2006, then-editor Steve Smith of The Spokesman-Review had the idea of starting a publication for an often forgotten audience: teenagers. The Vox Box was a continuation of the Vox, an all-student staffed newspaper published by The Spokesman-Review. High school student journalists who staffed the Vox made all content decisions as they learn about the trade of journalism. This blog's mission was to give students an opportunity to publish their voices. The Vox Box and the Vox wrapped up in June 2009, but you can follow former staffers' new blog at http://voxxiez.blogspot.com.