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In a review of all the products used for cleaning by the cleaning industry, “clean-smelling” air fresheners seem to pose little risk. Unfortunately, the “fresh” scent of air fresheners may disguise not only undesirable odours, but may mask a health hazard as well. Chemicals known as phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) can be present in air fresheners are known to cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects, and reproductive problems. Individuals whose line of work puts them into frequent contact with these chemicals are at a greater risk of developing long term health problems simply by the nature of their occupation, for example, janitorial and cleaning staff.

An international non-profit environmental organization called the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) conducted its own independent testing on 14 commonly used air fresheners. They discovered phthalates in 86 percent (12 of 14) of air freshener products tested, including those marketed as “all-natural” or “unscented”. It was noted that none of the products tested listed phthalates on their labels. The NRDC recommends that government regulators should follow up by doing more thorough tests on these products and enforce basic measures to limit exposure to these chemicals, all in the interest of public health. Meanwhile, it may be prudent to avoid the use of air fresheners - especially in places where children or pregnant women are likely to frequent.

Unpleasant odours are generally undesirable in any closed environments. Odours are not the cause of toxicological concern, but odours may increase the reporting of symptoms (for example, nausea, headache, eye and throat irritation).

Sadly, the increased popularity of air fresheners has quickly surpassed awareness of the potential health concerns from exposure to the toxic chemicals they may contain. Nearly all phthalates are known to interfere with production of the male hormone, testosterone. They have also been associated with reproductive abnormalities. Various animal studies have linked prenatal exposure to certain phthalates with decreases in testosterone, malformations of the genitalia, and reduced sperm production. Human studies have also shown that phthalates have been connected with changes in hormone levels, poor semen quality, and changes in genital development. Five phthalates-which includes one found in air freshener products-are posted by the State of California as chemicals “known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm.” Phthalate exposure in a building environment has also been associated with allergic symptoms and asthma. Because there are no labelling requirements, even so called “natural” products can contain toxic chemicals. It seems virtually impossible for the common person to know which products may pose a risk.

While the focus here is on the presence of phthalates in air fresheners, it is worthwhile mentioning that researchers have detected other chemicals of concern to human health in these products as well. The European Consumers’ Organisation, BEUC (Bureau Europen des Consommateurs), commissioned a study in January 2005 to analyse the chemical substances present in indoor air following the use of air fresheners (including incense, natural products, scented candles, gels, aerosols, liquid and electric diffusers. The BEUC study found volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in these products at high levels and concluded that VOCs significantly contributed to indoor air pollution. In particular, the European study detected cancer-causing chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde in some air fresheners. Benzene is known to cause leukemia in humans, and formaldehyde has been linked to cancers of the upper airways. The majority of products also contained allergens (such as limonene). People with allergies to these chemicals could have adverse reactions, including rashes or even asthma attacks, from exposure to air freshener products.

There is no substitute for fresh air, and air fresheners generally mask odours. The best practice is to open windows to access fresh air or to use fans to provide proper air circulation. Air fresheners use a difference scent to cover bad odours, however they very seldom eliminate the cause of them. They do not create clean air.

Avoid using air fresheners if possible, but when necessary, use products with the lowest levels of phthalates to limit exposure to these toxic chemicals, or use products that are certified by organizations such as Environment Canada’s Environmental Choice Eco Logo or the United States’ Green Seal Programs as being an environmentally responsible product.

Until manufacturers are legislated to fully disclose all ingredients on product labels, just remember this. Each and every time you inhale fumes expelled by air fresheners, the risk of developing a health problem far outweighs any perceived benefit of using the product.

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Online degree program is a good choice for busy individual’s seeking a degree and continuing their education. There are many institutions online that offer online degree programs. There are many reasons for pursuing an online degree program. Wishing to further your education online is a choice that is suitable for the busy professional who has limited time. Some individuals may wish to pursue education online to pursue professional goals helping to attain a job promotion. Online degree programs are for stay-at-home parents or anyone who lives or works abroad. Going to school online has many advantages including keeping down transportation costs.

A myriad of Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and PhD degree programs online are available through distance learning. An online degree can lead to rewarding careers in education, arts, business and management, criminal justice, computer programming, digital design and animation, legal and paralegal, health sciences, information technology (IT), and many others.

Online teachers may be referred to as online facilitators, learning coaches, and creators of online teaching forums. The concepts associated with an online degree program are indeed geared towards “learning by doing” and learning critical thinking skills. An online degree program can be challenging at times. Time Management is crucial to managing school, job and personal responsibilities. Time has to be set aside for reading material, answering discussion questions and interacting with other students as well as turning in assignments while engaged in online degree programs. Depending upon the course related material additional time may be needed for other things such as lectures, and learning specific instructions given by the facilitator, etc.

Degree programs online are usually supplemented with audio tapes, books, online demonstrations, and other visual graphics and online lessons to better aid students in their learning processes.

Selecting an online degree program is not easy for a student as a host of online degree programs are available online. You will find out online degree programs of Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Bachelors of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Bachelors of Commerce (B.Com.), Bachelors of Arts (B.A. or A.B.), Bachelor’s of Science (B.Sc.), Finance, Graphic designing, Accountancy, Law, Medical, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering etc. Career prospects are very bright for a student, who earns degree through online degree programs. Many online universities arrange online placement programs for students. You can become Manger, Supervisor, Trainer or Chief Executive Officer of an organization after earning a degree through online degree program.

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Those that suffer from constant and chronic panic disorder often wonder if they can end panic attacks once and for all. Panic can interfere with one’s family life, friends and social life, hobbies, and even one’s career. Attacks can happen at virtually anytime and anywhere, and fear of another attack can cause a sufferer to avoid certain situations and circumstances, even everyday chores and activities. But you can end panic attacks once and for all, if you are determined to do so and are ready to put in some hard work toward this goal.

In order to actually end panic attacks it’s important to first of all acknowledge what they are. Some who suffer from panic hate to admit to themselves what they are as they may assume that these attacks show some type of weakness of character or lack of willpower. They may have been raised in a household where emotional disorders are treated as a weakness or they themselves just have that opinion. But you can’t end panic attacks if you refuse to acknowledge that this is what’s happening to you.

Some have found that medication is very helpful to end panic attacks; mild tranquilizers or antidepressants can be used to keep emotions on an even keel. Many doctors also recommend a course of behavior therapy, either with medications or separately in order to end panic attacks. With behavior therapy, a person can learn how to talk themselves out of a difficult situation when they feel a panic attack coming on. For instance, they can be taught to remind themselves that what they’re feeling is panic and that there’s not really anything wrong or dangerous happening at the moment.

This can help to end panic attacks for those who have them in certain circumstances, such as during meetings or religious services. These types of circumstances or events can make a person feel trapped and claustrophobic, resulting in panic. By learning how to reassure yourself the same way a friend or colleague would reassure you that there’s nothing wrong, the patient or sufferer can then take steps to end panic attacks on their own. Often both medication and this type of therapy are the most effective means of treating panic disorder.

Those who are hesitant to use medication or therapy as a means to end panic attacks should consider the fact that it can be done, and should picture their life without panic - and that should be motivation enough to get the help needed from one’s doctor or physician!

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Some who suffer from panic disorder may wonder if it’s possible to ever end panic attacks once and for all. They may have suffered for so long with panic that it has become part of their everyday routine, and some have a hard time picturing their life without such attacks. But it is possible to end panic attacks once and for all, with some help and with the proper tools.

In order to actually end panic attacks it’s important to first of all acknowledge what they are. Some who suffer from panic hate to admit to themselves what they are as they may assume that these attacks show some type of weakness of character or lack of willpower. They may have been raised in a household where emotional disorders are treated as a weakness or they themselves just have that opinion. But you can’t end panic attacks if you refuse to acknowledge that this is what’s happening to you.

Some have found that medication is very helpful to end panic attacks; mild tranquilizers or antidepressants can be used to keep emotions on an even keel. Many doctors also recommend a course of behavior therapy, either with medications or separately in order to end panic attacks. With behavior therapy, a person can learn how to talk themselves out of a difficult situation when they feel a panic attack coming on. For instance, they can be taught to remind themselves that what they’re feeling is panic and that there’s not really anything wrong or dangerous happening at the moment.

This can help to end panic attacks for those who have them in certain circumstances, such as during meetings or religious services. These types of circumstances or events can make a person feel trapped and claustrophobic, resulting in panic. By learning how to reassure yourself the same way a friend or colleague would reassure you that there’s nothing wrong, the patient or sufferer can then take steps to end panic attacks on their own. Often both medication and this type of therapy are the most effective means of treating panic disorder.

It is possible to end panic attacks once and for all, but trying with one just tool or method may not be enough. Using both medications and therapy can bring about lasting relief.

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