PCBs Are Still Present in Some Consumer Products
Polychlorinated biphenyls, aka PCBs, have been banned in the United States since 1979. Recent studies, however, have found that one PCB in particular, PCB 11, is still being found in yellow pigments commonly used in paint and for printing clothing and paper....Safe Glue for Toilet Installation
Question from Angelique The plumbers can fasten almost all the pipes in our bathroom with “no hub bands,” which are rubber bands and metal clamps (I assume this is the safest thing for me!) However, the ring where the toilet meets the floor has to be...Are Acrylic Blackout Curtains OK?
Question from D. I have had four polyester curtains with acrylic backing on my bedroom windows for one year. I have noticed no smell and no negative reactions. ( I am not chemically sensitive). I then decided to put up six more curtains,made of the same material so...Home Environment Bamboo Sheets
Question from woksawi I bought a few sets of bamboo sheets at a store closing sale. They were manufactured in China, by Home Environment. I reacted to the sheets after washing and then whatever it was got stuck in washer. I’m wondering what it is but can’t...Marmoleum Adhesive
Question from Allison I’m having Marmoleum installed in a bathroom. I’m concerned about possible long-term health dangers from the Forbo adhesive which contains the antimicrobial agent MicroSept. Another reader had asked you about it, and you advised her...Area Rugs
Question from Stacey Hello, My question is about area rugs – can I assume any natural area rugs are safe (jute, sisal, or seagrass)? Some have latex backings, so should I ask if it is natural latex? Do you know of any safe rug pad to use (not sure if I need...UV Lamps and Ozone
Question from Becky Hi Debra, What do you know about UV lamps and their safety? Someone recommended installing this in our furnace to help with allergies – the website says it does not produce ozone but how can you be sure?...Balloons
Question from Becky Do balloons contain toxic or hazardous substances that are harmful to children? Debra’s Answer There are basically two types of balloons that are commonly purchased for parties or gifts. The old-fashioned rubber balloons that stretch and come...Air Scrubber Plus
Question from Becky Has anyone heard anything good or bad about that Air Scrubber Plus for your HVAC system that cleans the air of bacteria, viruses, gases, air particles, odors. Uses hydroxyation, ionization and UV. Has been tested by 2 universities. Cells need to be...
