Permanent ink pens and markers have caught my attention in daily life twice in the past two weeks, so I was prompted to write about them today. The first exposure was in a public place where someone opened one of these pens (with a popular brand name) and started...

Last Friday, the State of California filed a Notice of Intent to list glyphosate as “known to the state to cause cancer.” If this goes through, will Monsanto’s GMO foods sprayed with RoundUp be required to have Proposition 65 warning labels? I’ll be watching this....

Question from Inna Hi Debra, A few months ago, my husband bought a used 2005 Subaru Forester with leather seats. He loves the car and I sometimes end up riding in it with him, but the smell is hard for me to tolerate. Although you would think it would have outgassed...

Question from Stacey Hi Debra, I am wondering if rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry (earrings, necklace) is safe to wear. Thanks! Debra's Answer No toxic effects of rhodium have been reported that I could find. One blog post reported of a toxic danger to workers...

Question from Steve Hi Debra, A cabinet maker recently sprayed a piece of my furniture with water based clear varathane. According to my research this product contains VOC's. For how long will it continue to off gas and how long should I wait before it is 100% safe to...

Question from Steve Hi Debra, Any consensus as to whether those stainless steel folding steamer baskets are really made of? The box says 18/10 stainless steel. i'm wondering if there's nickel or other toxic metals added. Any consensus as to whether those stainless...

Question from Shannon Hi Debra, We recently purchased a condo that had been repainted prior to sale. 3 months later it is still off gassing and my asthma is severely affected. We will repaint with zero voc paint and primer but from what I understand that is not...

Question from Stacey Hi Debra, I just discovered cooler bags and lunch bags called Packit, that are designed to keep food cool up to 10 hours. I love the concept and design of the bags which would be great for kid's lunches as well as for many other uses. The...