Question from cymering Dear Debra: I am trying to decide what replacement windows to use in my house. My first choice would have been wood inside aluminum outside, but now I know about Fibrex, from Andersen...

Question from Daisy Does anyone have any information on PTFC coatings on cookware? Recently I was at Williams Sonoma and saw their new "Gold Touch" line of cookware, which is advertised as having a non-stick ceramic coating. When I saw this I contacted the company to...

Question from Junia Hi Debra, I have a solid pine baby cot, but I read that pine wood emits Acetaldehyde. Do you know anything about this? Debra's Answer Yes, pine can emit acetaldehyde, but the amount of acetabldehyde varies greatly from freshly cut pine, to pine...

Question from petercsantoro@yahoo.com Unfortunately, one answer I received was that the tags were made of "woven polyester." What does this mean? Does this mean the whole article of clothing is "tainted?" What about when I wash the clothing? What do you recommend?...

Question from Anne Donahue Hi Debra, I like the new website. I found a nice rental home to move to but the landlords told me they fumigated it for termites about 3 years ago. I am chemically sensitive and was wondering if it would be safet to live there? Would their...

Question from lweave I am caulking my apartment to eliminate secondhand smoke. I need to know what types of caulk I can use around hotwater heating pipes, that won't off gas toxic fumes when they get hot. Debra's Answer Readers, any experience with this? [button...

Question from HEG Hi Debra, I have been reading a lot lately about thermochromic plastic since it is often used in children's items to make them heat-sensitive and, in response, color-changing (e.g. spoons that are heat-sensitive will change color in food that is too...

Question from jiwaskow I think I posted a while back but I can't find the post. We need a water softener for very hard well water. I'm concerned about the salts they add, but potassium is so expensive. Is there an alternative? Likewise - I'm concerned about the...

Question from sttlove I am in the process of buying a non-toxic crib mattress for my baby. I am not sure if I need to replace my first-born's twin mattress. He is sleeping on a Ikea mattress that is made from polyurethane foam. The mattress is six years old. At the...

Question from LLB52 Has anyone used Yolo Paint? My daughter is considering using it and I need to know if anyone has had any experience with this brand. Thanks! Debra's Answer Readers? Add...