A new study done at the University of Washington discovered that 25 commonly used scented products emitted 420 different chemicals. Nearly a quarter are classified as toxic or hazardous under at least one federal law. Only one emitted compound was listed on a product...

PFOAs, the same chemical that is toxic in nonstick pans, have been found by University of Toronto scientists in the liners of junk food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags. The PFOAs from these food packages are migrating into food and being ingested by people,...

Question from Gigi I am in the process of selecting grout for porcelain tile that is about 12.6 x 12.6”, Bianco by Ceramica Alberdi via The Tile Shop. It will go in the kitchen, washroom and bathroom and will be installed over Hardibacker. We live over a crawl space...

Question from Gigi I am about to install porcelain tile. The Tile Shop recommended that I use Grout Release. Can anyone recommend one that has little or no toxicity? Debra's Answer I've installed a lot of tile and have never used grout release. Neither my husband nor...

Question from HEG I am confused about Gaussmeters and their ability to detect radiofrequency radiation. There is a radio broadcast tower about a third of a mile from my apartment so I used a gaussmeter to check EMF levels around my house. I was reassured that the...

Question from LauraB Hi, I recently discovered that Organic Cotton seems to irritate my skin because of the oils in it. I think I do okay when it is processed a little more, but I was wondering about other MCS folks with this same problem- if they have done okay with...

Question from Leslie Hi Debra, What is your opinion of the toxicity - if any - of flannel sheets? We are looking at 5-oz and 6-oz flannel sheets from Lands' End. Some of them are organic, others are not. Thanks! Debra's Answer I have been sleeping on cotton flannel...

Question from Lucy H I have MCS and am interested in have my teeth whitened. One effect of all my health troubles seems to have been that my teeth now stain easily and I do drink tea. There are many prodcuts available including ones done by the dentist. I wonder if...

Question from Tanya I am using a Canon MX870 inkjet printer and I seem to be reacting to the ink . According to the MSDS the ingredients are: Glycerin Glycol Water Heterocyclic compound Lacatam Debra's Answer Glycol can mean many things. If you are having a problem...