Question from David Myrow The ideal coffee maker would be glass and (for me) stainless steel and use paper filters, since there appears to be research that paper filters remove some esters which can promote higher cholesterol. Were it not for the paper filter issue, a...

Question from JB My parents house is very unsanitary and unhealthy and is hazardous. She is a pack rat and has food just lying around which has caused mice and the standing water in tub has caused flying black insects. She has NEVER allowed anyone to clean her house...

Question from Lezlie Do you have any info on OxiClean Versatile stain remover? I have stopped using bleach in my laundry, but my whites started looking so grey. I started using OxoBrite that I purchased at a health foods store, but the OxiClean sells at Costco for so...

Question from Marc Are there any plastic salad spinners that are safe to use? That do not off-gas or have BPA or phalates in them? Debra's Answer I do not know the type of plastic used to make salad spinners, however, there is a safe alternative, suggested by Martha...

Question from Marc I just bought a dumbbell made of wroght iron coated with neoprene. Is this material safe to touch and/or does it off-gas? -Marc Debra's Answer Neoprene was the first mass-produced synthetic rubber, made from petrochemicals. It's chemical name is...

Question from Roxanne Can formaldehyde fumes be absorbed through the skin, such as from a new mattress or furniture? Debra's Answer Per The Journal of General Physiology: The Penetration Of Vesicant Vapors Into Human Skin, the answer is YES, chemical vapors can pass...

Question from lmpd42 I wonder whether anyone can recommend lumber with which we can remodel our condo, because I started suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity since our moving into this condo three years ago. Currently I'm relocated and finally have just...

Question from Monica Dear Debra, I've searched through your list of categories and am clueless if this question has been asked before. If it has, I apologize. After watching a National Geographic documentary on viruses last night, I began thinking of all the hotel...

Question from L.A. I recently bought a set of Simply Organic 100% organic cotton sheets/pillowcases at Bed Bath and Beyond. When I went to launder them before using them, the cleaning instructions on the labels said to "machine wash cold." I prefer to wash sheets with...

Question from L.A. Does witch hazel kill germs? Debra's Answer Witch hazel is an herbal plant. It's leaves are astringent, which means it tends to shrink or constrict body tissues. It also dries, hardens, and protects the skin. If the witch hazel preparation contains...