Question from Julie Larson Scientific American September 30, 2008 European Chemical Clampdown Reaches Across Atlantic Many chemicals manufactured in the U.S. have been pronounced "dangerous" by the European Union By David Biello This came to me from Lawrence Plumlee...

Question from Mom My son has pinworm and the eggs are hard to kill. Every site I've seen says to use bleach, but I'm sensitive to it, plus I don't use toxic cleaners like these. I've been using white vinegar. Will this kill the eggs while cleaning? Do I need to use it...

Question from Sandy My husband and I decided to switch our office and guest room. The office (which is now the guest room) had one of those plastic things you put on the floor so your chair can roll easily. It has been in the room for several years and had no plastic...

Question from SVE Older relatives have given us various decorative collector china plates, tea cups and saucers (some "chintz" patterns) through the years. I've been wondering if "lead" could be on the surfaces of some or most of these lovely pieces. If a person only...

Question from Shelly Hello, I am interested in reading about anyone's experience with a Tersano Lotus LBU100 Sanitizing System? It is supposed to disinfect surfaces as well as remove pesticides and kill germs on food. According to what I have read about the Lotus,...

Question from Diana I just recently purchased a "non-toxic" caulk from a site listed on "Debra's List." However, after I read the back of the bottle it lists the following items: "Contains TALC, 2,2,4-TRIMETHYL-1, 3-pentanediol MONO-SOBUTYRATE, VINYL ACETATE AND...

Question from SBP I was given a set of china dishes. Several of them are "brown with age", but in good condition otherwise. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of this brown shadow across the dishes? Debra's Answer Readers? [button...

Question from sophia Hello, Dear Debra, Do you know of a natual alternative to the commercial pesticide sprays used to control gypsy moths in the north east, ie western NJ. I am asking for a residence w/a large plot of land that runs into the woods. Thanks! Debra's...

Question from Sue McWilliams I read an article explaining to dip cotton in peppermint oil and place in areas likely to attract rodent traffic. Cleaned up my laundry room and placed several in the room. I used pieces of a cotton t-shirt tied in a small bundle and...

Question from Sunnyside I'm looking for a non-toxic, low(or no) VOC sealer that can be used to cover our newly installed deck floor. The deck floor is a hardwood (maple)from Brazil light in color. It is a very dense wood and pre-drilling was necessary. If possible, I...