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When is it safe -- if ever -- to move back into a house where floors have been recoated with a solvent-based varnish or lacquer?

— Lali Parasuramar

Mary Cordaro

Answered by Mary Cordaro

Mary Cordaro, Inc.

March 2, 2010

My floors were coated with oil-based polyurethane three years ago. Should I apply a low-VOC water-based coat over it or is offgassing done?

— Kim Stern Greenwich, CT

Answered by Bill Bradbury on March 15, 2010

I am considering replacing aluminum windows and have heard that vinyl can offgas forever. Is this true?

— Cyndi Holcombe Coronado, CA

Answered by Alex Georgiou on March 4, 2010

How do I get rid of the chemical smell of vinyl and plastics?

— Cat Vandergrift, PA

Answered by Danny Kelly on March 2, 2010

When is it safe -- if ever -- to move back into a house where floors have been recoated with a solvent-based varnish or lacquer?

— Lali Parasuramar

Answered by Mary Cordaro on March 2, 2010

My daughter and I are considering granite countertops for each of our homes. As a cancer survivor, is this a good choice for us?

— Eugenia Michel

Answered by Susan Davis on February 26, 2010

Is bamboo flooring with aluminum oxide finish considered a green choice?

— Liz Cohen

Answered by Mary Cordaro on January 28, 2010

Can there be buildup on walls from a prior smoker that pollutes the indoor air?

— Cherie Johnston

Answered by William Wagnon on January 14, 2010

I need to find low-toxic carpet for my rental apartment. What are some reliable brands?

— Linda MacEwen, Santa Monica, CA

Answered by David Rodriguez on November 6, 2009

What would you recommend as a durable, environmentally responsible, and attractive countertop material that is also reasonably priced?

— Kaye Key, Bangor, ME

Answered by Victoria Schomer on September 17, 2009

How can you tell if it is truly a "green paint" from start to finish?

— Ellen Wallingford, Rockport, ME

Answered by Victoria Schomer on September 17, 2009

Should we replace our PVC-lined flexible heating ducts with another type of ductwork?

— Sandy Van Wagoner, Auburn, WA

Answered by Daniel Glickman on May 21, 2009

How can we prevent car fumes from polluting our house through the attached garage?

— Anne Osher, Houston, TX

Answered by Jesse Terzi on April 23, 2009

Are Paperstone or IceStone countertops good choices for indoor air quality?

— Sean Sullivan, Milltown, NJ

Answered by Shannon Demma on October 20, 2008

Is it safe to remove vinyl flooring while I'm pregnant? What's the best material to replace it?

— Carrie Smith, Cincinnati, OH

Answered by Shannon Demma on October 20, 2008

Can we avoid formaldehyde in adhesives by choosing hardwood flooring that is nailed into place?

— Herbert Lichtman, Chicago, IL

Answered by Martine Paquin on September 11, 2008

 

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