Does anyone have recommendations for dealing with wicked, terrible insomnia that seems to be caused by something I'm breathing in (judging by my racing heartbeat, constriction in my chest, and burning eyes)? Multiple Chemical Sensitivities are a part of this, so anyone with this who has learned a trick for controlling indoor air quality - please help me!!! [more inside]
posted by bross12 on Sep 9, 2009 - 5 answers

My wife and I are (probably) moving into a newly-built apartment in a month or so. Here in Korea, brand new units tend to reek for a while of chemicals from glue and particle board and so on. Help us minimize the chemical haze! [more inside]
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken on Sep 7, 2008 - 4 answers

My wife and I bought an "assemble it yourself" desk two months ago, but it still has a new desk smell that irritates her and may be unhealthy. How to get rid of it? [more inside]
posted by jasonhong on Jul 2, 2008 - 10 answers

Lately we have been buying no-iron sheets because they are so soft and do not require ironing. Now we hear that they are treated with formaldehyde. Lands' End says: "The fabric is treated at a fiber level with a no-wrinkle finishing process that is deemed so safe it's commonly used for children’s clothing" but they don't mention formaldehyde. Should we be concerned?
posted by retiree on May 22, 2008 - 5 answers

How unsafe is it to work in a warehouse filled with hundred + year old stuffed exhibits (buffalo, cougars, birds, snakes, etc.) It contains the archives of a natural history museum. One of the scientists there told me that, although they would like to get rid of some of these old specimens, no one would want them as they were taxidermed the old fashioned way with mercury and formaldehyde, etc. They, also, have a bar of radium from Madame Curie but its on a different floor. I've inquired as to how its packaged but I'd be surprised if its done properly in a lead box. I just read an article that made a connection with working around formaldehyde and ALS - my most feared disease. I only work (volunteer) there 2 days a week but am I in any danger doing so? Thanks
posted by Tullyogallaghan on Apr 17, 2008 - 9 answers

When someone noted we were approaching the 10th anniversary of Cobain's suicide, I remembered an interview I did with a fellow high-school student who made the pilgrimage to Seattle in the weeks after his death. One of the things I remember him saying is that on his marathon drive from Wisconsin to the west coast, he smoked "water cigarettes." Not wanting to present myself as a complete doofus when it came to illicit substances, I nodded and recorded what he said. But now I've got to wonder: What in the world was he talking about? Did I mishear the phrase "water cigarettes"? Google has no results.
posted by blueshammer on Apr 2, 2004 - 13 answers