Productopia | Home & Garden

We don't think of our furniture as a health hazard, save for maybe the sharp corners of a kitchen table. But several studies have shown that the materials used to make furniture -- from the formaldehyde used in wood adhesives, to the chemicals used in upholstery --  can cause long-term health issues, including respiratory problems, developmental delays, and fertility issues. 

The latest such study, by researchers at Duke University and the University of California at Berkeley, found many sofas contain a toxic flame retardant linked to cancer, hormone disruption and neurological problems. Overall, 85 percent of the 102 polyurethane-foam sofas tested were treated with flame retardants known to be toxic or that lack information about their health effects. Forty-one percent contained cancer-causing chlorinated Tris (TDCPP), a flame retardant banned for use in children's clothing in 1977. Seventeen percent contained the chemical pentaBDE, which has been banned worldwide since 2004.  Researchers even found toxic flame retardants in sofas labeled as eco-friendly. Read more

Since earthquakes were once considered a West Coast phenomenon, the quake that hit the East Coast last year shook everyone with surprise. It goes to show that earthquakes cannot be predicted and therefore you should always be prepared.

According to ready.gov, "there are actually 45 states and territories throughout the United States that are at moderate to high risk for earthquakes including the New Madrid fault line in Central U.S." With that in mind, we put together some useful links along with a list of helpful tips so you can be fully prepared if disaster strikes. Read more

You can always reach for the club soda, but stain removal these days is a serious science. Stains are generally classified into five categories. Determining whether the one you're dealing with falls under the proteins, tannins, oil-based, dye, or combination label is the first step to reclaiming the tablecloth or your favorite shirt, according to Dan Crane of Slate.com. And with waxy candlesticks, all things cranberry, greasy gravy, and a slew of other stain-makers lurking ahead in the holiday season, our breakdown on stain removal will have you ready for whatever splatters your way.

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When I was younger, October marked the annual craft store trip with mom to flip through the giant pattern books--and narrow down my top choices for that year's Halloween costume. Playing dress-up was fun--but watching mom work away at the sewing machine to create a costume just for me was always magical. From pirates, to pumpkins, to Jasmine, my favorite Disney Princess, each year produced as many fond memories as it did sugar highs. Whether you're looking to start a similar Halloween costume-making tradition with your children or just hoping to make a killer party outfit, here are a few of our favorite sources of inspiration. Of course, if you don't have the necessary equipment, you'll want to start here, with our reports for best sewing machines and sergers. And if you're really behind the ball, invest in a garment steamer to ensure that the pre-packaged costume you buy from the drug store has a more polished look.

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