Vinyl Floors Lead to Autism in Children?

U.S. and Swedish researchers called evidence far from conclusive. Yet children in homes with vinyl floors were twice as likely to have autism. Vinyl can emit phthalates - which help to make plastic flexible and prevent nail polish from chipping - and are prominent in the lives of American consumers.

The researchers found four environmental factors associated with autism: vinyl flooring, the mother’s smoking, family economic problems and condensation on windows, which indicates poor ventilation.

To see the study:
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/autism-and-vinyl-flooring

Green Development Going up in Evanston

This is cool - a new green development is going up in Evanston. See this piece in Evanston Now. The developers are hoping for a platinum-level LEED rating from USGBC. My wife Carmen is part of the team designing the homes and is quoted in the story.