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

Greenest Chicagoan

It's sort of an absurd notion for a story, but fun nonetheless. Who has the 'greenest' lifestyle in Chicago? The answer, almost not surprisingly, is Ken Dunn. The founder and director of the Resource Center rides his bike year-round, eats veggies he grows in his own backyard and heats his home with a wood-burning furnace. Sounds vaguely familiar... like a fairly traditional lifestyle, right? "Much of our country had a very frugal attitude in the late '40s, when I was first aware of household practices, and I've been trying to stay true to that," he told the Trib. To see the story, go here.