Last week I learned, through testing by environmental group, Women’s Voices for the Earth, that Tide Original Scent and Tide Free and Clear detergents both contain 1,4 Dioxane, a probable carcinogen. Because 1,4 Dioxane is a by product of the process used to make the products and not an additive, it does not appear on the label’s ingredient listing. The 1,4 Dioxane could be removed by altering the formulation process for the detergents, but Proctor and Gamble, the corporation that makes tide, maintains that the amount of 1,4 Dioxane is in keeping with safety regulation. Representation for Proctor and Gamble maintains that clothing would have to be washed and worn 1,000 a day in order for one to be exposed to toxic levels of 1,4 Dioxane. I understand that this substance may be in my food and drinking water, but I will be researching alternatives, because I don’t understand why anyone would knowingly use a product that contains a “probable carcinogen”.

The Microsoft Nook?

Microsoft has announced that they will be investing $300 million into Barnes and Noble’s Nook division for a 17.6 percent stake. Microsoft will use the opportunity to expand its presence in the tablet field and Barnes and Noble will most likely benefit from the cash infusion and the resolution of several patent disputes it has with Microsoft. Book publishers are also happy about the deal.