Super Search

Submitted questions will be posted with my response by the following Tuesday or before.
Submitted comments will be moderated and approved within 24 hours.

Chinese Lacquer Furniture Off Gassing

Question from Anne

Hello,

I’ve found a few pieces of furinture imported from China that I’m interested in purchasing. They both have a lacquer finish, even inside the drawers. Recently, when I went in to look at them, a friend mentioned that you have to be careful of this kind of finish off-gassing. When we smelled inside the drawers, there is a smell there (some of the other furniture with a different finish inside the drawers had no smell). Is this off-gassing? Is there anything I can do to seal it? Will it always be there? Any advice you can give me will help.

Thanks,

Anne

Debra’s Answer

I’ve heard to stay away from this kind of finish. I have no personal experience with this type of finish.

Readers?

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Maple Syrup

Question from ib

Hello Debra,

Thank you for all your valualbe information on living a healthy life.

Is organic maple syrup safe to use as a sweetner? ib

Debra’s Answer

Maple syrup is a fine natural sweetener. I would not recommend it for diabetics as it will elevate blood sugar.

Though maple syrup is not refined, it is the boiled down sap from maple trees, so it is concentrated.

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Xylan Coated Waffle Iron

Question from Lara

hi. i received a xylan coated waffle iron as a gift. is it safe to use? i understand that it is “healthier” than teflon.

thanks for your suggestions, lara

Debra’s Answer

Apparently Xylon and Teflon are the same polytetraflouethylene, just different brand names.

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Raw Cacao

Question from Kathy

I just wanted to share this article below about raw cacao by Paul Nison.

Raw Chocolate-Harmful for your health

By Paul Nison

The latest and greatest “so-called” super food being promoted in the raw food world is raw chocolate, also known as cacao. I myself was excited when I first heard about it. But after trying it, I didn’t feel that great. I asked others how they felt after consuming cacao and there were no complaints. That was then. After a few months, I started to get more and more complaints from people who were taking cacao. It didn’t surprise me because chocolate in general is not good for us. Other than the enzyme issue, why would raw cacao be so healthy for us?

That is when I decided to do research and I found some scary facts. What’s even scarier is that people are so addicted to it, that even after learning of the high possibility of harmful effects, they keep consuming it. What concerns me the most is the amount people are eating. If someone took a pinch, let’s say once a week, then maybe they wouldn’t have to worry. When I see people being lead to believe that there are many health benefits to consuming tablespoons every day; that is just crazy!

If you are eating a raw food diet because you want to find a natural toxin that will make you feel high, then you have found a good product. Beware, because there are many downsides to it. If you are eating a raw diet for health benefits, consuming chocolate in any form should be off your list and out of your mind.

Debra’s Answer

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Hip Surgery

Question from Lucy H

I have been told by an orthopedic surgeon that I need a hip replacement. Currently I am maintaining my fucntion quite well but I can imagine the time will come when I may need this surgery. How do I find a doctor and hospital that understand and can acccomodate MCS? How do I find out if I can tolerate metal or plastic in my body? Is it possible to have this surgery without general aneaethesia? What precautions do I need to take?

thank you,

Lucy H

Debra’s Answer

Readers with MCS, any advice for this woman regarding surgery?

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Natural Deodorant

Question from Debbie T.

I need some recommendations for a good natural and/or organic deodorant. I have been using Tom’s of Maine Long-lasting, and though it works great for some, now that summer has hit, it is not working as well for me. Anyone have any suggestions that have worked well for them? Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

See Fragrance-free Deodorants and Deodorants for Teenage Son.

Readers, any other suggestions?

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Green cleaner for a ceramic cooktop

Question from Marissa

We just moved into a house with new kitchen appliances. The stove has a ceramic cooktop and came with a small bottle of cleaner made by Whirlpool (also the maker or the stove). Judging from the smell alone I doubt its non-toxic. It list only one ingredient, citric acid. It has a caution warning for eye irritant. I read on here that cream of tartar might work and would like some more suggestions. Where do you get cream of tartar? I’m new to the non-toxic, green stuff so any help would be appreciated!

Debra’s Answer

Citric acid is fine. It’s just vitamin C. So go ahead and use it if there are no other harmful ingredients. And when you’ve used up that bottle, replace it with vitamin C.

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Infant/Toddler Bedding & Pajamas without flame retardant materials

Question from TB

Hello again,

I have 2 children diagnosed on the autism spectrum with high levels of metals in their systems…some of which may have come from the flame retardant chemicals used on bedding and pajamas.

We are expecting our third child and I would like to know the name of a website where I can purchase non-toxic, non-offgassing furniture as well as mattresses, bedding, pajamas, and clothing that would be the healthiest (ie: without chemicals and flame retardants) for my children to wear, especially the newborn.

Please help as soon as possible…

Debra’s Answer

There are many websites listed at Debra’s List: Babies & Kids which sell these items.

Readers, what are your favorite websites for natural baby bedding and clothing?

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Sewing Machine Oil

Question from Dana

Dear Debra,

Thank you so much for providing this great website & blog!

I would like to know the toxicity of sewing machine oil. I’ve heard that jojoba oil can be used as a substitute and would like to try that on my sewing and knitting machines. However, I am a bit nervous about doing this as I don’t want to ruin my equipment.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Regular sewing machine oil is just standard petrochemical oil. I think jojoba would be fine and won’t ruin your machine.

Readers, what do you use?

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Sugar in Lotions

Question from Kathy

I have hypoglycemia and use a lotion called Radiance Body Lotion by Burt’s Bees. I watch my sugar intake but sometimes I feel tired like I’ve eaten sugar. I wonder if the sugar in the lotion could be affecting me. It contains glucose (sugar), sucrose distearate (sugar emulsifier), and glucose oxidase.

Debra’s Answer

I would say the answer is YES, sugar from the lotion can be absorbed through your skin. If I needed to watch my sugar intake, I would avoid any skin products that contain sugar or any other sweetener.

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ARE TOXIC PRODUCTS HIDDEN IN YOUR HOME?

Toxic Products Don’t Always Have Warning Labels. Find Out About 3 Hidden Toxic Products That You Can Remove From Your Home Right Now.