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Spandex

Question from Nikki

 

If an item that uses organic cotton is blended with 5% spandex is it considered fairly safe? I am trying to get natural products for my baby but some things are very hard for me to find without a small percent blend. I’m very limited it seems.

Also I am finding many organic cotton baby play Matt’s but all of them are filled with polyester filling!!!! Is this ok or do I need to continue the search?

I’m finding strict toxic free is overwhelming me as a mom preparing for a baby!

Between  gots certified materials that still include spandex and Oeko-Tex certs that don’t use organic cotton ….

I am confused and just want to know what a realistic acceptable balance is!

Sincerely
Worried and overwhelmed mom 🙁

 

Lisa’s Answer

 

I understand how confusing it is!  Your baby is already benefiting from the steps you have taken.  Stress isn’t good for you or the baby.  There is not a right or wrong answer about what is an acceptable balance.  Focusing on the big things is important; like a nontoxic mattress and crib.  5% spandex in clothing is not something to worry about, particularly if it is certified.

An organic cotton mat with polyester filling that is Oeko-Tex certified is a good choice.  I would choose this over the EVA mats that are popular.  Have you checked Etsy?  They do have some all organic cotton options.  If you find one with polyester fill contact the vendor and see if they can make it with a cotton or wool fill.

I plan to do a deeper dive into playmats because I have gotten a lot of questions about it but I’m not sure I will have it before you need to buy one.  Good luck!

Covering Lead Cords with Washi Tape

Question from Mary

 

I have seen several discussions on this site about the lead in cords.  Would covering them in washi tape be a good idea to reduce lead exposure?  Are there any concerns with washi tape?

Or what about painter’s tape?

 

Lisa’s Answer

 

I’d recommend a fabric cover.  You can find hemp or other natural material covers on Etsy.  I honestly had to look up washi tape because I had never heard of it.  Any tape is going to introduce an adhesive.  Washi is typically made from a natural fiber paper but the adhesive can vary by manufacturer.  Overall, I don’t think this is a big exposure but if you are going to the trouble of covering your cords why cover them with something that could offgas?

Cover for Cochlear Implant Cords

Question from Miriam

 

My daughter wears cochlear implants, which have cables that connect the magnet to the processor.  Her audiologist kindly gave us some covers to strengthen then and keep them from kinking up but when I asked the Etsy vendor about them, she informed me they are made from PVC.  Could you PLEASE help me think of an alternative?  These are something she wears every day, and on her head :-/.

Here is a picture of a cochlear implant:
https://advancedbionics.com/com/en/home/solutions/processors/naida-ci.html

and here is the link to the  covers we were given:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/846131723/cochlear-hearing-aid-cable-twists

You can see a picture in the listing of what it is covering, as well.

Lisa’s Answer

 

Have you searched for silicone covers?  I googled hearing aid covers and came up with several options.  I’m not sure if they would fit your device but perhaps they could be cut.  I don’t recommend silicone for baking but it is inert at room temperature.

No-VOC Exercise Equipment

Question from Greg

 

Any recommendations on no-Voc home exercise equipment?  Looking for options from stationary bicycle to resistance bands.

-Here is an example of resistance bands :https://smarterlifeproducts.com/products/smartsport-resistance-tube-bands
-Home gyms are heavy on plastics.
-There may be some good examples of stationary bikes.

Lisa’s Answer

 

I think it would be a great business idea for someone to make truly safer gym equipment.  Unfortunately, I don’t know of any that are truly No-VOC.  I’m not sure that’s possible.  The way I look at it is that the benefit of exercise outweighs the risks and you should minimize exposure where you can.  Also, home gyms are a very good place to have a good air purifier that captures VOCs.

The resistance bands shown seem better.  It’s good that they are not made with PVC but it doesn’t tell you what it is made of.

I haven’t looked into stationary bikes.  Readers, any suggestions?

Organization

Question from Stefany

 

At the moment I can not afford real wood drawers or cabinets. Would metal drawer organizers be non toxic? I want to buy some down below for clothes and kitchen/pantry as well.

https://www.target.com/p/closetmaid-4-tier-wire-utility-cart-white/-/A-16694639#lnk=sametab

https://www.target.com/p/3-tier-metal-utility-cart-made-by-design-153/-/A-53314604?preselect=78805103#lnk=sametab

https://www.target.com/p/lynk-professional-16-34-x-10-34-chrome-kitchen-tray-organizer-insert/-/A-77132115#lnk=sametab

https://www.target.com/p/mdesign-metal-storage-basket-for-cube-furniture-units-10-wide-4-pack-chrome/-/A-80830530#lnk=sametab

https://www.target.com/p/mdesign-metal-bathroom-storage-organizer-basket-bin-4-pack/-/A-79552581?preselect=78388167#lnk=sametab

https://www.target.com/p/mdesign-stackable-metal-food-storage-basket-with-handles-6-pack/-/A-79197076?preselect=78434348#lnk=sametab

Lisa’s Answer

 

Unless you are sensitive to EMFs I think metal dressers are a good choice.  Just make sure the metal is not coated with an epoxy or even vinyl coating.  One of the items listed is powder coated which is a good choice.  There were a couple that listed epoxy coating.  I’d avoid those.

Cowhide Rug

Question from Stacey

 

I’m wondering if cowhide rugs are toxic, or if the end product is toxic to touch. I am aware that the tannins used in the process of leather-making are toxic, so I avoid leather furniture.
Would a cowhide rug be safe for my home?

Lisa’s Answer

 

Most cowhide rugs are made with a chrome tanning process, similar to leather.  It is toxic.  Some of the more toxic chemicals are Chrome VI, AZO-dyes, and formaldehyde.  Like leather, cowhide can be made with a vegetable tanning process which doesn’t use chrome VI or some of the other harsher chemicals, but it does use chemicals.  If you are interested in a vegetable tanned product, you would need to understand the chemicals used for the particular item.

Jewelry Glue

Question from Mir

 

Could you help me find a good jewelry glue?

This is not something I intend to use often; just to repair a few pieces of jewelry, so perhaps it’s less of a concern and the exposure is only while it’s drying?

I googled non-toxic jewelry glue but not sure what to look for.  Ideally one I can get on Amazon or a low-shipping free :-/

These are the 2 I found recommended:
(1) Crafter’s Pick–The Ultimate
(2) Weldbond

I’m inclined to go with (2) b/c their website seems more transparent and they said they can provide an MSDS (they volunteered this in their FAQ).  I emailed them, I’ll let you know what they say.

Lisa’s Answer

 

I looked for a MSDS online for Weldbond and didn’t see one.  I’ve never used a jewelry glue before so I’m not familiar with a safer one.  If you expect to use this only on occasion, I am not too concerned about it being a significant exposure.  Make sure you use it in a well ventilated area, ideally outside, and allow it fully cure.

Convection Ovens

Question from Duane

 

I saw an article about convection ovens on Debra’s site . Is there an updated list on buying convection ovens?

Lisa’s Answer

 

I haven’t done a full investigation on ovens in general.  If you have read my guide on Toasters and Toaster Ovens you’ll understand how challenging it is to get information about appliances.  It is something that I plan to dive into at some point but it will be a very big project so I can’t give you specific timing.

Non-Toxic Dishes

Question from Lisa

 

I have 2 sets of Villeroy and Boch dishes that I received as a gift.  I have the Manoir pattern and the basketweave pattern.  I can not find any good info on whether or not there is lead or cadmium in them. I have heard that there are stricter laws on manufacturing in Germany then here in the USA so I am hoping they are ok.  Do you have any information on this manufacturer? Thank you!

Lisa’s Answer

 

I assume that the dishes are new.  If so, Villeroy & Boch claims that their dishes use lead-free glaze.  Even when manufacturers use lead free glazes, it’s possible that they could have traces of lead which can be a raw material contaminant.  Typically white dishes are a safer bet.  I believe the Manor pattern is white.  You can read more here about lead in ceramic dishes.

The EU has been evaluating tightening their lead limits for ceramics but it hasn’t been updated since the 1980’s.  I reached out to Villeroy & Boch to see if they meet or exceed California Proposition 65 limits but have not heard back.  I recommend buying white ceramic dishwater that meets or exceeds Prop 65.

Tamara Rubin from leadsafemama.com tests products including dishes with XRF equipment to see if they contain lead.  You could try that.  The limitation of this is that it tells you if there is lead content but does not tell you if it leaches out of the product.  You can use it as an extra precaution.  The testing, however, is not done in a laboratory and only tests one sample.  It can be a useful tool in some instances.

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