Question from KCribley

Recently I discovered that the baking yeast I purchase (and most of them that I looked at) have Sorbitan Monostearate added.

I am a very frequent baker/breadmaker (almost every day) and wonder if I need to be concerned about this ingredient.

I did a bit of online research and saw the MSDS but wasn’t sure what to take from it. Some sites say it’s safe, others say it’s toxic (in large quantities, I assume).

Your thoughts?

Thank you so much for your help!

Debra’s Answer

I couldn’t find any adverse effects.

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Question from bonnierichard1

I just purchased a 100% lamb leather coat with 100% polyester lining. I’m not as sensitive to chemicals as most of your readers, however, I can’t wear this coat without my throat burning and the smell is terrible. I suspect the smell is from a dye. What can I do to make this coat wearable?

Debra’s Answer

Probably nothing. You can try to air it out in the sun.

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Question from Cheryl3

Hello,

We want to purchase a wooden toilet seat, but most of them are antimicrobial. I understand this is because wood is porous and thus can harbor bacteria. Is this safe? If we can find one that isn’t do you think it’s possible to keep a wooden toilet seat sanitary enough using natural cleansers like vinegar or the like? Also, we like the look of wood, but maybe because of the stuff they add to wood in general, plastic is a safer choice?

Thanks very much.

Debra’s Answer

I ran into the same thing, wanting to replace our wooden toilet seat because there was a problem with the hardware.

We did find a wooden toilet seat without antimicrobial at…it was either Lowe’s or Home Depot, don’t remember. But we ended up just getting new screws and washers for the old one.

I think it’s entirely safe to use a wooden toilet seat without an antimicrobial. We’ve had wooden toilet seats for years with no problems.

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Question from Crazy Girl

I wanted to get rid of the scum buildup from my dishwasher. I was told I had build up because I was using detergent that was not strong enough to cut the grease. (Seventh Generation Free & Clear) Long story short, I purchased Refresh diswasher cleaner, which did clean very well. But left a very strong perfume odor! Even my husbands complains and he is not bothered by scents. It has been several days, and I have tried everything I could think of to get rid of this odor that fills the whole house every time I use the dishwasher, and lingers for hours. I can only air out the house for so long considering the temps. are in the 20’s. Items, I tried: vinager, washing soda, borax with the longest cycles, but to no avail. The manufacture has been no help. Is there anything else I could try? Or am I doomed to wait it out till it wears out. (hopefully soon)

Debra’s Answer

Readers? Any experience with this?

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Question from CSP57

Does anyone know of a hotel in the Los Angeles area that is as fragrance-free as possible for an MCS person?

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from dahlia

I’m ordering a futon from local natural bedding company to be used as a couch. I need to chose a cover for the futon. At first I wanted to get hemp or cotton, but I am worried it will get stained very quickly. Most of the natural-fabric samples they had were light solid colors. We live in the country with 5 kids and pets. A very active household with lots of dirt tracked all over the place. Also, our well water doesn’t get things very clean, though I add borax and vinegar to the wash. All of our clothes end up pretty dingy and stained. Anyway, so I started looking at the polyester blends also, as they seem more durable. But the whole reason I’m not buying a regular new or used couch is to avoid chemicals, like the fire retardants, etc.

So I just wanted to know what you think of this compromise. Does polyester upholstery fabric (I think the one I’m looking at is a poly-rayon blend) have chemicals in it? It says dry-clean only, but I’m wondering if I could get away with washing it in cold water and hang drying.

Debra’s Answer

Typically polyester blend fabrics have finishes on them that emit formaldehyde, and also upholstery fabrics often have stain-resistant finishes.

Perhaps get a natural fiber fabric with some sort of pattern that would show stains less easily.

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Question from debweb27

I had picked an organic dry cleaner who changed to conventional methods after a move. I mistakenly assumed they were using the same methods. Usually in the fall I dry clean several of my favorite wool sweaters rather than wash cold because it makes them look like new. I got them back recently with a horrible toxic film on them that makes my skin numb and smells vaguely of mothballs. Is there any way to remove this? I found another organic dry cleaner but I’m not sure that will be sufficient to get rid of these chemicals. Any suggestions?

Debra’s Answer

I suggest you go back to the dry cleaner and ask them what they cleaned your sweaters with. Usually there is some “clean-up” substance that will remove it. If they don’t know, ask them for the manufacturer’s contact information and ask the manufacturer yourself.

Readers, any experience with this?

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Question from Eva Platts

Hello Debra, i was wondering if you knew of any US companies that sell PVC-Free, Flame retardant-Free kid play tents.

I`d appreacite your feedback, thank you.

Eva, SoCal.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Fran H.

I have a ceramic mug from Pier 1 that I bought at a garage sale and have used for a couple of years. I use this mug because Pier 1 assured me that their mugs are all lead-free. I have noticed pits in the bottom of the mug where coffee residue remains. Is the mug still safe to drink from? I assume that I am now reaching the ceramic itself and not just the glaze. I emailed Pier 1 and they told me to take it to the store, where I suspect I will just be given a replacement and the old mug will be thrown away without regard to whether it is safe to use or not. I hate to see it go to the landfill unless it truly isn’t safe to drink from. Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

My understanding is that mugs are made from clay with a finish. I have no way of knowing how pure or impure the clay might be, and Pier One probably doesn’t know either.

I would take the mug back to Pier One and get a new one.

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Question from Gigi

I am looking for a good, new, non-toxic massage table to place in my home for personal use.

I am looking for the cheapest solution be it a portable model or a stationary one.

Some companies tout CFC free cushions and soy-based foams, PU leather which replaces PVC vinyl and water-based glues and wood finishes, all without going into very much detail. Some also claim that their products are heavy metal free.

Has anyone used Earthlite, Oakworks, Stronglite, Nova, Custom Craftworks or some other one that they are happy with?

Also, will the manufacturers have MSDS sheets for massage tables or is there another document that I should request?

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

Massage tables don’t have MSDS and I don’t know what other document to ask for.

We bought our massage table years ago used, and have two layers of old sleeping bags plus two layers of cotton flannel sheets on top. Very comfortable and no fumes.

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Question from GreenWings

First of all, Debra, way back in the 1980s I bought the first edition of “NonToxic and Natural,” and the book had a profound effect on my decisions as a consumer. I can’t thank you enough for the wealth of information in this book. A person sensitive to chemicals such as myself may not have made it through these decades without that guidance!

Currently, I am having ceramic tile installed in my living areas, and I need throw rugs (maybe 3 by 4 feet or so) that can be washed regularly in hot water (due to dust mite allergies). Is there a type of natural textile rug that can tolerate hot water washing and that won’t slide around on ceramic tile?

Debra’s Answer

I get cotton rag rugs. I just throw them in the washer and dryer.

I have one on my tile kitchen floor right now where I stand at the sink. Have had no problem with it slipping.

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Question from HEG

I just learned that the preschool my daughter will be attending in a few weeks was tented for temites last month. They are very green-conscious (their food is completely organic and dairy is grass-fed, use green cleaning products) so I have to assume that they did everything they were supposed to do in terms of cleaning up afterwards. However, I am still disappointed that they didn’t use a less toxic means of getting rid of the termites. Can you recommend what questions I should ask to make sure that the environment may be safe for my toddler to attend in a few weeks? I.e. I will certainly confirm that they removed all food prior to the fumigation and thoroughly cleaned their kitchen. What should they have done in terms of the toys and furniture in the classrooms?

Debra’s Answer

Here are some excerpts from the standard preparation steps before tenting and fumigating for termites:

1. REMOVE persons, pets and plants (including seeds and bulbs). LEAVING PETS UNATTENDED IN THE YARD IS NOT SUFFICIENT.

2. REMOVE all food, animal feed and medicinals which are not factory sealed in metal or glass (including freezer and refrigerator items and bottled water).

3. BABY MATTRESSES MUST BE REMOVED WITHOUT EXCEPTION.

Given that baby mattresses must be remove without exception, I would say that in a preschool furniture and any soft fabric items should have been protected as well.

Find out what fumigant was used and then look up on the internet “[name of fumigant] half-life to see how long it takes for the fumigant to dissipate. Remember that half-life the the time it takes for half the fumigant to dissipate, so you will need to at least double that number.

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Question from jiwaskow

Debating whether to get a central vacuum system or not. Would have to be pvc piping and unsure what to use to glue the piping. They make a hide a hose system (hose sucks into wall for ease of storage, etc) but also unsure if that is better/worse for MCS.

Curious about other people’s experience with central vacs – worth it or not? Which one if it is? And any MCS issues?

Debra’s Answer

Readers, any experience with this?

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Question from kislev28

I have a bed that was built from formica. However, the underside of the bed is not finished with the formica it is just the raw pressboard. After a few years the bed has a terrible smell and I have to assume that its from the pressboard. Any ideas of how to get rid of this smell. I was going to try to seal the pressboard with polyurethane. Do you think this will work or do you have any other suggestions. I’m desperate

Debra’s Answer

You need a sealant designed to seal in chemical fumes, such as AFM Safe Seal.

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Question from lmay

Hi Debra,

Thank you for your wonderful book Home Safe Home. I recently realized that the humidity level in my house can reach 75% during winter. I reviewed the ‘humidity’ entries on your website but am unable to find specific recommendations for dehumidifiers. Any suggestions? Thank you.

Lee

Debra’s Answer

Readers, what is your experience with dehumidifiers?

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Question from mavy1227

I recently read that a few countries in Europe banned foam play mats due to the chemical formamide. I have hard wood floors in the “play room” and would like to put down a toxin-free floor mat or cork or ultra soft rug for my son to play on. Any suggestions of a specific brand and where to buy it?

According to One Step ahead their foam play mat was tested and formamide, acetophenone and 2-phenyl 2-proanol was not detected. But, reviewers said although it was considered “safe” the mat smelled. I’m overwhelmed with what chemicals to avoid and where to find the safest option.

Debra’s Answer

Moms, any suggestions?

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Question from pb

hello,

a few months ago, i purchased several japanese style futons online. upon receipt of the futons i noticed a VERY STRONG SMELL. i emailed the etailer, and they said it was “not off-gassing” but was simply the combination of the UNBLEACHED COTTON and a SMALL AMT OF BORIC ACID (flame retardency).

according to the etailer, the smell should dissipate within a week with regular use. unfortunately, it’s been several months, and the SMELL PERSISTS.

recently, my husband purchased some vaccum cleaner bags and a new filter. the smell of those items had the “same smell” as the futon beds! i figured, “this can’t be good!”.

i have been unable to sleep on the futon as of yet (still airing it out) but my 2 boys sleep on their’s. this causes me great concern. i want to be sure they’re not being exposed to harmful toxic fumes etc.

i was wondering if you might be able to tell me if either the unbleached cotton or the boric acid might be problematic in terms of inhalation. the etailer sent me a lengthy report re: boric acid and it’s safety in regards to inhalation. but i’d feel so much better if i heard something from you and your readers.

Debra’s Answer

My experience with boric acid is that it has no odor at all. I’ve used it occasionally in emergencies to kill pests in my kitchen.

My experience with unbleached cotton batting is that it has an natural odor of its own, which generally dissipates, as your etailer said, in about a week or so.

It’s entirely possible that your cotton futon was contaminated along the way with something else, if it smells like a vacuum cleaner bag. Not being able to smell your futon from this distance, I don’t have a clue what it might be. It could have been exposed to something during shipping.

I always take the attitude “It’s better safe than sorry.” Personally, I probably wouldn’t sleep on it. And I would probably go back to where I bought it from and return it, since they didn’t deliver to you a futon that could be slept on. They agree it should have no odor now, yet it does.

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Question from Mildika

Hello Debra,

I read an answer from you regarding the Cuisinart Green Gourmet frying pans that you like them best and that they are safer than other non-stick pans. I looked to buy a Cuisinart Green Gourmet pan, but there are quite a few negative reviews saying that the pans begin to stick just after 2 months. Did you notice the same problem? Or is there a secret how to take care of them to avoid this problem? These pans are quite expensive, so I wanted to check this before committing to buying one.

Also, would the cast iron frying pans be as good? Would they also be non-stick (is the trick only in not overheating?) and eco-friendly?

Thanks

Debra’s Answer

I have had NO trouble with my Green Gourmet pans sticking. Just none at all. So I don’t know what to say about those bad reviews. I do know that competitors post bad reviews about products that are not true. Perhaps that is the case here.

I prefer my Green Gourmet pans to cast iron, though I have a cast iron griddle that I love. The baked-on ceramic finish on the Green Gourmet is actually VERY slippery. Cast iron is nonstick only if you keep it well seasoned.

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Here’s an interesting interview with Meryl Streep, in which she talks about how she lives green and her more than twenty years of environmental activism.

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Question from Savanna

Hello Debra, I was wondering if you new anything about Youth Juice manufactured by Our World Network? I have used if for a couple of months and like it, I like the idea of having a whole food nutritional supplement. It is made of berries and sea vegetables. However, I have read some disturbing things about the founders of the company and products that have been produced by them in the past (Sleepees-potentially harmful ingredients were not disclosed in the ingredients list). I was wondering if you new if this was a good product and if you would recommend taking it. Thanks Savanna

Debra’s Answer

I would not recommend taking Youth Juice. I don’t know anything about the concerns you mention, but I don’t think it’s a necessary product or even the best antioxidant supplement.

Youth Juice is sold as an antioxidant product. It is made from organic berries and sea vegetables.

Antioxidants are necessary to combat free radicals in your body. Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons on their outer shells. Just like us humans who want to be with a mate, these unpaired electrons are looking to mate up with other electrons. But instead of mating with a “single” electron, they go steal “husbands” and “wives” from other “marriages,” detroying those marriages. Free radicals (also called reactive oxygen species) are a natural byproduct of energy production and other body processes, and our bodies have antioxidants to keep them in check. However, various other factors–including poor nutrition and exposure to toxic chemicals–can greatly increase the amount of free radicals in the body, leading to an imbalance.

It is widely known that excess free radicals speed the aging process and cause damage to cells or their components. Free radical damage has been links to many conditions and diseases including Alsheimer’s, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, heart disease as well as premature aging.

The remedy to free radical damage is
1. reduce the amount of free radicals created (such as increasing nutrition, reducing exposure to toxic chemicals, and eliminating toxic chemicals from your body)
2. putting more antioxidants in your body to restore the balance.

I feel fairly confident that Youth Juice will supply antioxidants. But is it necessary to get antioxidants from a bottle? No.

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Question from Cheryl3

Hi again Debra all,

I’m hoping someone has some suggestions on how to clean a rough surface deck that has a pool in the middle. It is constantly getting dirt caught in its rough surface and I’ve used vinegar and baking soda, natural dish soap, but it’s such a large area–also there’s the pool to worry about getting the dirty water in. Maybe a steam vacuum? Thanks for any suggestions.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Cheryl3

Hi Debra,

Unfortunately we don’t have glass shower doors, but rather a clear plastic shower door and enclosure installed by the builder. I was wondering if you know if the Spot X Hard water Remover you recommended would work on that too. We have very hard water and the enclosure and door are always clouded. I can olnly remove a layer or two of it with loads of scrubbing and lots vinegar and baking soda, even then, the rest remains and looks awful.

Debra’s Answer

I suggest you contact their website with this question, as they have a lot more experience with this product than I do. I know it works great on my glass shower door. Then write back and let us know.

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Question from Cheryl3

Hi Debra and everyone,

I know shower heads have been addressed here, but what about shower heads with hand held hoses. In the past we always used them, but in our current home, we weren’t sure how risky the plastic hose was. The water running through the 5 foot hose would mean the hot water is exposed to plastic that much longer, but we love the “hand held” feature for showering and it also makes it so much easier for me to rinse the enclosure after cleaning it. If the risk seems minimal, it might be worthwhile. Also, we were considering a couple of Waterpik models. Are there any questions I should ask?

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

First of all, not all plastics are dangerous.

If you would please find out what type of plastic is used in the handheld hose you want to use (call the manufacturer) then I can better answer your question.

In general, though, the water is rushing past the plastic, so it doesn’t have enough contact time to absorb the plastic. Even if there is six feet of hose, it’s still rushing past. Contact time is how long it is in contact at one spot.

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Question from jiwaskow

We’re building a “healthy house” because I have severe MCS. I was trying to avoid using any spray foams, but the windows were unfortunately installed with 1/2 inch to 7/8 inch gaps all the way around. Backerrod and caulk are not doing the trick, and stuffing with insulation can only do so well.

Wondering if anyone with MCS has found the least toxic foam and done ok with it? I did not do well, even after cured, with Great Stuff or others I tested (I think I react to the flame retardant chemicals).

However, I just found this one – OSI Green Series Profoam II – MSDS at:

http://www.osipro.com/msds/gs_pro_foam_ii_msds.pdf

and am about to test it. Just curious if anyone has experience with that one?

Any advice welcome – we have a lot of gaps to seal and with electric heat only, don’t want even bigger heating bills! But of course I want to tolerate the house, too…

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from joyinjesus

Dear Debra,

I so much appreciate all the work you do to help us out. I have MCS and need to buy a new iron. I know you like your 20 year old Rowenta. Looking at reviews of the newish Rowenta’s, I am disappointed to find that they have problems — like leaking, electric cord burning out and things like that. Also, they are plastic except the soleplate.

So I was looking on ebay for a used Rowenta that has already been offgassed. There are many to choose from. If you don’t mind telling us, what model number is yours, or what should I look for in a used Rowenta. What wattage is your iron?

If I buy it used, would it be offgassed, or would it continue to smell when the plastic is heated up? I found some classic irons — all metal except the handle. But they all had non-stick coating on the soleplate.

Also, some of the new ones have platinium soleplates. Is that any kind of problem for MCS?

Thank you very much for your help,

Debra’s Answer

My Rowenta iron is Model DA-33.6, 1200 W.

Mine is plastic, but a hard plastic that is all gassed out. No nonstick finish on the soleplate.

I don’t see a problem with a platinum soleplate.

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Question from onlythegreen2

Hi, Debra! We really would like to purchase a cat tree for our rescue kitties to play on (one that doesn’t cost more than about $150), but it seems most of them have faux fur carpet and some type of pressed wood/particleboard that will emit voc’s. Would spraying the entire tree with AFM’s CarpetSeal do the trick? What about the exposed wood areas (the cubby hole inner walls)–could they be sprayed, too, or maybe painted with a zero voc paint? There is a tree I found that says it meets California consumer safety code 93120.3, Title 17–is this any safer of a choice? I realize that there are some people selling trees made from real wood, etc.; but those are just too expensive at this time. Thank you for all the great work you do!

Debra’s Answer

First, California consumer safety code 93120.3, Title 17 refers to lead paint, as far as I can tell quickly, but you might want to do more research to confirm. This doesn’t cover at all any outgassing from carpet or particleboard.

Personally, I wouldn’t attempt to seal a cat tree, as cats scratch and even just running around on it would compromise the seal.

If you can’t afford to buy one out of good materials, maybe you could make one?

Readers, any suggestions?

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Question from peebs

I just purchased a laptop that has a brushed aluminum chassis. Does anyone know if the aluminum could be harmful..ie.. get into our bodies through touching/holding it? We all know aluminum in cooking pans and deodorant is bad for our health, I wonder if this could be considered another source? Also, my 9 year old child will be using this quite a lot and I worry for her health too. Thanks for your help.

Debra’s Answer

I’m not worried about it.

Here is a statement about the health effects of aluminum and how much might get into your body from various sources: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=1076&tid=34. It states “A very small amount may enter through your skin when you come into contact with aluminum.”

We have so many exposure to toxics that it’s not a matter of eliminating them entirely, it’s a matter of choosing which exposures are most harmful to health. If you are going to use a computer, the danger from skin contact with aluminum is less than the danger of outgassing plastic.

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Question from sindeewix

I excitedly ordered this set yesterday without realizing the mugs are made “porcelain”. My question is are they lead free? I emailed them and this is the response:

“Mugs are Porcelain and 100% lead Free – The Must be to ship to the USA and have to Pass the California Prop 65 test. 90% of most mugs are made of cheap stoneware- Porcelain is a much higher Grade and fired at higher temperatures. We do not make mugs out of Xtrema Material because they will not be heater to 2,500 degrees – Too Expensive! Our Mugs are made in our Factory in China”

It is the last line that has me concerned. Also, doesn’t the CA test allow for “some” lead? I have gone to clear glass because of the concern over lead and other nasties and thought I was finally getting a good alternative. What do you think?

Debra’s Answer

The folks at Xtrema are very much aware of the lead issue, I’ve talked with them about it. If they say their mugs are lead-free, they are as lead-free as possible. They do not add lead to the glaze as some companies do.

All Xtrema products are made by their factory in China, which is well supervised to meet their standards. I have no concern about using their products. I don’t have their mugs, but do use their cookware every day.

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Question from Angelique

Our refrigerator had a coolant leak. We had the whole cooling unit rebuilt yesterday. It’s working fine now. The big snafu was that the repairman dressed our seals with scented vaseline, which was so strong I had him replace the seals, and I had to scrub some of the metal parts of the fridge. One of the things I tried cleaning with was vinegar.

I’m getting a vinegary smell in the kitchen, but this seems different from regular vinegar, and I feel a little dizzy and I’m getting headaches. My husband thinks that new motors have oils and sealants that have to off-gas. I’ve heard that coolant is odorless, plus I never noticed when we had the leak before.

Is there any type of fridge gas that might be leaking and making me dizzy? Is my husband right about new motor smells? Or am I just smelling vinegar “sticking” to parts of the fridge? (The perfumey smell seems to have gone.)

Debra’s Answer

Readers, any ideas on this one?

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Question from Annette Tweedel

Hi Debra, I just bought a new blow dryer, Vidal Sassoon Ecostyle, Eco Friendly, Hair Friendly. But I have a concern. I was reading in the instructions under Ceramic Technology that it says Ceramic’s far-infrared heat penetrates hair quickly and evenly from the inside-out, drying and styling hair in a fraction of time with superior results. I have concerns about when it said the words far-infrared heat. Is far-infrared something to be concerned about? Thank you so much.

Debra’s Answer

Infrared heat and the heat produced by sun are very much alike. The heat we feel on our planet is infrared heat produced by the sun. Infrared heat sources do not heat the air in the area and do not cause circulation of the warm air–instead they heat objects directly. The rays produced by an infrared heater penetrate the skin and warm your body beneath the skin.

Far infrared rays are considered safe and healing. Because they penetrate deep into the skin, they increase blood flow, reduce inflamation and decrease pain. It is used for healing the skin, blood circulation, and skin cell revitalizing. A far-infrared sauna is the preferred choice for detox programs.

So I think you are fine with it in your hair dryer.

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Question from italeigh

Hi Debra, I am shopping for new safe, eco-friendly, long lasting, easy to use cookware and am wondering if you have any opinion on or experience with “The Original Green Pan” cookware. Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I’m assuming you are referring to the Orgreenic nonstick pan, which is what I found when I searched on “the original green pan.”

It LOOKS fine and I say LOOKS in a capital letters because I have no personal experience with it. It says it has a ceramic finish, looks very similar online to my Cuisinart Green Gourmet pans that I like.

But I am always skeptical of the quality of merchandise sold by infomercials. That doesn’t mean ALL informercial products are bad, I just think twice before buying them.

Anyone have experience with this pan?

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Question from jiwaskow

We need a backup heat source for our mountain home. Anyone have a good expeirence with a certain wood or pellet stove? I’ve heard often it’s the oil coatings on pipes/etc that cause the most probs for sensitive people. Wonder if they make them without those…

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from jiwaskow

We need an electric water heater and I’ve been searching for glass lined/magnesium anode. But they all have a plastic dip tube in them – all.

Anyone have recommendations of electric water heaters that have worked for them?

Also seeking recs for electric boilers. Looking at Slant Fin and Allied.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from sadiebess

I purchased an IKEA mattress recntly for my two and a half year old daughter, mostly due to the fact that they do not use PBDEs. It had a strong odor when we got it, and I aired it out in the sun on my deck for a couple of days and vacuumed it a couple of times before I put her on it to sleep. The first night she rubbed and rubbed her nose until she finally fell asleep. Then the whole next day, her eyes were extremely waterey and her face got little red blotches on it until I removed the mattress from the house entirely. We aired it on our porch for over a week after that, then brought it into our living room for a few days, where she would hang out on it while she watched TV. She didn’t seem to have any discernable symptoms at that point, so I decided to buy a polypropylen/polyethylene cover for it and put it back in her room. The next day she broke out in hives. I’ve moved the mattress to another room, and I fear it may be a lost cause. It is an innerspring with polyurethane foam.

Right now she is sleeping on a firmly inflated TPU vinyl air mattress (Aerobed’s Ecolite). I am at a loss as to what to do next. We have had a rough year and don’t have much money to spend, and I certainly don’t want to spend any more on something we can’t use! Do you know if allergy testing can determine what she might be reacting to in the bed? I have emailed IKEA for a list of ingredients but they have yet to respond.

Debra’s Answer

Allergy testing probably won’t determine what she is reacting to in the bed because standard allergy testing does not include testing for toxic materials.

It sounds like the IKEA mattress still has some toxic components, even if no PBDEs. Polyurethane foam itself is toxic, so if you remove that, there would be no mattress.

Question from Sue Smith

We tested for radon in our house and found the amount in the main part of our house is OK but it is high in our basement. How dangerous is this since we don’t spend most of our time down there?

Debra’s Answer

I am not a radon expert, however, I will say that if your living area tests OK, it’s probably fine to not worry about the basement if you don’t use it. If there were a problem with radon from the basement seeping into your living area, it would have shown up on the test.

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Question from Sue Smith

We bought a house in TN last year and it has a ventless gas fireplace. I’m concerned about toxins since it is not vented. Should I be concerned and is it possible to have it vented?

Debra’s Answer

On a website that sells ventless fireplaces I found, “The primary gas combustion byproducts that can affect indoor air quality are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, oxygen, and water vapor (humidity). Today’s vent-free fireplaces operate well within national standards and recommendations concerning these five byproducts.”

I would assume that the emissions are similar to emissions from a gas stove. And it’s recommended that gas stoves be used with a range hood to collect the combustion byproducts and remove them from the house.

Maybe one of my readers who has more experience than I with this type of fireplace can tell more about their experience with it.

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Question from KOS

Debra,

A recent blurb in the NY Times indicates that Hyatt has developed “hypoallerginic rooms”. It states:

“….Hyatt uses a six step cleaning process to sanitize its special rooms that includes disseminating tea tree oil, a natural disinfectant, through the ventilation system, and using ozone to get rid of lingering odors. The hotel is using a medical grade air-purification system that it says eliminates at least 98 percent of airborne viruses, bacteria and pollen. Guests may still open the windows; the system will zap introduing irritants within an hour.”

I’m curious about your thoughts on this. My understanding is that tea tree oil, while natural, has a very strong odor which makes it a no go for me.

Thanks for your two cents!

Debra’s Answer

It’s not clear to me from this description whether or not the tea tree oil is applied while the guest is in the room or not.

I don’t think what is described would be harmful to an average person, but might be a problem to someone like yourself that has a specific sensitivity to tea tree oil.

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Question from SRT

Purchased furniture 2+ years ago, out of the box since- daughter has not been sleeping in the room all this time, but is now ready to. Supposedly safe (Stanley Young America)but I continue to get a harsh, musty odor off it, sometimes noticing it even whem I just walk into room. Co. has said it may be ‘wood smell’- any thoughts? Could it be sealed, as daughter loves the set? It is mostly solid wood with a distressed white paint finish.

Debra’s Answer

The first thing I would try would be to heat it. Just close the door and windows and put a space heater in the room. This will bake off any residual fumes from the wood or finish. You might need to do this several days or up to a week.

If that doesn’t work, you could apply a finish designed to block fumes.

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Question from Alyce

In the past I used to buy a house built after 1990 because chlordane was used for termite treatment before that time frame. I was under the impression that all houses treated with chlordane are contaminated with chlordane for a very long time…..even 40 years or longer after the treatment. Do you think this is a good guildeline to go by? It makes finding a house a lot more difficult when houses built before 1990 aren’t even considered. What’s your thinking regarding this? Appreciate any help!

Debra’s Answer

I actually have the opposite guideline for myself. I won’t buy a house built after 1970 because of the toxic building materials.

The house I live in right now was built in 1940. Of course, it could have had chlordane treatments up to 1990.

I don’t think you should assume that ALL houses built before 1990 had chlordane treatments or that they are still contaminated. When considering a house, I try to find out from the owner what treatments they did and when. Fortunately, the house I’m living in now was owned by the previous owner for about twenty years, so I could get that information.

Keep in mind that the longer it has been since the pesticide was applied, the less of the original application remains.

A house treated in 1988, the last year chordane was used, would now be 22 years after treatment. That would have very little, if any, chlordane left. A house treated in 1970–forty years ago–would likely have no chlordane left.

I’m more concerned about recent applications of pesticides that ones that happened ten or more years ago.

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Question from HEG

My parents who live in Massachusetts have respiratory infections (common colds) very frequently, probably every couple of months. When I lived with them during my childhood I also had very frequent colds, although now I rarely have them, and I get colds about 50% of the time when I come to visit them.

I am starting to wonder if there may be a contaminant/exposure in their home that may be responsible for these frequent, yet mild, symptoms. They live in a very old home built in the 1800’s with a significant amount of air exchange, and as far as I believe the outside air in their suburb is very clean.

They have had mold problems in the past, but these problems were treated. Other than mold, what other chemicals/exposures might they want to test their home for? Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

I just happen to have an article about how toxic chemical exposures relate to colds and flu at Toxics & Health: Toxic Chemicals Contribute to Catching Colds and Flu.

Also came across an article of 15 Best Foods for Cold & Flu Season that tells how to use foods to support your immune system.

If this house seems to cause the common cold, it’s either mold, chemicals, or some other airborne irritant like dust.

If they had problems with mold in the past, they may be having them again if the conditions were not changed.

Before spending thousands of dollars on air tests, go through their house with a copy of my book Home Safe Home to identify chemical exposures. Cleaning these up may do the trick.

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Question from windhawk

I have MCS and have extreme home challenges in finding a non-toxic, affordable home rental that will take my HUD sec voucher.

I know someone willing to rent to me their mother’s home who just passed away. It could work in all aspects but old moth ball boxes were discovered sitting in a bedroom and den closets.

I thought I could smell faintly mothballs when first walking in downstairs and did discover the ancient moth ball boxes in these two closets. One closet seemed stronger smelling than the other and did have adverse neurolgical reactivity that made me sick, still recovering 12 hours later.

If I was not going to lose my voucher in finding a single family home to rent that is affordable in the middle of winter, I would walk away. I know mothballs are highly neurotoxic and not good.

From a logical view I wonder if once the mothball boxes are removed, windows opened, shelves cleaned, air purifiers run, baking soda used,etc would thse neurotoxins truly dissipate for me being hyper reactive with MCS.

THere is a product called Smelleze to remove/neutralize mothball odors/toxins do you know if it works. I requested the MSDS info. I suspect it is zeolite and something else in there. ALso, zeolite helps removes VOCS would it be effective enough to pull out mothball toxins?

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know the solution for this one. We’ve had this question before and there were no answers except “air it out”.

One thing I have done in the past is call manufacturers and ask how to “clean up” various chemicals. You want to ask for “paradichlorobenzene removal.” Call any mothball manufacturer and let us know the answer.

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Question from EMG

My dentist recently suggested I consider Invisalign braces. In considering the option it occured to me to investigate the safety/toxicity of the materials used. On the Invisalign website this is what it says about the materials used:

“Invisalign aligners and Vivera Retainers do not contain Bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticizers. These aligners and retainers are made with USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. Tests have been conducted to determine the biocompatibility of these materials, and show that they are biocompatible and pass all applicable regulatory requirements and thresholds for human wear in the mouth. Of course, as with any medical device, you should consult with your health professional about your aligner or retainer treatment and any applicable risks of use.”

So they sound safe to me, but I thought I’d check to see if anything about this statement causes any red flags to go up out there… Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

You can read about polyurethane at Q&A: The Toxicity of Polyurethane.

Question from Miemiemuis

I have been trying to grow a small organic garden in out city backyard. I used MiracleGro organic soil and rabbit manure for compost. The rabbits are fed a mixture of stuff including soy (?GMO) I’m watering with a regular hose and the outside water is unfiltered of course. My question is, what can I do to keep my produce as uncontaminated as possible? How much of the ‘bad’ water, chemicals from the hose etc. will end up on my produce. I’m hoping it will still be healthier than what I can buy in the store!

Debra’s Answer

Well, it certainly will be better than non-organic produce you buy at the store. It won’t have pesticides and it will be fresher.

That said, produce will absorb the chemicals from the water used for irrigation and will absorb air pollution as well.

But every step you take in the right direction is worth doing.

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Question from RoseM

Does anyone know if Zoya brand nail polish is in fact natural and/or nontoxic? I’ve read on a few sites that it is, but I wanted to see if anyone knew for sure. Or, is there such a thing as natural or safe nail polish? I’m two months pregnant with unpolished nails, and while that’s not a HUGE problem 😉 if there is a safe/natural nail polish available, it would be nice to paint my piggies once in a while…

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Some years ago when Zoya first came out I contacted them, and did not consider their formula at the time to be nontoxic. I just went to their website and all I could find was “formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and camphor free.” It says it’s “safest” but that doesn’t mean safe. I don’t know their current formula and no ingredients or MSDS is given.

I gave up nail polish years ago, and as it is not an item necessary to life, I don’t have a lot of interest in researching it.

However, if any of you want to supply me with brand names, website URLs, MSDS sheets, and in particular, ingredients lists, I would be happy to give my opinion. I know a lot of women would like to know which nail polish is the least toxic and most natural.

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Question from Teoroy

Hello Debra, I am an art conservator and during my career I have been exposed to many toxic chemicals such as toluene. I have become quite sensitive to all smells like turpentine, white spirit etc. along with perfumes. I am thinking of changing career as an art teacher but I will not be able to practise with my sensitivity.Can I get healed and be better when slightly exposed to vapours from different paints? thank you, Teo UK

Debra’s Answer

Your best chance for recovery is to reduce your exposures to toxic chemicals as much as possible. That said, you will never be able to avoid them 100% because of the toxics in the larger environment.

This is one of the reasons I take detox drops. I recommend them to everyone to help offset the effects of those toxic chemicals we cannot avoid.

In all the years I have been doing this work, and in my own healing, I have found that people try to “hold on” to toxic exposures. In my case it was a particular brand of red lipstick. It was the perfect shade for me and took me a long time to find. But when I stopped wearing it, my body began to heal to a degree that it did not prior. I’ve known people who did everything but remove their carpet and then started healing better when they removed it.

I would encourage you to find or develop a nontoxic art form that you can enjoy and be healthy with, and teach to others so they can be healthy and artful as well. I use colored pencils, soy crayons, my computer, and other nontoxic materials to be creative.

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From Debra Lynn Dadd

I just happened to receive two questions this week about the toxicity of polyurethane, so I thought I would write a separate post on this chemical.

In the past, we mostly heard about polyurethane foam, which is used to make mattresses, seat cushions, and other such products. That likely contains toxic chemicals.

Now, there are new products that have a thin polyurethane film fused to fabric to make it waterproof. As best as I can tell, this is made from a different type of polyurethane, probably the type that is used to produce FDA dry and wet food grade urethanes.

Here’s the chemistry lesson.

Polyurethane (or “urethane” for short) is the name given to a class of petrochemical resins that contain isocyanates.

There are three different polyurethanes:
1. Toluene Diisocyante (TDI)
2. Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (MDI)
3. Paraphenylene Diisocyanate (PPDI)

And they are made into chemicals that fall into eight major groups:

1. MDI-Esters: produce FDA dry and wet food grade urethanes.
2. TDI-Esters
3. MDI-Ethers: Some are adaptable to FDA and USDA application for wet and dry food contact.
4. TDI-Ethers
5. PPDI-Esters
6. MDI
7. TDI: used to make polyurethane foam for mattresses, cushions etc
8. PPDI

So when you read that something is made from “polyurethane” you need to also find out what type of polyurethane it is.

It’s likely that the MDI food grade polyurethane is a lot less toxic than the TDI polyurethane foam. To research the health effects of every polyurethane is beyond the scope of this blog at the moment. But I’ve done enough research to see that the toxicity of one “polyurethane” is different than another. It’s unfortunate that the same word is used to refer to a whole class of chemicals of varying toxicity.

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Question from Marcia Sherwin

Hi Debra:

I just purchased a cashmere sweater on sale at almost 75% off and didn’t realize until I got it home and took it out of the bag that it has a very strong perfume smell. Without having to return it, can you recommend a way to get rid of the perfume smell? I don’t want to put it in my washing machine as I’m afraid the perfume smell will stay in there, unless you know of a good laundry soap that will take it out. Probably I should hand-wash it.

Debra’s Answer

I just purchased a cashmere sweater at 75% off too! Mine didn’t have perfume, however.

Sometimes new clothing is scented because of a finish called “sizing,” which easily washes out.

I recommend that you hand-wash your cashmere sweater (never put it in the washer, anyway) and see if that takes care of it. If not, see Q&A: Removing perfume from used clothing.

Question from Dalia

I have a dress that needs dry cleaning. In Houston there is just GREEN EARTH methods not CO2 and I heard that they too can be quite toxic.What should I do?

Debra’s Answer

GreenEarth cleaning uses liquid silicone. This is essentially liquified sand. It is made from one of the earth’s safest and most abundant natural minerals, silica. In the environment, it simply returns to its three natural elements: sand and trace amounts of water and CO2. It is so safe it is not even regulated. This is used exclusively by dry cleaners licensed by GreenEarth Cleaning.

I think it is fine for you to use them.

More about green dry cleaners at Q&A: Help Me Find a Green Dry Cleaner.

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Question from sereia

Do I have any rights as an employee to not be exposed to toxics? The owner of the building where I work has scheduled to have the building tented for termites. I’m very concerned that pockets of gas may remain in my office, especially since I work in a windowless office.

I am also very concerned about the residual effects of the tenting. I have forwarded info I’ve gleaned on the dangers of tenting to my employer, as well as alternatives. If my employer does not forward this info to the building manager I will approach the building manager myself. If they do not chose a safer alternative, does any one know whether I have any rights, other than to quit my job?

Debra’s Answer

FindLaw: Toxic Exposure in the Workplace

Anyone have any personal experience to share on this subject?

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Question from Vicki in Oregon

I recently purchased an all cotton coverlet, bed skirt and shams. I always wash everything before it comes in to my house anyway but I noticed the coverlet had an odor much like Petroleum. I washed the coverlet 3 times and can still smell it, especially when wet. Since I don’t want that smell or chemicals in my dryer, I hung it to dry and plan to return it to the store. Although I don’t smell the Petroleum as strong now that is dry, I assume whatever is causing the smell is still there and don’t want it in my house.

I am very disappointed, the price was reasonable and the set is light weight enough that I can use my own washer and dryer.

Is there a way to remove this smell and whatever is causing it?

Debra’s Answer

I’m not sure exactly what is causing it. If it is “reasonably priced” it’s likely that it was made in a foreign country, where almost anything could have been applied during manufacture or transport.

You’ve already done the things to do. I would return the items.

You could continue to wash and soak and hang in the sun and the odor would probably dissipate over time.

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A new study done at the University of Washington discovered that 25 commonly used scented products emitted 420 different chemicals. Nearly a quarter are classified as toxic or hazardous under at least one federal law. Only one emitted compound was listed on a product label, and only two were publicly disclosed anywhere.

About half of the products test about made some claim about being green, organic or natural. “Surprisingly,” said the lead author, “The green products’ emissions of hazardous chemicals were not significantly different from the other products.”

More than a third of the products emitted at least one chemical classified as a probable carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and for which the EPA sets no safe exposure level.

Neither cleaning products nor personal care products are required to list ingredients used in fragrances, even though a single “fragrance” in a product can be a mixture of up to several hundred ingredients.

Some of the toxic chemicals found to be emitting from the products included ethanol, acetone (the solvent used in nail polish remover), acetaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde and methylene chloride.

The lead author of the study suggests cleaning with vinegar and baking soda (which I’ve been recommending since 1982).

Scented Consumer Products Shown to Emit Many Unlisted Chemicals

Environmental Impact Assessment Review: Fragranced consumer products: Chemicals emitted, ingredients unlisted

Study FAQs

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PFOAs, the same chemical that is toxic in nonstick pans, have been found by University of Toronto scientists in the liners of junk food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags. The PFOAs from these food packages are migrating into food and being ingested by people, contributing to the toxic burden of their bodies.

PFOA is found in the bodies of humans all around the world.

Scientists who did the study suspect that a major source of human PFCA exposure may be the consumption and metabolism of polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters or PAPs. PAPs are applied as greaseproofing agents to paper food contact packaging.

“In this study we clearly demonstrate that the current use of PAPs in food contact applications does result in human exposure to PFCAs, including PFOA. We cannot tell whether PAPs are the sole source of human PFOA exposure or even the most important, but we can say unequivocally that PAPs are a source and the evidence from this study suggests this could be significant.”

The use of PAPs in food contact applications is not currently regulated.

Another reason to prepare your meals and snacks from fresh, whole, organic foods.

University of Toronto: Dangerous chemicals in food wrappers likely migrating to humans