This new video just came out last week, from the Story of Stuff Project and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. I think most of you reading this blog already know what this video says, but it is a great educational piece for people who don’t already know how toxic beauty products are. So please pass it along to anyone you think needs to see it.

http://storyofstuff.org/cosmetics/

As you all know, there are many beauty products that are NOT toxic and ARE made from natural and organic ingredients, and many of them are listed on the Body Care page of Debra’s List.

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Question from -E-

Hello Debra,

I was hoping you would be to help me better understand the use of pesticides.

I recently asked a local farm that provided strawberry picking whether they used pesticides, their response was that “Although they don’t use a large amount of pesticides their crops are lightly sprayed”

A week later while at a farmer’s market I inquired if their rapsberries were sprayed and his answer was pretty much the same, making a point to tell me that the plant is only lightly sprayed and thats before the raspberries have even started forming. Does it matter? Another local farmer mentioned that on her farm that certain crops are sprayed during their season but not others.

Well now i’m confused! Does the amount of pesticide used matter? Should I feel safer that they’re lightly sprayed rather than being heavily sprayed? And about the farm that uses pesticides on some crops and not others, wouldn’t one contaminate the other?

I usually try to buy organic when possible, I also know that buying local is important. But i’m not sure which is more of a priority, buying local ( lightly sprayed with pesticides) or buying organic?

Debra’s Answer

First, we already had a blog post about this very subject at Q&A: Organic vs Local (non-organic) Produce, but I think this is an important topic that warrants further discussion.

To answer your specific question, “pesticides” is a very broad term that includes substances with a wide range of toxicity, from not very toxic to highly toxic. And then there is the amount of pesticide use, obviously less is better than more. The very best would be no pesticide at all, and the very worst would be a huge amount of very toxic pesticide.

When the farmer says they spray lightly, that’s better than sprayed heavily. When they say that they sprayed before the fruit formed, that’s better than spraying the fruit. But you really need to know the name of the pesticide they sprayed so you can look up its toxicity.

For one’s own health, the best choice is always organic. Local is important too as the food is not only fresher, but it greatly reduces the pollution created in shipping, which affects our health indirectly through air pollution.

When faced with the choice of organic or local, I personally choose organic.

That said, it’s very important to create and support local sources of organic food. My husband and I do this by growing food organically in our own backyard and helping others do the same. We support whatever local organic food there is, but where I live we really need more.

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Question from Leslie

HI Debra,

Wondering what kind of makeup you use? And shampoo? I’m familiar with the safe cosmetics website, but it is really difficult to find some of the safer brands in mainstream stores.

Curious as to what you use – any tips? Thanks much!

Debra’s Answer

What kind of makeup do I use?

Well, hardly any. I don’t wear makeup most of the time, and when I do wear it for professional appearances, I wear makeup I’ve had for a long time.

I haven’t worn foundation for years. I don’t even have any. I only wear powder if I absolutely must, like when I am on a television show. Then I wear Clinique powder that I’ve had for years–that’s how little I wear it, this powder is probably thirty years old. I have an old mineral blush too, the label is worn off so I can’t tell you the brand. I really don’t like the way foundation or powder feels on my skin. I’d rather have bare skin so it can breathe.

If I want to wear makeup to look a little more dressy, all I wear is lipstick and mascara. Currently the mascara I am using is L’Oreal Bare Naturale, which I bought at Target. It’s 86% natural, but the non-natural ingredients are pretty nontoxic, and, as I said, I rarely wear it.

I have a couple of lipsticks, again, so old the labels have worn off. Purchased at natural food stores. The one I wear most is a tinted lip gloss made by Burt’s Bees. Again, I rarely wear it.

It’s not that there aren’t good cosmetics, it’s just that as a personal preference, I stopped wearing cosmetics every day years ago. Part of it was my husband. He likes the way I look au naturale, and doesn’t like to kiss me when I wear lipstick or hug me if there is makeup all over my face that could get on his clothes. I’d rather have the hugs and kisses!

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Question from lizpurtell

I need new carpeting in my home and am not crazy about the wool carpets I’ve looked at. Any suggestions on carpet choices that don’t offgass? Maybe the best choice in conventional carpeting? Also, whats the best padding to go with?Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

The best choices in conventional carpeting and padding can be found on the website of the Carpet and Rug Institute.

Since 1992, CRI has had a Green Label program to test carpet, cushions and adhesives to help specifiers identify products with very low emissions of VOCs. Their newer Green Label Plus program for carpet and adhesives sets an even higher standard for indoor air quality to ensures that customers are purchasing from among the very lowest emitting products on the market.

Though these are “low-emitting” carpets they are not “no-emitting.” If you must have carpet, these are better choices, but I would be remiss if I did not say that my highest recommendation is no carpet. Please consider a different type of flooring.

Read more about the dangers of carpet and safer alternatives in my book Home Safe Home, starting on page 377.

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According to a new study, women who regularly use household cleaners and air fresheners are at double the risk of developing breast cancer than those who never use the products.

The study of more than 1,500 women found that solid slow-release air fresheners and anti-mould products had the biggest effect. Insect repellents, oven and surface cleaners also produced a slight increase.

“Women who reported the highest combined cleaning product use had a doubled risk of breast cancer compared to those with the lowest reported use,” said Dr Julia Brody, from the Silent Spring Institute in the United States, “Use of air fresheners and products for mould and mildew control were associated with increased risk.”

Read more…

Question from Liz Schmidt

Whenever our neighbors do laundry it smells up our house. Several times a week I have to go around the house and close all the windows, but by then the smell is already inside so this is of little help. I don’t have MCS, but I’m sensitive to chemical fragrances and I have weak lungs–have had pneumonia several times in the past couple years.

I wrote a letter to all the neighbors and my husband personally talked to the ones we think are the worst offenders, but a year later it’s still going on. In the letter I mentioned some facts about fabric softener as well as my health concerns, but apparently I didn’t use the right tone, or maybe not the right facts. I don’t think these neighbors are jerks, but I’m sure they are ignorant of the dangers of fragranced products.

If anyone has been successful in getting neighbors to switch to unscented laundry products I’d love to hear about your strategy and references, if any. It’s so bad we are considering moving, but that would probably cause more problems than it solves.

Thanks for any advice!

Debra’s Answer

Readers, what have you done that was successful?

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Question from andreawk

I was thrilled to discover Maggie’s soap nuts after reading about them on your website.

After about a month of use, I reluctantly gave up. I had a few problems, and maybe you can help me figure out a solution.

I have a new HE top-loading washer. What I found was that the brown from the soap nuts made my water slightly brown–not a dark, gross color, but still it changed the color of the water. This happened in cold as well as hot water.

I tried using fewer nuts, but it didn’t change this and then there were zero suds. I know that soap nuts are low-sudsing, but it’s my understanding that there should be some suds, right?

I tried adding a few nuts (in the cloth bag) to a small amount of hot water first and then adding that to cold water, but the small amount of water turned brown too. Hasn’t anyone else noticed this?

It seems to me that the reason that the soap nuts don’t work so well with whites isn’t because there aren’t any whitening additives in the nuts but because the water is discolored! And I’m not too thrilled with the idea of washing dark clothes in discolored water either.

Debra’s Answer

Well, I’ve been using Maggie’s Soap Nuts since they first came out and I’ve never had that problem. I’m stumped too.

Readers, any ideas about what’s going on here?

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Question from charity

I would like to know if anyone has had experience with the Spaldin Air Cell-Soy Green mattresses. I’m in the market for a new bed and have been doing some research on the foam beds. I looked at the Tempur-pedic and was set on them till I read the reviews.

Then I saw the Spaldin mattress on Ellen the other day and was excited because it’s Soy.

Then I was doing more research and was looking at Essentia mattresses.

After doing all this research I am confused. Is the Spaldin Air Cell-Soy all Soy or is it a % of Soy added to other Petroleum products that is called green? Any help would be greatly appreciated, I’ve never blogged before but am looking for a mattress that I can sleep with peace of mind and body on:) Thank You!

Debra’s Answer

I called Spaldin and was told their foam is “100% soy–no petrochemicals in our mattresses.”

That said, I’m not at all sure that is correct. The person I spoke with was a sales rep. Perhaps he misunderstood.

Here in the United States there are several soyfoam manufacturers and they’re all trying to increase the soy content. The most anyone has been able to get is about 17%. The rest is polyurethane. Apparently they are having problems with introducing more than minimal amounts of soy into the mix without compromising the physical characteristics of the foam.

I don’t quite trust Spaldin, as their website has some unclear statements and no way to contact the actual manufacturer.

With Essentia, you can contact the manufacturer directly.

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Question from dalilah61

I purchased a pillow from essentia and it had a horrible odor. It was the classic pillow and very pricey ($199). When I contacted the company, they told me that they do not return pillows and to air it out. I aired out the pillow for over a week and could not sleep on it because the odor was so strong and smelled like chemicals. The woman I spoke with assured me in our many conversations they do not use any harmful chemicals in their products despite it smelling like it does.

They eventually took back the pillow and sent me another one (the forma spa) which was better, but still had a strong smell to it. I aired it out for a week and purchased a dust mite cover with the hope that it would mask the smell. It helped, but it was not 100%.

I have had the pillow now for months and I no longer notice an odor. I really like the forma spa pillow as it is very comfortable, supports my neck and does not get hot to sleep on. I had considered purchasing their mattresses, but they do not offer financing and if the pillow reeked for so long, I can’t even imagine how bad the mattress would smell.

I would suggest considering this if anyone is very sensitive to smells. While I do not have chemical sensitivity, I am like a blood hound when it comes to odors and I could not tolerate having my face/olfactory senses that close to something that smelled so bad to me all night.

Debra’s Answer

I contacted Essentia about your comment, as it didn’t sound right to me that you said the pillow smelled like chemicals. Here is their response:

No chemicals are used to make their mattresses or pillows. They are made from 100% natural latex and essential oils. I asked about any odor from their essential oils, and was sent this response:

I think if the pillow smelled like chemicals, it picked up chemicals along the way during shipping. I’m glad you persisted and got a replacement pillow and that you are happy with it. It’s always a good sign to me when a company is willing to make things right with the customer.

www.debraslist.com/essentia

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Question from HEG

In 2 weeks I am moving into an apartment that was painted with traditional latex paint in May (about 2.5 months prior to my move-in date). I was wondering if anyone could estimate how long this paint may be off-gassing for and if there is anything I can do to seal in the VOC’s, like apply a sealant to the walls or paint over with a no-VOC paint like Mythic? Any suggestions would be much appreciate. Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Well, that paint should be offgassed by now, especially since it’s summertime.

In general, you don’t want to seal in VOCs, you want to evaporate them out. Heat will do that, so the solution would be to turn up the heat and “bake” it out.

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Question from Mary Marston

Hi Debra, I purchased a stick vacuum by Germ Guardian for occasional use when I don’t want to drag out my regular vacuum. The dirt cup has Silver Clean technology to help fight the growth of odor-causing baceria and mold, according to their website.

By the time I realized what that meant, I had used the vacuum for a few minutes and didn’t feel I could return it. I am presuming it blows silver nanoparticles into the air but perhaps it does not.

Do you feel the nanosilver is safe? Would it be safe to use this vacuum for a few minutes occasionaly, perhaps every few months? Should I not use it at all and get rid of it? Or should I use it without hesitating and not worry about it?

I’d appreciate your thoughts about this.

Debra’s Answer

I went to the Germ Gardian website and it said:

What this means to me is that the interior of the dust cup is lined with silver particles. It doesn’t say that silver particles are emitted into the room. I think it controls bacteria in the vacuum.

This certainly is not clear.

I personally stay away from products with nanotechnology of any kind.

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Question from Molly

My husband and I have gone through 2 organic latex mattresses and were not satisfied with either of them. Both made claims to be similar to the traditional memory foam mattress. Both ended up leaving permanent impressions where my husband would lie only after a few months. He is 6’3 & 200 lbs. He is fed up and so am I. I was thinking of going with an organic spring mattress, but my husband found this the Eco Memory Foam Toppers at Costco.com.

Do you know anything about it? From this product description, do you think it sounds safe?

Traditional memory foam mattress toppers and pillows conform in the presence of your body heat and mold to your body shape, relieving pressure points while improving circulation. Now, EcoMemoryFoam mattress toppers and pillows accomplish these things and also use new technologies to create additional benefits.

Functional Benefits:

EcoMemoryFoam is more open, with greater air flow, producing a cooler night’s sleep
Toppers are ”Ready for Immediate Use” – Packaged with the Cover Already Installed
EcoMemoryFoam mattress toppers and pillows are part of the first ever bio-based memory foam consumer product line in North America for those consumers who are committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility
Pillows have patented shoulder relief construction for the ultimate in softness and a better night’s sleep

Environmental Benefits:

Debra’s Answer

Their explanation is more than a little confusing.

There is only one company that I know of that actually makes a plant-based memory foam: Essentia. When I couldn’t get anyone on the phone at Costco.com, I wrote to them and asked if they were making mattresses for Costco.

They responded with this link to their research into “eco-foam.” It totally agrees with what I’ve found to be true: most eco-foams, as I’ve written here before, contain only a small percentage of plant-based material, the rest is the same toxic polyurethane as in regular mattresses. Read more about this at:
www.myessentia.com/research/soy-memory-foam.

They don’t sell a topper, but you could ask…they might be able to make you one.

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Question from Natalie

I want to try oil pulling, but would like to buy a toothbrush sanitizer to use afterwards. I found one called UVZ Health Systems ESA302 Wall Mount Family Toothbrush Sanitizer at amazon. Do you think this is a good sanitizer? Since there’s lots of toxins that I will be brushing out of my mouth when oil pulling I figured I should probably buy something to kill the bacteria. Thanks for any info.

Debra’s Answer

I personally don’t think it’s necessary to have a big plastic box to sanitize your toothbrush. And it may not even be necessary to sanitize your toothbrush. I don’t and I have no dental problems.

A dental website says:

So unless you have an infection, there’s no need to sanitize.

I’ve done oil pulling too, and my understanding is that it is pulling toxins out of your body, which are not necessarily bacteria. I think a good rinse of your mouth is the most important thing, and you can also rinse or soak your brush in hot water.

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Question from Shauna87

I am interested in finding out if anyone has done any testing on Emile Henry Cookware. I did read on your site that back in 2008 someone tested a lasagna pan with some sort of metal meter and it did test positive which saddens me because their website does say the glaze has NO lead and cadmium which is better than lead-free which, from what I have read here means there legally can still be some lead in it. I thought about getting Xtrema which according to tests does not leach anything and does meet CA Prop 65 but is not lead free according to the manufacturer. Don’t want to take that chance. Thank you for any help out there!

Debra’s Answer

I think the reason Xtrema may have said their cookware is not “lead-free” is a legal one. There is no lead added to their ceramic material, but since lead is ubiquitous in the natural environment, it is not possible to guarantee anything is “lead-free”. If you are looking for cookware or anything else that has 0.000000 lead in it, you’re not going to find it.

I’ve been using Xtrema for a few years now and like it a lot. I have no concerns about toxic anything leaching from it. My health has improved during that time period. So I am not concerned and feel confident recommending it.

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Question from SL

Does anyone have actual experience with either the Essentia all latex natural memory foam beds (debraslist.com/essentia) or Euro-Flex latex beds (www.euro-flex.com)?

In addition to chemical and scent sensitivities, comfort is key as I am underweight due to illness and have a lot of pressure point and spinal pain.

Thank you so much to all contributors!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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I just happened to come across this while searching for something else.

The American Lung Association, Environment Defense Fund, and other groups are working to establish an emissions control area in U.S. waters to protect the health of Americans from global shipping pollution.

Some excerpts from their report Protecting American Health from Global Shipping Pollution:

Ocean-going ships impact air quality in U.S. coastal cities and ports and even send pollution hundreds of miles inland…

The large ocean-going ships that travel along U.S. coastlines and dock at our nation’s ports deliver considerable amounts of pollution in addition to the goods they bring. Much of the pollution from these large vessels is concentrated in ports and the densely populated metropolitan areas near ports that, in almost every instance, already suffer from unhealthy air.

The health effects of diesel emissions in general are well documented. Diesel air pollution adds to cancer risk all around the United States. In many places, diesel emissions create the greatest contribution to cancer risk from air pollution…

In addition, because diesel emissions are a complex mixture of chemicals, exposure to this pollution contributes to a wide range of non-cancer health risks, including pulmonary disease, cardiovascular effects, neurotoxicity, low birth weight in infants, premature births, congenital abnormalities and elevated infant mortality rates.

Particulate matter can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic bronchitis and has been associated with cardiac arrhythmias (heartbeat irregularities), heart attacks and premature deaths. People with diabetes, heart or lung disease, the elderly and children are at highest risk from exposure to particulate pollution…

Oxides of nitrogen transform into aerosol particulates and also combine with volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight to form smog, or ground-level ozone. High ozone levels cause acute respiratory problems, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, inflammation of lung tissue, an increase in hospital admissions and emergency room visits for respiratory causes, and crop damage. Children with asthma are among those most at risk. Ozone also is associated with premature death.

Pollution from ocean-going ships impacts our environment, in addition to impacting public health. The same fine particles that can be breathed deep into the lungs adversely affecting human health also cause the haze that pollutes scenic vistas in national parks and wilderness areas and creates “brown clouds” in our urban centers.

The constituents of diesel exhaust also contribute to the acid rain that continues to harm sensitive ecosystems across the United States. Acid rain occurs when pollutants like SO2 and NOx react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form various acidic compounds. The result is a mild solution of sulfuric acid and nitric acid.29 When this acid falls back to the earth, it harms our nation’s revered ecosystems–causing acidification of lakes and streams and con- tributing to the damage of trees, like red spruce trees, at high elevations and many sensitive forest soils.

Pollution from ocean-going vessels also contributes to global climate change. In 2006, in U.S. waters alone, these vessels emitted about 55.6 million metric tons of CO2.31 Additionally, ocean-going ships contribute about 1.7% of global black carbon emissions every year. Black carbon refers to the solar-absorbing component of soot, which is released during the combustion process, and is another potent global warming pollutant. Studies show that black carbon triggers snow and ice melting, and contributes to Arctic warming. And in some places, including the Alaska region, shipping can contribute an additional 40% to atmospheric con- centrations of black carbon. Further, black carbon from shipping could have disproportionate effects on air quality near port areas because of the intensity of shipping in these areas.

On the new Debra’s List I now have an icon for products Made in the USA. By choosing these products you reduce the market for globally shipped products.

Question from Angelique

Today for the first time I tried Magick Botanicals Cleanser/Body Wash. I haven’t tried it on my hair yet, but I was very impressed on my hands. It’s the most odorless cleanser I have found, it worked well and it’s not at all drying. I’ll add a note if I like it for hair.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Annette Tweedel

Hi Debra, We have a lamp that stands four feet tall that my husband bought for me for our 1st anniversary back in 1983. And we just recently found out that the cord has lead, so we bought another cord for it. This cord is by Ativa and is 6 ft. long. But in order for my husband to fit the cord in the tubing in the lamp stand he had to shave the cord down to make it thinner for it to fit through the tubing. Is it okay to shave the cord down to fit through the tubing in order for the lamp to work? Anyway, I reacted to it. Even if the lamp is plugged in and not turned on, I still react to it.

Debra’s Answer

If you had asked me this BEFORE you bought the new cord, I would have said don’t buy a new cord, just wrap some tape around the old one.

Even if the cord is lead-free, it’s still made from a plastic you could be reacting to.

I’m not sure that shaving it made any difference.

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Question from guspvt

Hi Debra!

I’ve tossed my George Foreman Grill because of Teflon and now I’m looking for a substitute. I’m looking at some electric grills and I’ve found that the appliance I’m intending to buy, the grill itself went through the process of chrome plating. So, can i consider that the grill is stainless steel or is this chrome plating a different thing? If yes, is it safe if in contact with food?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Chrome plating is NOT the same thing as stainless steel.

“Chrome” is chromium, which is electroplated on to another metal. Chromium is one of the basic elements found on the Periodic Table of Elements. It is a a steely-gray, lustrous, hard metal. It is mined as chromite ore. The toxicity of chromium varies according to it’s form. Trivalent chromium is actually required by our bodies in trace amounts for sugar metabolism (diabetics take it as a dietary supplement to lower blood sugar) and its deficiency may cause a disease called chromium deficiency. Hexavalent chromium, however, is very toxic and mutagenic when inhaled.

I have no reason to believe that chromium electroplated on to another metal would be release into food in any amounts that would be harmful to health. I’ve never read anything that indicates this is a danger.

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Question from P. N.

Thanks for all the great data! Do you know about a powder cleaner named Bar Keepers Friend? It’s like Bon Ami but works much better and I don’t get any toxic reaction from it like Ajax, etc. Do you know if it’s non-toxic? Thanks!!

Debra’s Answer

I looked up the MSDS sheet for Bar Keepers Friend and under “Hazardous Ingredients” is listed oxalic acid.

Oxolic acid is one of the strongest organic acids. Though it is abundantly present in many plants, most (notably lamb’s quarters, rhubarb and sorrel), it can irritate the lining of the intesines when consumed, and can be fatal in large doses. Still, we all eat some oxalic acid in common foods every day with no ill effects, including black pepper, parsley, spinach, chard, beets, chocolate, most nuts, most berries, and beans

Though the Bar Keeper’s Friend MSDS warns only of irritation. Here is the safety data from the oxalic acid MSDS:

Oxalic acid is a powder, so there are no chemical gasses to be concerned about, but if you are shaking the powder in the air, small amounts could get in your nose or eyes and cause irritation. And, since you are not ingesting it, there is no danger of poisoning (but keep it away from children and pets).

Personally, I would stick with Bon Ami or just use baking soda. There’s no need to use a product with more toxic ingredients when safer products are available.

Yet, if you find this product to work better, it probably contains so little oxalic acid that it wouldn’t cause any effect greater than irriation, as stated in the MSDS sheet.

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Question from tsim

My wife has extreme MCS, and is bothered by the dark red bark that a lot of people use. Is there a “safer” or “better” bark that we could suggest for our neighbors?

Debra’s Answer

Readers, any suggestions?

Question from Angelique

I should start by saying that I live in Phoenix, and it’s the summertime. Yesterday, the day they installed our new air conditioner/heat pump compressor and air handler, it was 112.

Debra – Do you have any advice for new air handler mastik fumes? Or do you know if new air handlers/ac units/heat pumps give off gluey/sealant-y/paint-y odors? (I really think we have a mastik problem.)

I thought I knew what getting a new air handler entailed – I handed the guys Gorilla Glue for the PVC pipe, told them to use my vaccum and rags to clean the closet and unit, and had them remove the felt lining from a section of the handler. (They said that the felt was useless for interior use, anyway; interior parts of the handler don’t need it.)

But I didn’t know that they use a type of mastik to seal the place where the handler meets our ducts! For all I know, the product they used was “low voc”; it actually didn’t have a strong odor, but the fumes give me headaches, and they are still lingering after 24 hours. (I am staying in the other part of the house, which has a different HVAC system. I have a safe place to sleep, but I can’t get into the kitchen.)

After they installed it, they tested it with heat and cold, then we ran it with AC and all the doors open (I know!) for thirty minutes. Then they left, and I put it on fan only with all the windows and doors open for hours. They said that air moving through the system would dry the mastik – skim dry in a few hours and totally dry in 24. I also know that heat helps things off-gas.

Since then the doors were shut and the AC has been on except for a short time this morning when I had everything open. (If the AC isn’t on on that side, the other side of the house has trouble cooling.)

Debra’s Answer

My husband says you are doing exactly the right thing, so continue until the odor bakes out.

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Question from jojomamma

Thank you so much for all your time and energy you give! You have been such a help to me!

I am in search of toy storage and a bed frame for my boy. Being on a budget, I have looked at used furniture, but have had no luck yet.

My question is: If a piece does not smell bad, should that give me the green light to bring it in my home? Does that mean it has “offgassed” & is old enough to now be safe?

I wish I could just go to Ikea or Target & convieniently pick something up! It seems that everything “safe” is so expensive.

Debra’s Answer

If you don’t smell anything, it’s probably fine.

If you get it home and discover it has an odor, put it outdoors in the sun for a few days.

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Question from kohalaart

Aloha.

My husband didn’t believe me in my reasoning to buy an organic mattress & bought a sweda which is mainly memory foam.

My 1st question- is there a inexpensive way to cover the mattress so it dosn’t affect me? I put an old feather comforter on top of it, then organic sheets & a organic duvet and it helped a bit last night. Would getting used old wool blankets or a heavier down comforter be the answer or is there a cheap place for organic wool &/or mattress covers?

The second question is regarding how to treat the house. The previous owner loved glade plug-ins, & room perfumes, I got feeling very ill when I walked in (my husband bought the house w/out me) I’ve used baking soda on the carpets, vacumed the next day, had them cleaned by a “green” co. but they are synthetic and I think are still affecting me.

I don’t know if the toxins from the perfumes are in the wall paint too? We have lived here for 3 wks. and in that time my chemical sensitivities are now really bad, I feel pain in my chest, palpetations, shortness of breath. We are getting Cali-bamoo flooring in the downstairs, but even the non toxic flooring seems to be setting me off? There is also a tv cabinet we bought which is laminated wood, being in the same room sets me off…any ideas on how to get it to outgas faster? I have it in a room w/ an ozone generator now. I know it’s a long list of “problems” I really want to get better fast along with the house.

Debra’s Answer

First, your mattress. Just putting regular cloth on your mattress won’t block chemicals because they are very fine vapors that go between the threads. There is a cotton fabric called “barrier cloth” that is very tightly woven. You can get them from American Environmental Health Foundation. I have never used one, and I don’t recommend them as a substitute for a natural mattress, but they may help. They also do not surround the entire mattress (bottom is open, as with a regular mattress pad).

A sheet of polyethylene plastic would be more effective, in my opinion, and less expensive. Be sure to wrap the entire mattress and tape it closed.

For your house, you probably need a bake-out. Remove all people, pets and plants from your house, close all windows and doors, and turn up the heat as high as it will go. Let is bake for 24 hours. Then air the house out, close it up again and see how you feel. Repeat the process until you feel well in the house.

And your husband needs to get with the program. You need his cooperation.

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Question from Pram

I am wondering what “stuff” is in cardboard boxes; I did a site search but could not find out much; also I could not access all the questions in any topic, maybe I’ll learn!

I have a food pantry in an outbuilding where I store bulk food and my jars of home canned food. There were many flattened stored brown paper bags and many cardboard boxes as many jars were stored in them. Now that it’s gotten warm, the smell in there is so horrible – a sicky sweet noxious smell that I can taste – overwhelmed me so much that I spent quite some time in there removing every box and bag (there are still a few I need to get rid of). It took my a while because it meant taking out jars and putting directly on the shelves, so I was in there at least a half an hour.

That was about 3 days ago and ever since then I have felt nausea, increased ringing in hears, a bit of dizziness, exhaustion, and a bit of impaired breathing. I am chemically sensitive ever since a heavy oversdose of pesticide about 16 years ago (not my choice, a neighbor’s action).

So now I am trying to figure out what is in cardboard boxes, or could it be something that was sprayed on some of them. Any info appreciated. I am now looking around my house for any cardboard boxes or paper bags so I can get rid of them.

Debra’s Answer

The answer is at HOW PRODUCTS ARE MADE: Corrugated Cardboard.

This is a pretty interesting site:

When you are wanting to know how any product is manufactured, this is site is a good place to start.

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Question from anneh

We are on a well and due to its low ph we have to add a conditoner to it (calcium). I thought to be safe I better buy bottled water and have been purchasing bottled water that comes in blue plastic 3Gallon jugs. Now I see the #7 on the jugs and research tells me its not a good thing. I found what looks like a good option by Santevia, you put your water through their filter system but their plastic jug is #5 which is supposedly safe. Any idea which way to go? Thanks anneh

Debra’s Answer

If these are your two choices, I would go with the bottle labeled #5, as that is low-toxicity polypropylene. #7 is polycarbonate, which contains BPA unless labeled “BPA-free.”

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Question from happyarlenee2005

I have a renter who smokes (outside) and do not want him to wash his clothes in my washer, it leaves a smell afterwards. Is there a way that something natural could take care of this so I could allow him to wash clothes in my washer? Also help for dryer please.

Debra’s Answer

Don’t know the answer to this one. Readers?

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Question from kerinreed

I have now switched all my old plastic water bottles for metal, etc. but this makes me wonder about all my plastic storage containers. I use Tupperware, Rubbermaid, Glad, and anything I can find with a lid to store my leftovers, pack a lunch, freeze short-term. I also keep my empty plastics on a shelf in my garage when they are not in use. I can’t think any of this is safe when it is not safe to freeze or heat a water bottle. What cn be used for storage and transportation of food?

Debra’s Answer

Different types of plastic containers are made from different plastics. And these plastics are different from the plastic used to make plastic water bottles.

Personally, I use a lot of glass. I also use those Glad containers. They are made from polypropylene plastic, which has minimal toxicity. I never put hot food in them, only cold. But I prefer glass.

If you are nervous about transporting glass, tie cotton bandanas around the jars or bottles. This cushions the glass and helps to keep it from breaking.

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Question from TerryAnn

Hello Debra

Having a heck of a time trying to find pureed pumpkin that is not in cans, and completely unable to locate real pumpkins during most parts of the year, to make my own puree. Any suggestions? It seems pureed pumpkin in jars is simply not made. I have been using an organic brand, but it comes in a can and worry about BPA.

By the way, when you make your own puree, how do you go about it?

Thank you.

Terry

Debra’s Answer

I’ve never seen pureed pumpkin sold in glass jars.

Fresh pumpkins are a seasonal food, you would not be able to find it most of the year.

During October and November, when pumpkins are plentiful, you can make all the pumpkin puree you want and can (in glass jars) it or freeze it for use throughout the year. However, I would encourage you to enjoy it seasonally, in tune with when nature produces it.

To make pumpkin puree, use smaller “pie” pumpkins, rather than the larger pumpkins that are more suitable for jack-o-lanterns. Do not make a jack-o-lantern and then cook the pumpkin for pie.

Cut a whole pumpkin in half and scrape out the seeds. I use a soup spoon for this. The seeds are held in with some stringy stuff, you need to scrape out all the strings and seeds. Wash the strings from the seeds and save the seeds for roasting. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast them until golden brown. My husband and I like to eat them hot with butter and natural salt.

Take your pumpkin halves and place them cut side down in a large baking dish. Add 1/2″ of water to pan to help keep the pumpkin flesh moist. Bake at 450º until you can pierce the skin with a fork (about 45 minutes to an hour).

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Question from Annette Tweedel

Hi Debra, Last year in May we bought a Haier air conditoiner for our daughter’s room, Model #ESA3109-L. My husband ran it out on the porch for a few days only during the day to get the smell out of it. And after a few days of doing that it was fine.

This year we bought a Haier air conditioner, Model #ESA410J-L, for our den. Well, my husband has been running it out on the porch for almost a week now. But, last Monday evening he put the air conditoiner in the window and ran it, but in a matter of a few minutes my tongue starting feeling funny. My tongue turned out feeling raw from running the air conditioner.

So my husband had to end up taking the air conditoner out of the window and it is still running out on the porch. I tried checking on the internet to see what might be on the inside of the air conditioner as to why it effects me, but I am not sure of what to look for. This is aggravating, because it is hot.

Is there a way I can find out what is on the inside of the air conditoiner?And if so, how do I go about it? What do I look for? Thank you so much for your help!

Debra’s Answer

There may be plastics in the air conditioner you are reacting to, or other chemicals. Contact the manufacturer and ask what materials are used in this particular model.

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In response to my article Homes Away From Home: Nontoxic Hotel Rooms, readers sent me some comments about their own experiences with hotels.

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Question from Mary Marston

I need to replace my watchband. I am more or less homebound and will send someone else to shop for it. I would prefer that it be leather rather than metal links, but am concerned about what chemicals would be in the leather that might be absorbed through my skin. On the other hand, I would probably wear it about 3 hours a week, and it is a small item, so it won’t be a lot of exposure.

Any advice about buying leather? Would something synthetic be better?

Debra’s Answer

There are various chemicals used in leather, however, my experience has been that different leathers have different chemicals. Some leathers smell a lot, others not at all.

I, for example, wear leather sandals and have a leather purse, neither of which have ever had any odor, even when new.

I’ve had leather watchbands in the past and haven’t noticed an odor. It sounds like, if you prefer leather, you’ve also had a positive experience in the past with leather.

I would give the leather band a good sniff. If there are chemicals present, they could offgass and be absorbed through your skin. But these types of chemicals are volatile, so even if they are used, at some point they evaporate out.

It’s a small strip of leather and you aren’t wearing it much. I’m not very concerned about this. If it were me, I would probably wear a leather watchband, too, if I wore a watch.

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Question from audrey

I am looking for a plain old fashioned mop to dry mop and wet mop my tile floor. My old one is falling apart. A friend (I can’t go in to stores due to mcs) bought me a libman. It smelled and I aired it out for a few days and it was fine but then I took a look at the packaging it came in and it said it was antibacterial treated. I called the company and she didn’t know (or wouldn’t give me) the name of the chemical used – it was to help against mildew (whatever happened with just washing something after you use it)!!. Anyway does anyone know of a good simple mop – not those thin stringy ones – they don’t do a good job. Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Mary’s patented mop lets you use one handle and cleaning head to mop floors, dust walls, wax floors, wash windows, and more, just by changing what you put in the head. You can clean the floor with a terry cloth towel and toss it in the washer.

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Question from Colleen

Our 13 year old washer was leaking and we had to get a new one. Has anyone has a problem dealing with the plastic smell in their new washer? I’m afraid to put my expensive organic bedding in it and ruining it with plastic smell but I also need to wash them once a week due to dust mite allergies. I’m running the machine with just a cleaning cycle first with vinegar to see if that helps and then I’m going to try a small load of something I don’t care about throwing away to try laundry in it. How long does it take to outgas? What have others done during this outgassing time-period? Thank you for the information.

Debra’s Answer

Readers? My best recommendation is to buy a used washer.

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Question from Colleen

I have MCS and asthma we recently had a water leak from our washer onto the flooring in our main and only living area in a small (900 sq ft) house and have to replace the underlayment for the floor under a vinyl tiled floor and also replace the vinyl floor tiles. Does anyone have any suggestions on what we could use to fix that 6 ft area rather than replace the entire kitchen flooring. Replacing the entire kitchen flooring is also an option and eventually we will need to do that too. Suggestions for both scenerios would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Colleen

Debra’s Answer

Please do not replace your vinyl floor tiles with new vinyl floor tiles.

If this is a kitchen area, please use ceramic tiles. You’ll need to use cement backerboard as the underlayment, lay the tiles into mortar, and put grout between them.

This is the most waterproof and nontoxic floor for a kitchen.

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Question from greystoke777

Has anyone on this site used Taylor’s MS Plus Advance wood floor glue? Here is a link to info: . Seems like a good product, I was hoping someone had some first-hand experience with it.

Debra’s Answer

Description looks fine to me, but have no personal experience with it. Readers?

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Question from Jenni

Hi Debra,

My husband and I canceled our planned honeymoon to Jamaica after finding out that they still spray flights with residual pesticides, but we’d still love to travel to the island. I was not able to find out anything about whether cruise ships that put into port in Jamaica are also treated with pesticides. After Julia Kendall’s death shortly after visiting Jamaica, I’m understandably concerned. Can anyone help reassure me that a cruise to Jamaica is a possibility?

Thanks,

Jenni in Ohio

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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On June 9, 2010 the Environmental Law Foundation filed Notices of Violation of California Proposition 65 Toxics Right to Know law, alleging the toxic chemical lead was found in a variety of children’s and baby foods. A testing program by ELF found the toxic chemical lead in a variety of children’s and baby foods.

Products tested and results

Many brands of organic juice were found to contain levels of lead that exceed the California Proposition 35 limit of 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving. There is no safe level of lead exposure for children (or pregnant women, as lead passes through the placenta).

Juice is not a necessary component to our diet, especially industrially-processed juice. All bottled juices are fractionated beverages in which the juice has been removed from the pulp. They are not whole foods. They are then heated during the bottling process, turning them into a drink that is not much different from a fructose-sweetened soda.

Dr. Charles Billington, an appetite researcher at the University of Minnesota. said, “It’s pretty much the same as sugar water.”

Juice concentrates the sugar from fruit, so it is consumed more like a concentrated fructose sweetener, rather than in it’s natural state with all the corresponding water and fiber.

Consuming high levels of fructose is known to increase risk factors for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes because it is converted into fat by the liver more readily than glucose. It seems to ‘t matter whether the fructose is from soda or juice.

“Both are going to promote equal weight gain,” she said, adding that she’s perplexed by the fixation on the evils of sugar-sweetened beverages: “Why are they the only culprit?”

I myself don’t drink bottled juice, not even fresh juice sold under refrigeration. The sugars are just too concentrated. If I want juice, I take whole fruit and whiz it up in the blender with lots of purified water. In this way, I have whole fruit or vegetable juice. And none of the contaminants that might be introduced during industrial juicing and packaging.

Source: Nutrition experts see juice glass as half empty

Health care problems from BP oil spill to last years, experts say

“The health care impact of the massive BP oil spill will be measured in years – not weeks or even months – according to a panel of experts who testified this week before a congressional committee. Because too little is known about the toxicity of the oil, and more specifically about BP’s own recipe for chemicals used to disperse the oil, health care problems are likely to last for years and need to be monitored, experts said during their testimony.

“The hearing by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee looked at steps taken so far to monitor and deal with health care issues, and what the longer-term threats and effects may be, according to CNN. Lisa Kaplowitz, a deputy assistant secretary of health and human services involved in preparedness and response, said the spilled oil would cause health care concerns for years to come. “The impacts of this disaster must be considered in the framework in not weeks or months, but years,” Kaplowitz said, adding that there is a lack of long-term assessments on the toxicity of oil in the environment.

“Fortunately, the monitoring of health care concerns has already begun. Concerned about the growing number of Gulf Coast residents and clean up workers becoming ill as a result of the spill, federal and state health care officials teamed up earlier this month to send a mobile medical clinic to Louisiana to treat people and monitor the long-term health care effects of what is clearly becoming one of the worst environmental disasters of our time…local residents have complained of throat irritation, eye irritation, nausea, headache, and coughs…

“How concerned do we have to be about the long-term health care effect of the oil spill? Consider this excerpt from joint report by researchers at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Royal Oak, Michigan and the Sciencecorps organization in Lexington Mass., which assesses the human health threat of the BP oil spill: “Crude oil contains chemicals that readily penetrate cell walls, damage cell structures, including DNA, and alter the function of the cells and the organs where they are located. Crude oil is toxic, and ingredients can damage every system in the body.””

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Question from moneybldr

Debra, We recently moved into a new (older) house. The yard/garden is overgrown with English Ivy. I have pulled up much of it. It is very pesky and keeps coming back. Is there a natural herbicide to eliminate the English Ivy? Thanks. JL

Debra’s Answer

Readers, any experience with this?

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Question from Octavia

My husband and I are about to break ground on our healthy home.

We chose poured concrete for the wall system and floor primarily because it reduced the need for potentially toxic or irritiating building materials and finishes (I have developed strong chemical sensitivities and allergies over the few years, right now I am doing a lot better and hope to improve further by living in a healthier environment).

The end result will be a layer of concrete on the exterior walls, and one on the interior, with insulation sandwiched between. We do not plan on finishing (painting, sealing) the interior or exterior of the walls of floor aside from using Xypex or a similar hardener, and possibly AFM Mexeseal on the floor.

Question: Our masonry contractors would like to use two additives in the cement, and we need to make a decision about their safety vs. their function. The two products they recommended were BASF Polyheed 997, and BASF MB AE 90, both considered essential for creating strong concrete that can weather freeze-thaw cycles effectively. Since we live in Upstate NY, this is naturally a concern. I am trying to assess the safety of these products – here is a link to their MSDS, as well as one for the bio-based form release agent for the metal forms:

http://www.anchsand.com/Portals/3/mbae90_msds.pdf
http://www.anchsand.com/Portals/3/polyheed_msds.pdf
http://www.euclidchemical.com/fileshare/ProductFiles/msds/079T_27_U.pdf

Would you recommend the use of these products in our situation? Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

I would use the BASF MB AE 90. It contains no hazardous ingredients required to be listed on the MSDS.

The foam release agent is fine too.

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Question from antg

Can you tell me if there is any safe yarn {and stuffing} for knitted children’s garments

and toys?

Debra’s Answer

There are many safe organic natural fiber yarns. Some of them are listed at DEBRA’S LIST: Yarns but you can also search online for “organic yarn,” “cotton yarn,” etc.

You can use organic cotton or wool batting for stuffing material.

It’s important to use organic natural fiber yarns and stuffing because pesticide residues are NOT removed during processing, as they are when fiber is processed into fabric.

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Question from devorahsara

I have recently read that shower heads, especially ones made with plastic, accumulate toxic bacteria that comes out while showering. The recommendation is to clean the shower head regularly with vinegar and to use all metal shower heads. Do you have a recommendation for an all metal shower head?

Debra’s Answer

In the study it says that “plastic” showerheads had more bacteria than “metal” showerheads. There are showerheads made entirely of plastic and showerheads made of metal, but you would need to call the manufacturers to see if the metal showerheads are metal through and through.

Here’s a link to many metal showerheads: Metal showerheads. And there are many more than this. Check at any hardware or home improvement store.

Here’s an article debunking the alarm posed by the study to which you refer: POPULAR MECHANICS: No Need for Panic About “Toxic” Shower Heads: Reality Check.

I personally am not concerned about this. I take long hot showers every day. I don’t go in the shower until the hot water has run through the showerhead. We are exposed to bacteria all day long, every day. If this were really a health danger, more people would be getting sick.

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Question from Celestine

I am looking for as much info as I can get on non-toxic swimming pool care. Chlorine is out, of course. But I need to know more about the various devices out there, the hydrogen peroxide systems, etc.

I’d like to know about cost, maintenance, etc.

I am in the Los Angeles area, so if anyone has specific recommendations in that area, or the San Gabriel Valley, that would be helpful too.

Thanks! Celestine

Debra’s Answer

I can’t give you a detailed overview of all the pool devices and their dangers. I’ll just say that over the years I have looked at them all and decided on hydrogen peroxide. But I want to especially say to not use a copper system, as the body does absorb the copper, which can lead to a copper imbalance in your body. The so-called “salt” systems are still chlorine, it’s just produced from salt.

When I used to have a pool I used hydrogen peroxide. All we did was periodically add more hydrogen peroxide as needed. But it’s not the type you get at the drug store. I think it was 50%. We bought it at a chemical supply house and kept it locked up in a shed because it’s very toxic at that concentration. You do need to be careful not to splash or spill the hydrogen peroxide on your skin or clothing and wear goggles when you add it to the pool. But there is no chlorine smell and the water becomes effervescent.

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Question from -E-

Hi Debra!

I’ve been reading through your blogs posted on Cookware and have to say I’m confused.

I know Cast Iron is the best but its just way to heavy!

On your Cookware & Bakeware section you have stated for the items that are made of ceramica such as the Green Gourmet. “Embedding the finish in the ceramic-titanium craters prevents it from being scraped off into the food, but fumes may still be released, especially as a result of long periods of excessive heat.” I know that you have mentioned that you use their pans but does that comment mean that toxic fumes are still released and that it as unsafe? Does that include sandflow also?

I’m also unclear about stainless steel. Is 18/0 still the best option when it comes to leaching.

I’m looking to purchase pots that are safe. Although I realize that it may be impossible to avoid all leaching I would like to be able to make the best decision for my family and me.

Debra’s Answer

There is a lot of information about cookware. I’m actually working on a new page about cookware that will make it simple.

In your paragraph about ceramica, you’ve taken something I said about TITANIUM cookware and incorrectly attached it to CERAMIC cookware. Ceramica cookware is entirely different from titanium cookware. Cermaica is ceramic. I have been using Green Gourmet cookware for about two years now and do not perceive any toxic fumes, nor does the finish appear to be anything but ceramic.

If you want stainless steel, get surgical stainless steel cookware. That leaches the least. See Q&A: Stainless Steel Leaching into Food and Beverages.

For my primary cookware, I use Xtrema, which is ceramic through and through and fairly lightweight in comparison to cast iron.

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Question from jemcconaughy

Dear Debra,

I am curious to know your opinion on EcoSpun Fabrics, polyester fleece made from recycled water bottles. Are they harmful in anyway? Could a baby or child be harmed in anyway from wearing clothing made from these fabrics? Bedding and toys, included. Do the Pro’s outweigh the Con’s? Any and all information would be appreciated.

Thank You

Debra’s Answer

I wouldn’t put my baby around EcoSpun fabric. Plastic is plastic whether it is recycled or not.

I’m all for recycling plastic, but it should be made into products that are not close to the skin.

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Question from Jill

I have severe MCS…

I’m seeking help for a problem I can’t believe I’m dealing with again.

A year ago, I stupidly experimented with using ammonia in my washing machine to deal with a mold issue I thought I had.

Short story – despite endless rinses, vinegar, water, taking apart and cleaning the machine – after the ammonia, I was never able to wash clothes again without them smelling a certain way, the clothes were burning my hands and causing a headache.

We got another machine. I washed something that had been washed in the first machine. It contaminated the machine and this happened all over again.

We got ANOTHER machine! This one was great and I got rid of (I thought) anything that had been washed in the earlier machines.

Debra’s Answer

Readers. any experience with this?

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Question from sathia

Madam Debrylynn,

I am from India. I like the most “Green living”. Its really amazing to see a person living green for almost 23 years.

I just have a question.

Is there any green jewelry cleaner that cleans and removes tarnish on Gold and Silver jewels/wares.

If yes kindly inform the product name and company name.

Let stay ever at green revolution.

Debra’s Answer

The answer to this question is easy and something you have right there in India: toothpaste.

Yes, any toothpaste will do. Just get an old toothbrush (don’t use it again to brush your teeth after using it to clean jewelry), put some toothpaste on it and brush away.

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Question from Cheryl3

Hi all,

Weeds seeming impossible, I ‘m considering trying a polypropylene weed mat and wondering if it’s considered safe. The only problem I can see might be whatever it is colored with (black). Compost no longer seems to block the weeds and I don’t want to use any wood product for fear of termites (Florida). Any thoughts on safety of or experience with would be appreciated.

Also, I love garden fairies and was wondering if resin fairy statuary (or any avilable material) are safe for the garden environment? I haven’t been able to locate any that say they are ecosafe. Should I be concerned? Thanks for any help.

Debra’s Answer

I don’t like using plastic in my garden. Instead of polypropylene weed mats, I suggest using cardboard boxes, which are free.

We did this in our garden, over lawn. You just open up the cardboard boxes and lay them down over the weeds, and cover with layers of compost and leaves. We’re in Florida too and have done this quite successfully.

You might also consider growing a ground cover that would smother the weeds, or planting your plants closer together.

I don’t know what kind of resin is used to make garden fairies. If you could find out, I could tell you how toxic it is.

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Question from SVE

Dear Debra,

Synthetic shoes (New Balance) may be a problem for me. I can’t seem to find very many “non-toxic” shoes online (such as hemp, etc.). Leather would be OK but the foot beds and soles are made from so many substances. Leather and real 100 % rubber sound OK, but what about polyurethane, foam and other synthetics? Do you have a list of non-toxic substances that “main stream” shoes are made of? If not, do you have a list of worst toxic materials used in the manufacture of shoes? I dislike not buying “green” shoes, but I’m more interested in “not-toxic” shoes made of substances that a person with MCS might be able to tolerate. Love your new website – such great information and easy to use! Thanks for all your help.

Debra’s Answer

A lot of shoes today are made from PVC, which emit phthalates, an endocrine disruptor. Even if the shoes are not made from PVC, many are made from other petrochemical materials.

Leather shoes may utilize a variety of toxic chemicals as well, so you really have to check and see how the leather is processed.

Here’s a link to an earlier post about nontoxic shoes: Are there any nontoxic shoes?

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Question from Annette Tweedel

Hi Debra,

I have a question. I thought all chemicals were bad for us and my husband says no, that there are some chemicals that are good for us. Which is it? And if there are some chemicals that are good for us, which are they? Thank you in advance for clearing the air for me.

Debra’s Answer

This is a very good question. There are so many words we use of which we don’t know the meanings, it’s good to clear this one up, since we use it here on this blog all the time.

The easiest definition of chemical for me comes from the definition of chemistry: “the study of matter and the changes that take place with that matter.” The study of matter. That’s anything and everything in the physical universe. Literally, everything is a chemical.

Rather than going into all the details of matter, I’m going to direct you to a wonderfully simple website called Chem4Kids, which explains chemistry in a way even I can understand.

In Nature, there is matter that is the very basic stuff of life that cannot be broken down any further and still be what it is. These are known as elements. They are listed on what is known as the Periodic Table. Some elements we all know include hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, sodium, aluminum, titanium, copper…36 in all. These are the basic building blocks of all matter and exist throughout Nature.

Nature takes these basic elements and combines them together to make all the matter in the universe. Water, for example, is two molecules of hydrogen with one molecule of oxygen. The hydrogen and oxygen make a chemical reaction and stick together to make water. This is so fundamental to life that in our language, we even say people who like each other and form a unit together have “chemistry.”

Many centuries ago, people known as alchemists tried to change elemental metals into gold. Basic truths about the physical laws of life discovered by alchemists lead to the field of modern inorganic chemistry (the branch of chemistry having to do with all chemical compounds that are not made with carbon, carbon-based compounds are addressed in organic chemistry).

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There has been an article going around about lead in lipstick. It’s true, there is, according to the FDA.

Here is the official FDA webpage on lead in lipsticks: Lipstick and Lead: Questions and Answers.

It lists all the lipsticks tested, and the amount of lead in them, along with more information about lead and lipstick. Though the FDA says it “does not believe that the lead content found in its lipstick analysises is a safety concern, it is widely recognized there is no safe level for lead.

Better to choose a natural lipstick or lipgloss, or, better yet, use none at all (my husband doesn’t like to kiss me when I wear lipstick, so that’s a great incentive not to wear it!).

Environmental Working Group assessed 1,400 sunscreen products, including beach and sports lotions, sprays and creams, moisturizers, make-up and lip balms, and ended up warning consumers “not to depend on any sunscreen for primary protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Hats, clothing and shade are still the most reliable sun protection available.” more…

Here’s the full report, including the 39 sunscreen products they recommend: EWG’S 2010 Sunscreen Guide.

Since I live in sunny Florida, I did a study on sun protection a few years ago and came to the same conclusion: hats, clothing, and shade are your best protection. I personally don’t use sunscreen at all, nor do I wear sunglasses, which block light from the sun that is beneficial to your health.

Here’s my report on how to create your own safe sun strategy: Debra’s Guide to Natural Sun Protection.

For more information on sunlight and your health see the books at Debra’s Bookstore: Health: Sunlight.

Last week, CNN aired a whole hour special called “Toxic Childhood,” which exposed toxic chemicals children are being exposed to and their health effects. Nothing new that I and others haven’t been writing about for years, my point here is only to give another example that the subject of toxic chemicals in consumer products is finally reaching the mainstream.

If you want to watch the show, it’s in bits and pieces at CNN: Toxic America. Click on the different subjects, and you will be able to see the video clip from the show for that subject.

Most of the show is about the dangers, the last segment has a few tips about how to protect your children. Insufficient, but that’s what this website is for…

Question from cristiinskeep

I’m sure this question has been answered before, but search as I might I cannot seems to plug in the right words. I am gradually changing to all natural products and need to dispose of some of the toxic cleaners and lotions, etc. that I have still sitting around. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Debra’s Answer

Call the agency that collects your garbage and ask them about their household hazardous waste program. They can tell you how and where to bring your toxic materials that need to be disposed of.

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Question from lindaj

I was away while my neighbors sprayed their trees (at least they all did it on the same day), and, obviously had my 7 month-old, mostly healthy house shut tight. I have an HRV, that I also turned off. When I came home, my house reeked of “new home” smell, especially paint, which made no sense to me until this morning.

The smell is coming from my cheapo toilet seat (painted, pressed board), that I never should have bought. I’d like to replace it, but I don’t know with what. Is there a better alternative?

Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

We have solid wood toilet seats, which we purchased at Home Depot. They have a clear finish, but no toxic odor. If you purchase one and do detect an odor, let it sit out in the sun for a few days.

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Question from niella

Hello Debra,

I wish to use Grapeseed oil as a heat protectant for my hair. Is there a particular brand I should use or will any brand do?

Thank you. 🙂

Debra’s Answer

Anything that comes in contact with your body ideally should be organically grown. Beyond that, I think any major natural brand would do for this purpose.

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Question from niella

Hello Debra,

What are the best Vitamin K cream brands for sensitive eyes? Are there any organic products avaliable?

Thank you! 🙂

Debra’s Answer

Readers, what is your experience?

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Question from niella

Hello Debra,

Which organic eye creams are best for sensitive eyes?

Thank you! 🙂

Debra’s Answer

Readers, what is your experience?

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Question from niella

Hello Debra,

Which brand of hair, skin and nails supplements are the best?? I was thinking on purchasing the GNC brand but I discovered those are synthetic. Then I stumbled upon the Bluebonnet ones. Have you (or anyone else) tried these? Do they work? I found some good reviews but not enough to convince me..

Thank you! 🙂

Debra’s Answer

My opinion, as stated before, is to take only supplements that are made from whole foods. Most supplements that are made for a specific purpose like improvement of hair, skin, or nails, are made from synthetic vitamins.

A whole food diet with whole food supplements will result in beautiful hair, skin, and nails.

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Question from HEG

I have been using a heart rate monitor for a few years to maximize my fitness routine. The system includes a band that goes around my chest with electrodes that measure my heart rate, and the information is then transmitted wirelessly to a watch that displays my heart rate. It just occured to me that the watch (which I wear all the time as my “normal” watch too) band is probably made of PVC – that is probably not good. In addition, I am wondering if there are any health concerns from wearing what is essentially a wireless ecg while i exercise every day, and whether keeping the watch as a normal watch is unhealthy in any way (i take the chest strap off after exercising and return the watch back to the normal watch mode).

Debra’s Answer

I wouldn’t wear PVC against my skin on a regular basis.

Don’t know about the heart rate monitor. Readers?

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Question from joyinjesus

I came accross an herbal product that listed in its ingredients oleaginous extract of rosemary, thyme … Is oleaginous extract a way of saying it was extracted using petroleum?

This product is advertised as safe, non-toxic. But since I don’t know what that means and am having a hard time finding the answer on the internet, I am afraid to buy it.

Please help me with this. Thank you so much for this web-site. I think it is literally a life-saver for me.

Debbie G.

Debra’s Answer

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, oleaginous means ” resembling or having the properties of oil : oily; also : containing or producing oil.” So an oleaginous extract of rosemary or thyme would be an oily extract, which makes sense, because many herbs have oil in them.

As for how they are extracted, herbal extracts are typically obtained by compressing herbs with a hydraulic press while soaking them in alcohol or water. The alcohol or water is allowed to evaporate, and the remaining substance is the concentrated extract.

What I couldn’t find is what type of alcohol is used–petroleum-based or grain alcohol. Readers, any knowledge about this?

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Question from turducken

Hi Debra,

I found out that there is lots of aluminum in black tea. This may be due to it coming from India and China, but it’s hard to know because almost all good tea comes from those countries.

Do you know:

1) what the levels of aluminum are?

2) how these compare to aluminum levels from other sources?

3) what safe levels of aluminum are?

Debra’s Answer

According to the study Contents of aluminum and manganese in tea leaves and tea infusions:

The content of aluminum in tea leaves was

The concentration of aluminum in tea infusions (tea leaves steeped in water) was

1 milliliter is 0.033814 fl oz, or about 6 teaspoons, or 2 tablespoons, or 1/4 cup.

As for safe levels of aluminum…

Standards established by the California Environmental Protection Agency for water allow 1000 micrograms/litre of aluminum. (or 1000 micrograms/1000 millilitre). That would be 1 microgram of aluminum per millilitre of water) or tea). You can easily see that the amounts of aluminum found in wulong tea exceed this limit, while some green teas and black teas exceed the limit and others do not.

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Question from Deborah Barnett

Debra, Any advice on what to use on my new stove without scratching the top it is ceramic? Thanks Deborah in Tenn.

Debra’s Answer

Yes. I found the answer right here on this blog: Green cleaner for a ceramic cooktop.

There are more than 2000 questions and answers on this blog, the search box is in the upper right hand corner.

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Question from HEG

Last week a plumber came to my house and applied the Polyseamseal all-purpose caulk to my kitchen sink as it had been leaking. The VOC content was <93 gr/L and the one hazardous ingredient was N-butyl acetate. A week later it still smells very stronger underneath my sink, and I am wondering if you have any suggestions to speed up the off-gassing and whether it could leach into any of the food in our kitchen? I am kicking myself for not demanding that he use the nontoxic sealant that i had previously purchased from chemlink for another job.

Debra’s Answer

Any volatile chemical in the air can be absorbed by food.

It probably still smelly strongly under your kitchen sink because it’s been all closed up for a week.

You can speed up the offgassing by using heat, but I’m a little hesitant to suggest you put a space heater in a cabinet and close it up when there is a chemical that may be flammable under the sink.

You need to ventilate the air out of that cabinet in some way that doesn’t have it go out into your kitchen.

Putting a fan in the cabinet would help the caulk cure faster, but heat would be best. Either way, you need to be able to get the fumes out of the cabinet without contaminating the kitchen.

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Question from HEG

I have been using a cuisinart blender to cook my daughter’s food, most of which is hot when blended. I was under the impression that it was safe to use because of its glass jar. But it just occurred to me that there are many components that are plastic – the rubbery plastic part of the lid, the clear plastic part of the lid, the blade accessories and base. I am concerened that these parts may include BPA and PVC in particular. Do you or any of your readers know whether this may be a concern? Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

I’m not concerned. When I use a blender, I don’t blend the food for more than a minute, if that, and leaching needs contact time.

If your food is coming in contact with the plastic lid, you’re probably filling it too full.

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Question from joyinjesus

I have MCS and would like to travel. Which is better? An RV or a travel trailer? I am thinking that a trailer could be made safer than an RV. My husband would rather not have to pull a trailer. Which one could be made the safest with the least amount of work?

Also, what kind of outer material would be best? Aluminum, fiberglass, or porcelain? I would think that to be surrounded by aluminum might cause a problem with EMF’s. I don’t know anything about fiberglass as pertains to MCS.

Do you or your reader’s know if there is a brand that is the best (quality, and uses less toxic materials)?

Thank you for your help.

Debra’s Answer

I have no experience with this.

Readers?

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Question from Mayo

I found your ‘old’ blog with posts about safe wood preserving methods (Wood Conditioner for Cutting Boards and Bowls) and plan to try walnut oil. I’d like to add beeswax (neighbor is an organic beekeeper – yes!) however would like a guide on how much oil to how much beeswax. A rough estimate is fine. I live on an island accessible only by boat and finally found a place to send me walnut oil. I want to get it right the first time, so appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

I’ve never made this.

Readers, any suggestions?

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Question from nk

I recently purchased the Shark Sanitizing Steam Cleaner and use it to clean my kitchen sink, counters and cabinets as well as the bathroom sink, counters, toilet and bathtub. Soooooo much easier and no chemicals, just water I love it!

Debra’s Answer

I have one too and love it. So much easier to clean the bathroom and no toxic chemicals.

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Question from NMSlim

We have drilled a well on our property and now need to buy a water storage tank. The question is what kind of tank is the best. Our choice seems to be either a galvanized, or stainless steel. The price of stainless steel for a 1500 gallon tank is way to high. The galvanized is what seems to be the most affordable. This comes with or without an epoxy lining. Any thoughts on these for MCSs. I have learned so much from this site. Thank you

Debra’s Answer

I think I would go with the epoxy lining. Though epoxy is pretty toxic during application, once it is dry, I think it would have less liklihood of leaching than stainless steel or galvanized.

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Question from Angelique

Six months ago we had to remodel my home office. The new drywall was mudded with Murco M-100 and the walls were painted with Sherwin Williams Harmony. I’m not sure why, but I was not able to tolerate the room until now.

My husband is blaming the mud or the mud-paint combination. Murco M-100 is supposed to dry very fast, but he thinks it just didn’t cure. I have been in people’s houses that were painted with ordinary paints a few weeks afterwards and tolerated that better than this office.

We’re going to be doing more repairs to our home in the next few weeks, and I’m not sure what to tell the contractor to use. I am leaning toward telling him, “use any mud that you know dries quickly and completely.” I’m also not sure about the paint.

Debra’s Answer

Murco M-100 is fine and so is Sherwin Williams Harmony.

It sounds like the condition in the room are too dark or cold for these products to cure.

I would use the same products, but put a space heater in the room and close it up for a day to dry, after the mud, and then after the paint. Continue to heat, even if several days are needed, until you don’t smell anything and feel fine in the room. Air the room out after each heating before deciding if it’s done or not.

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Question from asmilansky

Hello,

I am confused as to what baking ware is safest and non toxic: cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel (18/10, 18/8 or 18/0). I have been using mostly glass, but I am now shopping for a muffin pan and those are not available in glass.

Thank you.

Alex

Debra’s Answer

For a muffin pan, I suggest clay.

Here’s just one:

Search on “clay muffin pan.” Look for lead-free glaze or no glaze.

Cast iron would also be fine. Search on “cast iron muffin pan.”

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Question from audrey

Does anyone know of a non toxic or low odor spackle? If so, where can it be purchased? Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

There are two kinds of spackle: powdered and paste.

If the paste has too much of any odor, try the powdered, which you mix with water.

Either is made with gypsum powder (which is not toxic), and glue, which may or may not be toxic.

You could always get some gypsum powder and mix it with some nontoxic glue, such as Elmer’s woodworking glue. I’ve never tried this, but it is logical.

Over the years, we’ve used a lot of spackle as we’ve remodeled our houses. My husband usually buys the paste and we’ve never considered it to be toxic.

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Question from griffithsfamily1

Our vacation home had a leak from an upstairs bathroom down to the downstairs floor beneath it. We discovered it about a week after we were there last.

When I walked into the home, I smelled something that smelled like a swamp, so I went sniffing through the house until I found it. There was water pooled up on the upstairs bathroom floor and in the cabinet so we cleaned that up and the smell was no longer there. I then went downstairs and could still smell it and it smelled like it was coming from the bathoom directly underneath the one that had the leak, specifially in the doorframe area. The water had come down through the walls and slightly pulled the crown moulding away from the ceiling and around the door jam.

I got down on my knees and started sniffing to find the odor and when I did I got a huge whiff of mildew smell. We immediately rented a Rug Dr and shampooed the carpet with Natures’ Miracle and weak bleach solution and the smell disappeared. We then turned on the heat under the carpet (we have hydronic heat) and it all dried out.

The house and carpet no longer smell, but nonetheless, we will have someone come out to assess and perhaps change the pad, clean up the gypcrete floor under the pad and see if we can salvage the carpet. Can we salvage carpet after a small amount of water damage – is there a way to truly get rid of any remaining mildew/mold?

Also, I have not been feeling too well since that “sniffing” incident. Could I have unhaled some mold spores into my lungs and if so, what can I do about it?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

You do need to have a mold professional come out and answer your questions. Mold can be very damaging to health and you don’t want to live in a moldy house.

You might have inhaled some mold spores. I’m not an expert in what to do if you inhale mold. Readers, any experience with this?

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Question from Sweet Gopala

I am interested in using wall decals in my home. I am slightly chemically sensitive, and wall decals are made from vinyl. Is it wise for me to avoid these? Will there be off-gassing with this type of vinyl product? Thanks for any advice!

Debra’s Answer

There is outgassing from any type of soft vinyl. Personally, i wouldn’t use them. But the amount of outgassing is rather small, compared to, for example, a whole room of vinyl wallpaper.

I would choose a different decoration.

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The President’s Cancer Panel has issued a free 240-page report on Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What We Can Do Now. I haven’t read it all myself yet, but it looks very comprehensive.

Chapters list exposures to carcinogens

• from industrial and manufacturing sources


• from agricultural sources


• related to modern lifestyles


• from medical sources


• from military sources


• from natural sources then tells what individuals can do to reduce their exposure.

“Environmental carcinogens are responsible for a far greater number of cancer than previously believed; thus eradicating these environmental threats should be a priority for President Obama, according to the report of a presidential advisory panel.” Read the rest of this article on the report at Cancer Panel Says Environment May Contribute to Cancer Risk.

When I was at the CleanMed 2010 conference a couple of weeks ago in Baltimore, a nurse asked me how she could sanitize the clothing she wore at the hospital without using chlorine bleach.

I personally have never been concerned about killing germs on my clothing, but I could see how she could be, so I started doing some research.

One of the first things I came across was an article from the New York Times, published a decade ago, about germs in the laundry. The research team of Dr. Charles Gerba, professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona,

randomly visited 60 homes and washed a sterile washcloth in their machines. One-fifth of the machines contained E. coli, while a quarter were contaminated with fecal matter.

The laundry, Dr. Gerba contends, is becoming less clean. Fewer Americans wash clothes in hot water, and only 5 percent use bleach, he said. Wash cycles are only 20 minutes, while the average drying time is only 28 minutes. Dr. Gerba found that some salmonella and hepatitis A survive through laundry — including the dry cycle — and remain on clothes. ”We have no idea how well we clean clothes,” he said.

Dr. Gerba’s own laundry machine yielded E. coli, prompting him to change his own washing habits. SCIENTIST AT WORK: CHARLES GERBA; On Germ Patrol, at the Kitchen Sink

Hmmm, I’ve never had reason to believe that harmful micro-organisms were in my laundry, but I do wash in warm water (not hot) and don’t use bleach. This is one of those times when taking an action that benefits the environment (saving energy by using warm or cold water instead of hot) may not be good for your health.

So, if you want to sanitize your laundry, how could you do it without toxic disinfectants?

You could add tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract to the wash. Both have disinfectant properties. I found many websites that say grapefruit seed extreact is becoming a disinfectant and sanitizing agent in hospitals and clinics (though the government requires products sold as disinfectants registered with the EPA, so I’m not sure about this–maybe someone working in a hospital could post a comment about their first hand experience with this).

Or you could get one of the new washing machines with a “sanitize” cycle, that disinfects while you wash. Many models have them now. Look for a NSF certification that ensures that “at least 99.9% of organisms are removed when the washer’s sanitazation cycle is selected and there is no carryover of organisms between loads after sanitization cycle is used.

Hanging laundry outdoors in the sunshine will do it too, as ultraviolet rays kill germs.

You can also use oxygen bleach. According to the Natural Choices website, “The oxygen bleach Natural Choices uses is sodium percarbonate which is made by treating natural soda ash with oxygen. In this process the soda ash picks up oxygen and releases it when added to warm or hot water. The released oxygen is what does the cleaning, stain removal and sanitizing.” Oxygen does kill micro-organisms. Hydrogen peroxide also can be used to provide sanitizing oxygen. We use it in our chlorine-fee swimming pool to kill bacteria and algae.

Mothers who use cloth diapers on their babies face this question daily. Traditionally, diapers have been presoaked with vinegar or borax to disinfect.

Any other suggestions?

The major thing I am running into researching this is lack of test data that shows how well each of these methods actually work to disinfect. So I can’t give a definitive answer at the moment, but the above is what is being recommended.

While searching for something else, I came across this great page about making your own laundry soap/detergent. It’s so good I had to share it with you.

If you’re interested in doing this, this page has 10 recipes and more than 200 comments from people who have made these recipes and others.

Most use bar soap (please use more natural soaps than the recommended brands), washing soda, borax, and other natural ingredients. You can make it unscented or add essential oils–as much or as little as you like.

TipNut: 10 Homemade Laundry Soap Detergent Recipes

A new study done by The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics shows that many popular fragrances contain secret chemicals not listed on the labels, and that some of these chemicals are associated with hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and other negative health effects.

In addition, perfumes and other scented products–including shampoos, lotions, cleaning sprays, air fresheners, and laundry products–contains volatile scent ingredients that can react with other substances in indoor air to generate potentially harmful secondary air pollutants such as formaldehyde.

This report is packed with information about the harmful effects of fragrances that go far beyond individual allergies or sensitivities.

There are many safe, unscented products on this blog and on Debra’s List. So there’s no need to be exposed to toxic fragrances if we choose not to.

Not So Sexy: The Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance

Question from Jhaen

Hi Debra,

I’m amazed at how often I end up on your blog when I’m searching for answers about toxic chemicals. Thanks for what you do.

I just bought – and sold – an Excalibur dehydrator because of outgassing (it’s plastic). I suppose I thought the relatively low operating temps would not cause excessive outgassing, but it doesn’t take much for me. Fortunately I found someone to sell it to at my cost, since it was brand new.

Now I will be buying a stainless dehydrator (by TSM) – the housing is stainless. TSM offers the option of stainless steel or chrome shelving. The stainless shelving is considerably more expensive than the chrome (I have very limited financial resources at the moment). I’m wondering if you feel that chrome is safe as long as it doesn’t come in contact with the food. I would always have a screen and/or a sheet on top of the chrome shelf. I think I saw mention on your blog that chrome doesn’t outgas particularly – that is good news. But I’m concerned with toxic metal leeching into the food. I’m trying to get the metals out of my body – not put more in.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,

~Jha’en

Debra’s Answer

My understanding is that you have to have contact with the food for the metals to get into it. It’s not like plastic that offgasses plasticizers into the air.

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Question from yellowflowers

We have a 3-4″ PVC drain pipe under our house that has come apart. With research, the only choice that I believe we have is to use toxic PVC Cement to glue it back together. I can’t seem to find any concrete information about how long it will take it completely cure and stop off-gassing. We plan to take the oppportunity to get out of the house for a while once it is glued… but how long should we (including a small child) avoid the area?

Debra’s Answer

The solvents in PVC cement are very volatile and should evaporate fairly quickly. Exactly how long it takes depends on the amount of heat and airflow.

Heat will make the cement outgas faster, an exhaust fan will help remove fumes from the area.

I suggest contacting the manufacturer to find out how long it takes to completely cure. They should have that information.

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A new study shows that BPA was detected in 92% of canned foods tested.

Canned food companies claim that BPA is safe and necessary to protect food from metal corrosion and bacterial contamination. But hundreds of scientific studies show health effects from even low exposures to BPA, including cancer, abnormal behavior, diabetes, heart disease, infertility, developmental and reproductie harm, obesity, and early puberty.

This excellent study gives detailed information on health effects of BPA, where it is found in canned foods, and how much expsoure to BPA you can actually get from eating canned foods over the course of a day. Remember too, many restaurants and take-out places use a lot of canned foods–perhaps even more than you would use at home.

The solution here is to choose packaged foods in glass jars and make your own meals from fresh organic ingredients.

No Silver Lining: An Investigation into Bisphenol A in Canned Foods

Question from jojomamma

I know that organic or not, that 100% cotton is a safe material for a baby blanket…but do I need to worry about the dyes used?

What materials are ideal (softest and safest) for a baby blankie/lovie?

If any readers know of a safe one that has holes that my boy can puy his little fingers through (like the knitted ones) i would greatly appreciate any advice!

Thanks, Deanna

Debra’s Answer

Readers, what is your experience with choosing baby blankets?

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Question from Susan50

Dear Friends:

I have severe MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities) and mild arthitis and need some help to buy a new bed please!

I am located in Vancouver, BC, Canada and I ordered and love the Home Safe Home book of Debra’s (thanks Debra!)

My current bed has to be thrown out as I discovered mold under the mattress.

I have narrowed my choices down to the following by researching Debra’s website.

Choice #1 – The Organic Dream Bed from Dream Designs www.dreamdesigns.ca. This is a organic bed made of organic cotton batting in wool wrap with 3 layers of hypoallerginic polyurethane foam. The mattress will sit on a wood slat bed which I will purchase too from them.

Debra’s Answer

I strongly suggest that you do Choice #2 as I can’t recommend that you buy a mattress that contains polyurethane foam.

Your skin will not be in contact with the wool. I have this mattress and I don’t like to wear wool, and I have no problem with the mattress. They can also send you samples of the wool before you buy.

These wool mattresses are not as soft as a latex or polyurethane foam mattress, but both my husband and I find it very comfortable. We have, I think, three wool toppers on top of the mattress itself, which makes it softer. Neither of us have arthritis. I would still go for this mattress and put things on top to make it comfortable for your arthritis.

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Question from LydiaCA

I live above a inaccessible crawl space. I had dozens of Carpenter ants crawling up my walls. I temporally sealed the perimeter of the space with plastic and put a hand towel soaked in peppermint, cedar and lavender essential oils into the space. Within two weeks the ants were gone and have not come back in the last four years.

I know it was peppermint but am not totally sure of which other oils I used with it. I had read on the net that unless you get the queen you cannot get rid of them but I did.

Also when travelling in Indonesia I moved into a little cabin with a bathroom full of cockroaches. Again I put a few dabs of an essential oil formula i had prepared for a book. I lived there for two weeks and never saw another one.

Hope this helps, LydiaCA

Debra’s Answer

Thanks! 🙂

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Question from Ronn

Lately I’ve been seeing PLU numbers that start with 3 or 5, and I would like to know what those mean. I know that 4 is conventional produce, 9 is organic and 8 is genetically modified, but what do 3 and 5 mean? I’ve done a lot of searching online, but can’t seem to find the answer.

Debra’s Answer

I wasn’t able to find it either. Readers?

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