Question from AM

Hi Debra,

I was wondering if your readers have some suggestions on some healthy and nontoxic or environmental friendly breast milk storage “essentials”. Seems like the most common types out there are plastic freezer bags made for storing breast milk, but I wonder if the milk fat would cling to those plastic. I mean, if they do then it will be a waste of precious breast milk. Then I read that glass bottles tend to break if you freeze milk in them. Does anyone have any good suggestions?

Thank you Debra for all the great work!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Bev

Any thoughts on this new product Tide Pure Essentials ?

Debra’s Answer

I suspect that they are similar to Tide Simple Pleasures, that is, a petrochemical detergent with some natural fragrances, to appeal to the market segment of consumers who want to be more natural, but don’t want to give up the tried-and-true brands they are more familiar with.

This is not a “natural” product.

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Question from Dawn

We just bought a new innerspring mattress with a thick and plush pillow top. It is very comfortable but we have discovered that the pillow top is very hot to sleep on. It does not dissipate body heat at all. I have been looking at wool mattress pads/toppers and I’m wondering if they are truly cool to sleep on in the hot summer months. I found one through Debra’s list at Dax stores that is a washable wool fleece mattress pad that is reasonable priced. Does anyone have any experience with fleece mattress pads or know of any other option that would help make our new mattress cooler to sleep on?

Debra’s Answer

I live in Florida, where it is very hot. During the summer, we have to sleep with the air conditioner on because it is generally over 80 degrees outside and humid. But we set the air conditioner at 78 degrees, so it’s still pretty warm.

365 days a year we sleep on a wool mattress with a wool mattress pad and cotton flannel sheets. And we are very comfortable and cool because these natural materials absorb perspiration and then allow it to evaporate.

The mattress pad we bought many years ago is wool fleece attached to a woven wool backing. We have washed and aired it out many times in over twenty years. I don’t know where to get such a pad currently.

Readers, what is your experience?

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Question from JC

Prang Soy Crayons are listed under your Debra’s List column and I noticed on the web that they are no longer making these crayons. Do you know if sales were just low or was something harmful for children or did Crayola give them trouble? I am still interested in locating some but want to know the reason they discontinued manufacturing them? Thanks you, JC

Debra’s Answer

Hmmmm. I’m a bit puzzled by this because I just two weeks ago taped a television show that showed these, among other back-to-school items, and the producer had no problem finding them at a local store.

If they discontinued manufacturing. It could be many reasons that have to do with resource availability, consumer demand, company finances, or any number of other problems besides toxicity or competition.

I didn’t see the note about discontinuing manufacture on the website I linked to on Debra’s List. If you saw that on another website, and want to know more about this, I suggest you call the manufacturer.

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Question from k.m.t

Hi Debra,

My husband and I need to replace the 35 year old aluminum siding on our townhome. We are on a very tight budget, but want to be green-friendly and avoid vinyl siding. What are our options?

Thanks,

k.

Debra’s Answer

Here’s what I wrote about siding in Home Safe Home.

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Question from KLP

We are looking for dye-free medicines for both adults and children. We would also prefer that they have no artificial sweetners or chemical preservatives. All we have been able to find so far are: dye-free Tylenol, dye-free Motrin and dye-free Benedryl. Do you know of any others or, better yet, a company that specializes in dye-free OTC medicines? Thank you so much for all of your valuable advice. I read your newsletters religiously.

Kelly

Debra’s Answer

Well, personally I wouldn’t take these drugs with or without dyes. But if you are going to take them, it’s better that they be dye-free. I have no idea where to get these dye-free drugs.

There are what special pharmacies that make up prescriptions without dyes, etc. I remember once a doctor gave me such a prescription and sent me to a local pharmacy that did that. But I don’t remember what they are called. They are probably online somewhere.

My best recommendation to you is to find some natural remedies, such as herbs or homeopathics, to handle the symptoms you need to relieve with these drugs. Or, better yet, find out and handle their root cause and build health in your body.

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Question from MKH

Even though my baby is breast fed, her spit up smells if not immediately cleaned up, which sometimes isn’t obvious to us until much later. How do we get the smell out of things that can’t be thrown into the wash, like the floor of her pack & play or inside her bassinet, using natural infgredients? The only product I’m willing to try so far is baking soda–I’m worried that vingear might not dry or make the fabric smell like vinegar forever, and I’m new to green cleaning as it is. Any advice appreciated!

Debra’s Answer

I have no personal experience with this, so I’m going to let my readers respond.

Moms, what should she use?

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Question from Ruth

I have read that enamel covered iron is the healthiest cookware. What about old fashioned cast iron? I was told as a child that iron skillets added iron to the food and that was a good thing. Is there anything harmful about cooking in iron skillets?

Debra’s Answer

I know of no reason not to use cast iron skillets. I think they are a good choice, made of a natural, simple material.

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Question from Shirley Richey

Dear Debra,

Thank you so much for the recipes. They are wonderful!

I have a friend that’s been giving me apples this entire summer. I pick them right off her trees! They have been producing all summer & she has so many that I’ve been getting bags & bags of them. With a lot of them I’ve just peeled, sliced, put in a pie tin & freeze so I can make apple pie in the fall & winter but my freezer doesn’t have any more room& I’d like to can some of your raw applesauce.

Is it possible without cooking them? I didn’t think so. Any other ideas as to what I could do with apples to store it? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Shirley in Cool, CA (Really! That’s the name of our town).

Debra’s Answer

Unfortunately, you can’t can raw applesauce as the cooking process for canning cooks it.

If you have lots of apples, I suggest drying them in the sun. Then you can store them without refrigeration and use them all winter.

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Question from Terri

Your recipe for the crumb coffee cake sounds wonderful! I just thought some may want to try the addition of 1 c. of berries, layered before the crumbs or just mixed in the batter. I think blueberries or marionberries would be especially good.

Debra’s Answer

That sounds great to me!

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Question from Sami

We want to buy kitchen cabinets and are confuuuuused. We saw Kraftmaid cabinets.

The cheaper one we liked the most actually was Praline color but we were told it was not solid wood but plywood.

The more expensive is Solid Wood. I actually prefered the cheaper plywood.

Then one can get Lacquered solid wood cabinets.

Which type would you recommend?

Is it true that it is easier to maintain the lacquered wood than the solid wood?

hi, I have been trying to have my cabinets made of al wood but am finding it too expensive – there are some boards that say they are very low in formaldehyde emmissions level EO substrate (if you know what that means) that it is tested to US EPA’s ETV test method for measuring emissions of VOCs and aldehydes and complies to the total VOC limit specified by Green star of <0.5 mg/m3 within 7 days of unpacking. What do you think or can you suggest a board to use for the insides of the kitchen cabinets.

thanks

Jacinta

Debra’s Answer

This IS a confusing subject. I know, because I’ve just been looking for kitchen cabinets too.

There seem to be three kinds of cabinets.

The cheapest ones are made of particleboard. These you want to avoid as they outgass considerable amounts of formaldehyde. Be sure to ask what the cabinets are made from, don’t just look. Often they are veneered to look like wood.

Then there are cabinets made from plywood. These are less toxic and may be acceptable.

I just found some cabinets here locally that were being advertised as “solid wood”. In fact, they were plywood with solid wood doors.

There ARE actual solid wood cabinets. They are very expensive. See search results on Debra’s List for “cabinets”,

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Question from G

I am a new rose gardener. I want to use the best natural fertilizers to make my new rose friends happy. Any suggestions?

I’d also like to know how to get the fertilizer into the ground. A neighbor suggested making holes near the roses with a stake, then putting the fertilizer into the holes, so it would get to the roots. Any recommendations on this? I want to make sure not to damage the roots.

Best,

G

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from JC

I made the mistake of thinking there would be a safe sealer for granite countertops and now I have to find one! Do you know what I can use because my understanding (now, after it’s too late) is that granite has to be sealed yearly and I cannot find a safe sealer.

Please help!

Jan/NM

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Mary

Debra, I realized that I also need to ask about sheetrock. Is there anything I should be aware of in that area?

thanks again ! 🙂

Debra’s Answer

There’s nothing in sheetrock you need to be concerned about. We just use standard sheetrock from any home improvement store.

There is a small amount of chemicals in the mud used on the tape to seal the seams. I know there are some less toxic brands available, but we have never used them because the amount of chemical is so small. Still, some people who are very sensitive prefer the other. If you want to go with the standard mud for convenience, you can minimize exposure to whatever chemicals that may be present with ventilation and by using heat to dry it quickly.

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Question from Mary

Hi Debra,

We are adding a wall downstairs in our storage area. We wanted to used the encapsulated insulation but cannot find it for sale in our area , isn’t that kinda crrazy ???

Now my question: Is it necessary to use the encapsulated insulation in a wall …since the insulation will be enclosed in the wall anyway ?

Thanks for your info….I love your website & have passed it on to our local H.E.A.L. group.

Debra’s Answer

Well, I don’t know, but there are some green builders on this blog, so I’m sure we’ll get an answer!

Readers?

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Question from svw

Hi…We are wondering where to buy an inflatable airbed, all the ones we have seen are so toxic and strong smelling we are unable to tolerate them. The kind we are looking for are the collapsible airbeds that use the pumps. Thanks svw

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from L.A.

I just bought but haven’t yet used a pillow from Bed Bath and Beyond that is made from ingeo fiber, which apparently is synthesized from corn. It is supposed to be 100% natural and industrially compostable.

I find cotton bedding gets hard as rock (I have a neck problem), but I can’t tolerate wool or feathers, and am reluctant to use latex due to my numerous allergies.

I checked the ingeofibers.com website; it explains the process in which corn is turned to sugar, then fermented and transformed into a polymer (polylactic acid) that is sustainable and not from petrochemicals.

I’ve had no problems with rayon or modal, even though they’re not completely natural, but I wonder if anyone has researched this product as bedding fiber.

Also, in explaining the fiber, the website says that it’s made from lactic acid, which is made from dextrose by fermentation. I’ve read about lactic acid being too high in people with panic attacks, and I may have panic disorder. Could breathing this substance in a pillow be a problem for me? (It has a 300 thread count cotton cover, which I’m thinking of putting in a 600 thread count pillow protector I bought at the same store.)

Debra’s Answer

Interesting…

This would be much better environmentally because it is made from a renewable resource, however, I would caution anyone with a corn sensitivity to beware. I know that people with corn sensitivites can react to substances made from corn even if it is highly processed.

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Question from RDC

I have two questions, please. I know carpeting should be avoided because–in addition to the fact it offgasses–it harbors all sorts of mites, danders, dust, and other allergens. Given its surface texture, won’t cork flooring cause the same problems? Also, with regard to those problems, are area rugs (e.g., oriental rugs) any better than standard carpeting? Thanks for your advice.

Debra’s Answer

I’ve never had a cork floor, so readers, what is your experience?

I find natural fiber area rugs to be fine, and not at all like wall-to-wall carpet. I have had in the past some cotton rugs I could toss in the washer. Currently I have a small wool area rug in my hallway that covers an old air vent that opens to the crawlspace and is hard to walk on. We just take it outdoors and beat it every once in a while.

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Question from Ali

I live in an apartment that I love and they have wall to wall carpeting. I have heard so many things about the toxic effects of carpeting. I am moving into a new apartment in the same building and they are putting in new carpeting.

Is there anything I can or should do to air it out before I move in or to make it less toxic (if possible)?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

This is a perfect use for AFM Carpet Seal. I once worked in a rented office where I couldn’t take up the carpet, so I applied this. It’s clear and you can’t tell it’s even on the carpet. It really made the difference between being able to work in this office and not being able to be in it at all. So it’s worth a try.

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Question from Denise

Debra,

We put some cement on the bricks in the basement, to keep mold from coming in. Was cement the wrong thing to use around my daughter who is cemically sensitive, and will

eventually out gas?

Denise

Debra’s Answer

Cement is an inert material that does not outgas. It is safe for people with MCS.

However, cement is porous and can allow misture to pass through. It won’t prevent mold growth. I witnessed this some years ago when I had a cement block retaining wall holding up a hillside. It was often damp and grew lots of nice moss!

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Question from Joanne

I have been to several places that sell cutting boards and they are suggesting and selling a mineral oil product for the care of the boards. I have used this product (on new boards) for about three months and the smell of mineral oil is always present. Does this get into the food? For many years olive oil was my product of choice and no odor was ever detected. Care was used on the boards to clean with hot soapy water and rinsed well – I even have wooden salad bowls that were treated with olive for many, many years and no odor exists on them.

So should the olive oil idea be scrapped?

Debra’s Answer

In my opinion, the mineral oil would get into the food, as it comes in contact with it.

I’m sure that many a wooden salad bowl has been seasoned by olive oil over the years, through daily use. Old ways are often the best.

There’s a whole discussion on this topic at Wood Conditioner for Cutting Boards and Bowls, with some very interesting comments. Take a look.

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Question from Kathy Paris

Hi Debra,

I love what you are doing for consumers. I wish you worked for the FDA–we would sure be healthier.

My question is–do you know what canned soups, tunas, beans, etc. do not contain the epoxy resin, Bisphenol A? I have looked everywhere and they mention that some tuna, beans, soup, etc cans contain this plastic lining but they never list the brands. (Environmental Working Group has done a lot of research but doesn’t list the brands). I have written many and so far, only Trader Joes doesn’t use this chemical in its canned products.

Have a great day, Kathy Paris

Debra’s Answer

I don’t have a list of brands.

One of the problems of putting together such a list is that it can change faster than I could keep up with doing the research.

Kudos to Trader Joe’s for choosing bisphenolA-free cans and making it known. That’s really what all manufacturers need to do.

Now, if you do the research and find more, I’m happy to post them here!

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Question from Ken Boettcher

Can anyone tell me how long formaldehye offgasses from medium density fiberboard once the board is cut and assembled into, for example, an audio booth.

I have a constantly running — and extremely quiet fan in the booth that brings in air from outside and exhausts to the outside. Will this booth be safe to spend three hours a day inside it?

Debra’s Answer

Take a look at the Material Safety Data Sheet for Medium Density Fiberboard. It has a lot of information on the toxicity of formaldehyde, the amount of formaldehyde in this product and the necessity to control the outgassing and provide ventilation.

Contact the manufacturer with your outgassing question, as both temperature and humidity affect the rate of emissions.

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Question from LR

Geo-Matt 100% Polyurethane Foam 3 inch mattress bed topper is great, but it has strong chemical smell. Is it treated with something? Will airing prior to use fix the problem smell?

Debra’s Answer

No, it’s not treated with something and airing it out won’t help. What you are smelling is the polyurethane plastic itself. I recommend tossing it out and getting a wool topper instead.

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Question from Natalie

Hi Debra.

I was just introduced to your site and it seems wonderful! I hope you can help me with something. I am giving a baby shower to my sil who has been eating only turbinado or demerera. I have found a couple of cake recipes which look fantastic, but i am needing some type of punch. do you have any recipes? also, on your frosting recipes…how much of a “part” do i start with?

when it comes to the all natural life…i’m not very knowledgeable. any help and other suggestions on this is GREATLY appreciated!

thank you in advance!

Natalie

Debra’s Answer

For the cake, I recommend my Fabulous All-Organic Special Occasion Cake, which has been a hit every time I have made it. And you can make it with turbinado or demarera sugar if you want to (though these are not the same as whole evaporated cane juice), and use the “maple sugar” option for the measurement.

For the frosting, the “part” you start with depends on the size of the cake. For a regular size 2 layer cake, I would use about 2 cups for the powdered sugar part.

As for punch, I would take some fresh fruit juices, mix them with some sparkling water. Now that it’s getting to be fall, a punch based on apple or grape would be lovely. A bit of lemon will perk up the flavors. No sweetener needed.

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Question from Pamela

I removed wallpaper in a home we just purchased. Underneath the paper is black mold. How do I treat this safely?

Debra’s Answer

Mold is not an easy problem to solve, since there are different types of mold which are more or less toxic. I suggest taking a look at Q&A: Crawlspace and Mold for some suggestions.

Also, read about the decisions I made in cleaning up mold in my home at At Home With Debra: Bau-Biologie: Humidity, Moisture, and Mold and At Home With Debra: Bau-Biologie: Mold Inspection and Remediation.

At the very least, I would have two professional mold remdiation inspectors come out and tell you what kind of mold it is and if it poses a danger to remove it yourself. Mold has to be handled carefully and correctly.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also has a good website about mold: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home that gives mold basics, guidelines for cleanup, how to reduce humidty and prevent condensation, testing for mold, and other helpful information concerning mold.

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Question from R.M.

Something I’ve wondered about and which I’m hoping you can shed some light on:

It’s my understanding that aerosol spray cans were targetted several years ago as a key culprit in the ozone layer depletion. And yet, they are still very much in use. Am I incorrect in my understanding of their impact on the environment? Was the technology changed? Or was nothing done despite their environmental impact?

I avoid aerosol cans as much as possible (almost 100% of the time) but would like to know more about this.

Debra’s Answer

The EPA banned the use of CFC propellants in 1978. An exception was made for some asthma inhalers, but even they will be CFC-free by December 31, 2008.

Here are a couple of links to explore for more answers to your question.

Aerosols and the Environment has more information on CFCs and recycling aerosol cans.

How Aerosol Cans Work shows how aerosol cans are made.

Even though today’s aerosol cans for the most part do not contain CFCs, the liquid gas that acts as a propellant is still a petrochemical, and mixes with the substance being propelled. Many propellant gasses are also flammable, posing yet another danger.

Even if you use an “environmentally-friendly” propellent, aerosols produce a very fine mist, which makes whatever you are propelling more easily absorbed by eyes and lungs.

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Question from Susan

Well, I’ve decided to go ahead and purchase the Swiffer wetjet…for reasons that are too long to list, but they include 2 teens and one elem, 2 dogs, 1 cat, cabinetmaker husband and wife with fulltime job outside house and PT inside house (I make the kids clean the bathrooms and do their own laundry–except for the youngest). Does anyone have an alternative to the solution? I’ve thought about reusing the bottle after cleansing and just put in Debra’s basic cleaning solution.

Any other suggestions?

Debra’s Answer

This may sound old-fashioned, but I’m a little puzzled about why one would buy a Swiffer. Does it clean better? faster? I’m satisfied with my vacuum and broom and mop.

I’m imagining that you could refill the dispenser with any cleaner you choose.

Readers, any suggestions? (or health or environmental comments pro or con on Swiffer?)

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Question from Deb H.

I am slowly trying to eliminate plastics in my house. I noticed from your blog on “how I do laundry”, you use wooden clothes hangers. I was wondering where you get them, do you look for untreated wood, are they stained, polyureathaned or raw, and about how much do they cost. I know replacing my plastic hangers will cost but I don’t want to bring anything else toxic into the house.

Thank you for all your helpful info.

Debra’s Answer

I’ve purchased wooden clothes hangers at a variety of stores like IKEA, Bed Bath & Beyond, Linens ‘n Things, Target, etc. They are not hard to find. They are not sustainably harvested and do have a nontoxic finish on them. I’ve never purchased any that had an odor.

You can easily buy them online if you don’t find them in your local stores.

Question from Denise

is it ok to cook on anodized aluminum. i have a whole set a calphalon, but i am concerned about using them with my chemically sensitive daughter. thanks

Debra’s Answer

Most aluminum cookware manufactured today is anodized. When a cookware label says it is made from anodized aluminum, it means that the aluminum was dipped into a hot acid bath that seals the aluminum by changing it’s molecular structure. Once anodized, the aluminum will not leach into food, and so would not contribute to aluminum exposure. Anodized cookware is safe.

There are several posts with more discussion about anaodized aluminum. Click on the large purple “Search” button near the top of the right hand column of any page of my website and enter “anodized” for links to the other posts.

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Question from Evelyn K

I got some unfinished pine shelves and used Minwax finish from the hardware store to finish them. I didn’t realize there are less toxic options… and for some reason I didn’t think about off-gassing before I did it. My living room looks great, but I have been running a fan in there with the windows open for a week and I can still distinctly smell the odor of the finish. The living room connects to the kitchen and the hallway without doors, so closing it up and heating it may be difficult- possible if I hang a curtain over the hall entry I suppose. What are my options for removing this smell?

Debra’s Answer

You don’t say if it is oil-based or water-based finish. Oil-based will take longer to cure.

I suggest putting them out in the sun. The heat will help them dry and cure faster.

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Question from Linda

i’ve had this problem for years – computers break when i use them. apple has replaced 2 laptops and 1 ipod for me because they couldn’t repair my brand new machines, my imac’s continually squirrely, and windows applications and programs often freeze or otherwise freak out when i am using them. someone else can step in right after me and have no problems at all. the worst part – i love the technology and all it entails.

this truly is not a complaint that’s masking an inablilty to learn & problem-solve.

i first was suspicious of this problem when in a ‘technology in education’ masters degree program during which we all worked simultaneously on our own laptops & i was the only one who often couldn’t maintain my data, link properly to the server, use certain aspects in a program, etc. these issues happened with my computer, its replacement, and those i borrowed.

anyway, i started having hurt feelings(!)and a bit of paranoia. have hesitated loading my replacement ipod for fear of messing it up….

is my personal electricity causing this? how do i adjust it?

i’ve tried visualizing a buffer surrounding me when sitting at the computer. no luck. someone recommended wearing purple ribbons on my wrists.

Debra’s Answer

I have heard of this with other people and have experienced it myself.

One day things went wrong with all my electronics, so I just gave up and went shopping. I walked into a Radio Shack store and all their electronics started going haywire too!

Our bodies certainly have their own electromagnetic fields which can affect the electrical and magnetic fields around us just as the electrical and magnetic fields around us can affect our bodies. Fortuneately for me, this doesn’t happen with me very often!

Not sure what to recommend to you. Readers?

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Question from marilee

Does anybody have a recommendation on which brand of natural latex mattresses is better? They are both all natural latex but there is definitely a price difference.

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Wenwei

hello Debra,

I will move into a brand new house very soon. Can you advise what to do?

I remember that I saw a page in your website that you suggest to heat the house for 24 hours for three to five times. Somehow I couldn’t find it anymore.

Can you advise what is link if I remeber right?

Thanks.

Wenwei

Debra’s Answer

Ah. The post you are looking for is Q&A: Anything I should do before I move into my brand new home?

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Question from gail smith

Hello:

I am looking for an upright vacuum cleaner that doesn’t have the odor of the newness when used.

thankyou,

Gail Smith

Debra’s Answer

Like many other products, my best recommendation for this is to purchase a used model that has already outgassed.

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Question from JC

Does anyone have a recipe for a good wood cleaner/polisher or is there a commercial product available?

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Susan H.

Help!!! My inkjet printer leaked black ink on my carpet! It was my fault, but what can be done? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

For something like this, contact the manufacturer first. They will know how to remove their ink from various materials. Once you know what they recommend, you can find a similar less-toxic solution.

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Question from Vtori

After stumbling across your site and reading about process foods, and sweetners, etc… I wonder what are your thoughts or research on Jenny Craig foods…. I just started the program to lose 50lbs, do you have another recommendation?

Debra’s Answer

I haven’t looked at Jenny Craig foods recently, but last time I looked they were standard commercial foods, not organic, with refined flour and refined sugars. I personally wouldn’t eat them as my regular diet.

My best success with weight lost has come from preparing my own organically grown foods and minimizing carbs. If you eat mainly lean proteins and fresh raw vegetables–as much organic as possible–the weight will fall off. If you want something sweet. Eat a little fresh fruit. Drink 2-4 quarts of clean water every day.

Exercise also makes a big difference. Walk as much as you can. Just start with five minutes if that’s all you can do and do a minute more each day.

I also have found that a gentle intestinal cleanse works wonders. Something like Dr. Schultz’s which is made from organically grown herbs. It works best for me to do it for a week and then another week later. What you think is “fat” in the abdominal area may simply be intestinal build-up.

What is most important is not just to lose those fifty pounds, but to make a transition to healthy eating for the rest of your life.

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Question from k sharp

Does anyone know where I can purchase a mattress that has minimal or no chemicals for a reasonable price. Mail order would be preferable since we live 175 miles from any large city.

It seems they are well over 1000.00 for a twin size.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from john

My wife has MCS and we are in the process of finding a “safe” house, both insisde and outside. We think we have found a house that fits most of our criteria, except for one area. The homeowner installed pre-finished hardwood floors in part of the home 6 months ago. We’ve heard that this should be OK since the finish is baked on. We were in the home for about 45 minutes and my wife did not detect anything. Her sense of smell is accute and she usually detects things immediately if it is going to bother her. What do you think? Opinions are welcome. Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

I think pre-finished hardwood floors are fine. I’ve never had any problem with them.

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Question from Kat Scott

I cannot seem to find a blender with no fumey odors. All of the blenders I’ve checked out so far smell strongly of outgassing soft plastic which is coming from the lid and the gasket. Can anyone help? We’re all having smoothie deficiencies! Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Mike George

I would like to get some tips on detailing automobiles with non-chemical products. In the process of removing chemicals from my home I realized that 25% of them were dedicated to my car(sad I know!). I don’t expect the love affair with my car to end so any advice would be appreciated for interior detailing that includes leather seats.

PS: I have heard vegetable and olive oils are okay for interior panels etc.? any more ideas?

Thanks

Debra’s Answer

You can read about leather care at Q&A: Nontoxic Leather Care and Q&A: Nontoxic Leather Protection.

As for everything else, readers?

And, Mike, if you could add a comment to this post with your specific needs, I and others could give you more help.

Personally, all I do to the interior of my car is vacuum it out and wash the windows with vinegar and water.

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Question from paul wheaton

Hi Debra, I’d like to share an article I wrote about organic flea control with you and your readers. It’s at www.richsoil.com/fleas.

In it I recommend using diatomaceous earth (DE) to kill fleas.

I know there is a fair amount of debate on this. Some people like the idea of creating a cloud of DE, but others, like me, prefer to keep it on the ground and not in the air. I think for cats, a flea comb is the best thing and a paper thin layer of DE goes around the house wherever a vacuum cannot reach.

The impact of food grade DE on the lungs is the same as flour (most flours contain DE), talcum powder or corn starch. I have read anecdotal speculative concerns about DE, but so far all of these concerns pale (IMO) to the scientifically researched problems with pyrethrins and borates. I think the biggest problem with DE to date is that it is … well … dusty! But I think this dust is less worrisome than your average house dust.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Susan Hunt

Hi, Debra ~ I have been intrigued by the discussions about using tooth soap. I have been using Revelation Tooth Powder for some time and I am wondering if any of these ingredients might be harming my teeth: “Calcium Carbonate a naturally occurring mild abrasive, Soap from vegetable sources only, natural Brazilian Menthol, pure Wintergreen Oil.”

I love the way plaque no longer forms on my teeth, even overnight, but I don’t want to use anything that may be harmful in the long run.

Thanks for your insightful and reliable information!

Debra’s Answer

This list of ingredients looks fine to me. Notice it is just soap with a little calcium (the same type as in dietary supplements, and flavoring. This is very similar to tooth soap.

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Question from Gina Ryerson

Hi Debra and Everyone,

I discovered Universal Inkjet Refill System from Computer Business Works, Inc. www.colorfastink.com

This stuff works beautifully for me every time. The box says “Refill up to 6 times”, but seems I’ve gotten more than that. Once you get the hang of it, it’s simple enough. And not messy if you’re careful.

The kit includes ink, syringe, tutorial CD-ROM and instruction booklet.

The ink is “high quality” waterproof, so I don’t know how if it’s nontoxic. I don’t see anything on the website to give me a clue.

Gina Ryerson

Debra’s Answer

The ingredients are pyrollidone and urea. pyrollidone is short for polyvinyl pyrollidone (PVP) which is a plastic commonly used in hairspray. I don’t know how this compares to other printer inks, but if anyone wants to send me URLs for printer inks, I’ll be happy to compare ingredients.

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Question from john

We moved to a 30 yr old home last fall and due to lack of proper chimney maintenance over the past years the chimmney had developed a build-up of creosote, which my wife is very sensitive to due to her MCS problems. The chimney was cleaned and then sealed at the top and front of the fireplace box.

We just had some heavy rains in our area and discovered that there was a leak (crack in the mortar at the top) and now we have a musty smell inside of the fireplace. It is possible that this leak has been going of for some time and now we may have the start of a mold build-up. It has been suggested that we remove the seals and start a hot, long-lasting fire. However, my wife is sensitive to wood smoke.

Do you have any ideas or suggestions to resolve this situation.

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from wt

Hello,

We were thinking of using formica as backing for a built in cabinet to cover drywall. We wanted to check if this material was considered toxic, and if you might recommend a non-toxic construction adhesive.

Thank you kindly.

Debra’s Answer

Formica itself isn’t toxic (it is a very hard plastic), but it is usually mounted on a particleboard backing, and particleboard emits a lot of formaldehyde. I haven’t ever seen Formica uninstalled, so I don’t know if that is standard installation procedure or if it comes mounted on particleboard from the factory, but I have no health concern about Formica itself.

For a nontoxic adhesive, check the websites listed on the Building page of Debra’s List.

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Question from Bill

Debra,

My wife has severe MCS and has been wearing organic cotton clothes for some time now. However the clothes seem to develop a strong odor if they are not washed or used frequently. Sometimes the ones we do wash frequently also develop this odor with age.

We have tried soaking them in distilled white vinegar, rinsing and washing in baking soda several times. We have even tried soaking them in powdered milk, boiling them in milk, or baking soda or just plain water but nothing seems to help.

It is a little frustrating to finally get them to the point that she can wear them only to have them develop this odor a short time later and not be able to wear them. Clothes she can tolerate are in short supply (as anyone with MCS knows I am sure).

Any ideas as to what is causing this and how to resolve it?

Debra’s Answer

I’ve never heard of this.

Readers, any ideas?

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Question from Diana

Hello all who have given great suggestions on my outdoor mosquito control question. THANK YOU!

My goal is to decrease the mosquito population without chemicals before they decide they want to feed on me. I’ve used the natural essential oil products, but they don’t always work well, and I’m rather sensitive.

The question that I really want answered is about CO2 machines. Do they really work in luring the mosquitos and then trapping them. I have taken into account decreasing any breeding grounds by controling water puddles, etc.., but there is a ditch close to the property that I have no control of even if I try using the bt larvacide. The ditch is sometimes moving and other times not. I need to know whether it is worth buying one of those CO2 machines and which one might be the best?

The mosquito problem is not just a few bugs flying around, it is many swarming the humans, which makes going outside very unenjoyable and worrisome due to West Nile problem in the area.

I am aware that bats and swallows are great mosquito eaters too. I need something more.

Thanks in advance, D

Debra’s Answer

I don’t have any experience with this.

Readers?

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Question from Janet

I’m looking for a stainless steel ice-cube tray. Do they exist? I am concerned about the plastic trays, I hear that freezing water in plastic can chemically change the water – is this true? How about the silicone rubber ice-cube trays. I’ve read your blog on using them for cooking, but what about for freezing? Thanks

Debra’s Answer

Metal ice cube trays ARE available online, but they are not made from stainless steel. They are, and have always been, made from aluminum. Just type “aluminum ice cube trays” into your favorite search engine and many online sources will come up. Check the price comparison sites that come up too.

Elsewhere I have noted that plastic outgasses LESS when frozen, and ice cube trays are made from a fairly hard plastic, so I’m not real concerned about ice cubes being contaminated with plastic in the freezer. And I think silicone ice cube trays are fine too.

Metal trays last longer and don’t crack or leak.

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Question from Mary

We are re-doing our downstairs office space. We are removing all carpet. The floor underneath is concrete. I have read that concrete flooring is a healthy choice….just paint it or seal it with a non-toxic product. It would certainly help the budget to do this ( we can then use that money toward our new UPSTAIRs flooring ..hardwood 🙂

Would you share your thoughts on this?

thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I have no objection to this. I have seen some very attractive concrete floors.

One thing you might consider instead of paint is to put a “skim coat” of new concrete on the surface. This would cover any cracks or imperfections on the existing floor very inexpensively. This skim coat can also be colored with powdered pigments to any color you want. You could even lay squares or other shapes of different colors to make a pattern, then top it all with a nontoxic clear sealer.

Here are a couple of websites with instructions for skim coats and ideas for decorative concrete floor finishes:
http://www.decorative-concrete.net/overlays_how.php

www.stainedbydesign.com

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Question from SH

Debra, thanks for all the helpful information!

Do you know of a non-abrasive cleaner that would work on a marble surface, as well as a porcelain tub and sink? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Susan

A bit personal to ask this, I know, but I am looking for an extremely gentle cleanser for the genital area. Everything I have used burns so badly! We only use “natural” soaps without the harmful chemicals. Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

It’s been my understanding that only rinsing with water in the shower is needed.

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Question from Diane

Hi,

I was tested for food allergies and cane sugar was a food that was listed as one I am allergic to.

Is cane syrup different than cane sugar?

Thanks,

Diane

Debra’s Answer

No. They are both made from the same sugar cane.

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Question from Linda

Anyone know of an ice cream / sorbet maker that does not use an aluminum (or plastic) dish for making the ice cream? I have not been able to find one made of stainless steel.

Any opinions as to whether it’s ok to make the ice cream in aluminum (about 20 minutes) and then transfer it to something else afterwards? Maybe the fact that it is COLD, not hot, isn’t so bad for leaching toxic materials into food.

Thanks a lot,

Linda – California

Debra’s Answer

The one I use is aluminum and I’m not concerned about it. Aluminum leaches more when acidic foods are cooked in it, and longer cooking times (worst, for example, would be slow-cooked spaghetti sauce).

Here’s one with a stainless steel bowl, but not cheap ($600.00!): Musso Stainless Steel Lussino Ice Cream Maker.

I seem to recall many years ago I had an ice cream maker that also had a stainless steel bowl.

I think you need to look for a unit that has a built-in bowl and a freezer in the unit. These seem to have stainless steel bowls.

The less expensive type where you pre-freeze a removable bowl in the freezer seem to be made of aluminum. Perhaps there is a reason for using aluminum that helps with the freezing, so there may not be one of this type that has a stainless steel bowl.

Question from M.B.

For several years my mother has suffered from xerostomia or Dry Mouth. This is most likely the side effect of medications she takes. She combats this lack of saliva with the recommended self-care – sucking on sugar-free hard candy or chewing sugar-free gum. Not surprisingly, the gum/candy I see her using always has one of your “Sweeteners to Avoid.”

I’m committed to finding her a healthy substitute. I’ve learned from my research that the process of making hard candy precludes the use of many sweeteners. This seemed like it should be an easy task, but it has proven to be rather challenging. She just needs something healthy – anything healthy (candy or otherwise) – to turn to when she faces dry mouth, as she does on a daily basis. Any specific product recommendations?

Debra’s Answer

Check your local natural food store. I know they have hard candies there made with rice syrup and mints sweetened with xylitol.

The problem one runs into making hard candy with various sweeteners is that some of them don’t “crack”, which means they won’t get hard when you cook them like a hard candy.

I’ve found that evaporated cane juice, maple syrup, and brown rice syrup will crack. You should be able to cook any of these with a small amount of water and until they reach a certain temperature that when you put a bit in cold water it will turn hard right away. You can then spread it out on parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet and let it cool, then break into pieces. You could add flavorings if you want. You could also get candy molds to make shapes.

But it would be easier to just purchase hard candies at the natural food store.

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Question from P.J.

Hi Debra,

I’ve been having a problem with mice ever since some new neighbours moved in. She once told me that they had mice in their old place (which was just up the street, less than 1/2 a block away). I don’t know if she moved mice with her accidentally (burrowed in the boxes), but I understand that they will follow their scent.

My question is how do I get rid of them or at least keep them from coming back, once I catch them then release them miles away from my home. I’ve used the the “sonic” plug ins which are supposed to repel them, but unless I use one in every plug-in in the house, I can’t seem to keep them away. I read somewhere that chocolate is a poison, and the article made it sound o.k. to put that in the “live” traps, but I don’t want to kill them, I just want to keep them out of my house. I also have a dog, so I have to make sure that whatever I use will not be dangerous or hazardous for her, or for any young children that might come into contact with it.

I live in Canada (Ottawa), so much of the products you mention are not available here.

Any help you (or your readers) can offer, would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Debra’s Answer

Readers, what has worked for you?

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Question from Sweet Sue

A friend uses whey low as a sugar replacement and just loves it. Since it is used spoon for spoon just like sugar, it is good for baking.

I do not see this in the list of approved sweeteners and would like to hear your views.

Thanks,

Sweet Sue

Debra’s Answer

I did check out Whey Low. It looked interesting and made some claims of being low glycemic. I ordered some and it tastes great. But it also sent my blood sugar through the roof.

Then I read a blog post from Lowcarbezine! that gave a critique that I totally agreed with. Here’s an edited version (you can read the original at http://www.holdthetoast.com/httblog/archives/000169.html–just wanted to put it here in case that page gets taken down). She is writing from a low-carb viewpoint.

I couldn’t have said it better. Though Whey Low’s sugars come from natural sources, they are as refined as refined white sugar. It’s simply refined white sugar cut with crystalline fructose made from corn (which I don’t recommend either) and the sugar part of milk without the rest of the nutrients.

I don’t consider Whey Low to be a good substitute for sugar.

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Question from Debra S.

Dear Debra:

My husband and I had our hard wood floors refinished in February of this year. Harco Polyurethane 350 VOC was used. My husband pointed out some imperfections in the finish and the contractor came back and did something which increased the fumes (we found cans of Harco and paint thinner in the garbage).

It is now July and we can still smell chemicals. We moved into the bedroom where the flooring was redone at the beginning of July. Coincidentally, or maybe not, I have not been feeling well. My face is broken out. My nose and eyes are burning. My throat is burning. I’ve been dizzy, sick to my stomach, fatigued, having difficulty concentrating and generally feeling poorly.

Do you have any idea what may have happened and what can be done? I hope we haven’t suffered any permanent ill effects.

Debra S.

Debra’s Answer

I went to the Harco website and found that the product you use is an oil-based finish, which contains more toxic solvents than a water-based finish. I tried to get the MSDS sheet from Harco, but their automatied email system didn’t work, so I can’t tell you exactly what’s in it. But oil-based finishes can outgass toxic chemicals for months. So I’m not surprised you are not feeling well.

The solution is to apply heat to burn off the chemicals more quickly. I suggest not sleeping in this room immediately. And close the door so the fumes don’t get into the rest of the house. Then get a space heater and put it in the closed room. Let it bake for a few days, then air it out by opening the windows. Repeat this as many times as you need to until you feel well in the room.

As to permanent effects, the body is amazingly resisilent and is always tending to health. Stay away from toxic chemicals and it will begin to regenerate itself.

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Question from E.L.

Per Hulda Clark’s recommendation in “The Cure for All Diseases”, I’ve been using Borax as my laundry detergent for a number of years now. I always do two rinse cycles–the first with a cup of vinegar added to help get out residue, and the second with just plain water.

It recently occurred to me that boric acid comes from borax, and it is toxic enough to kill insects. I have MCS, and I’m now wondering if wearing clothes and sleeping in bedding washed in borax is hazardous to my health? First of all, is borax toxic or just the boric acid which comes from it? Second, if it is, would the amount of rinsing I do on my laundry loads negate that?

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

I posted some info on the health effects of borax at Q&A: what are some natural emulsifiers for cleaning products, but let’s discuss it more here.

I hauled out my chemical dictionary to see if you were correct in your logical that “boric acid comes from borax” therefore borax may be toxic.

First, borax is natural sodium borate, found in salt lakes and alkali soils. Once, while driving through Death Valley in southern California, I just had to stop at the Twenty Mule Team Museum in the tiny town of Boron, where much of the borax used in this country is mined. You can see on display the boron right out of the ground. Borax is about as natural a natural mineral as you can get.

Boric acid is a manufactured product made by two methods 1) adding hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid to a solution or borax and crystallizing or 2) extraction from borax brines with various petrochemicals, then stripped using sulfuric acid.

There are a number of forms of borax listed in my chemical dictionary, they all have uses such as herbicide, weed killer, soil sterilant, fungus control…and borax itself is one of the best things to use to clean mold. So it does have that property of killing micro-organisms, albeit in a natural way.

Now, to get to your question, is wearing clothes and sleeping in bedding washed in borax hazardous to your health? I would say no, or at least, it would be less toxic than other things you might wash your clothes in, like detergent. It sounds like with all the rinsing, it would probably rinse out. It’s not the same as boric acid.

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Question from EPArthur

My husband and I are in the unpleasant position of having to overhaul our driveway. Any way you slice it, its expensive, especially for first-time homeowners. Asphalt seems to be an awful choice but that only leaves us with concrete, right? It was suggested that we try crushed granite or limestone but I don’t think that’s allowed in our subdivision. We’re in the midwest with extremes on both ends of the weather scale, but not for extended periods of time. Any recommendations for putting in an environmentally friendly driveway?

Debra’s Answer

I think what you want is something called “permeable pavement” or “pervious pavement” which allows water to go through instead of running off. Some is made from recycled materials. There is some info on this at Q&A: Synthetic Turf (scroll down) but you can learn more by searching on these terms with your favorite search engine.

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Question from Fran

SUNSCREEN: I get some sun everyday and then cover up rather than slather up (with sunscreen!) – but I think I may have found a safe, natural sunscreen for when needed: Mexitan. I was looking at Greenlight (magazine) and checked on one of their biodegradable sunscreens’ ingredients. Mexitan has Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide and Inactive Ingredients: Sunflower Oil, Green Tea Extract, Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, Lanolin, Tocopherol Acetate(Vitamin E), Eucalyptus Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate(Vitamin C)

I had questions about when the minerals (titanium or zinc oxide) are too small to be safe, and can enter your tissues and bloodstream if too small,and noticed Mexitan’s website asserts they have no nanoparticles. Here is Mexitan’s reply:

Thanks for your question. It is one we get a lot these days with people concerned about nanoparticles. The short answer is that Mexitan does not contain any nanoparticles.

The technical aspects of our stuff is as folows. The titanium dioxide and zinc oxide used in Mexitan is micronized (NOT nanoparticles), with a coated variable particle size greater than 100nm but less than 500nm. (Nanoparticles are considered to be less than 100nm in size). This allows our sunscreen lotions to be more cosmetically appealing compared to coarser particles. The protection is less visible, yet remains on the skin’s surface.

….Thanks for your interest.

Eric Allen

Debra’s Answer

This looks pretty good.

Over the weekend my husband and I went kayaking and needed some sunscreen so our skin wouldn’t burn being out in the sun on a three-hour trip. We had to buy whatever we could find at a chain drug store and were pleased to find Neutogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion. It also contains titanium dioxide, though the inactive ingredients are not natura, and it is unscented. It went on white, so no nanoparticles. While not the best, it was nice to know there was at least a better choice at the drug store!

Still, I want to caution that there are some health concerns about titanium dioxide so I suggest using it as needed, and not just applying it every day. Better to block sun with umbrellas or clothing or stay in the shade when you can.

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Question from Jennifer

Hi,

Can anyone tell me how long the worst of the offgassing is from vinyl flooring? I’m living with my parents and I can’t talk them out of installing new vinyl flooring in the kitchen and laundry room.

And can anyone recommend a non-toxic adhesive that can be used with vinyl flooring?

Thanks very much!

Jennifer

Debra’s Answer

Vinyl flooring takes a loooong time to outgas. Definately not recommended.

Offhassing can be accelerated with the use of heat. If your parents would allow it, I recommend closing all the doors and windows, the putting a space heater in the closed room. Let it bake for a few days, then air it out by opening the windows. Repeat this as many times as you need to until you no longer smell the vinyl.

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Question from Kerri

I contacted Ecover regarding the use of sodium lauryl sulfate and this is what they said: “Some of our products do contain sodium lauryl sulfate, of vegetable origin, derived from coconut oil. This functions as a surfactant which is listed on our labels.

SLS has a long history of safe use in a variety of cleaning products. Wide-spread Internet rumors regarding its use as being harmful have been investigated by respected publications such as THE WASHINGTON POST and THE BERKELY WELLNESS NEWSLETTER and have been proven to be unfounded. THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY also has an information page debunking the claims.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.”

My question is, if it is plant derived does that make it ok to use and non-toxic? I know you recommend this brand to use so I am guessing if it is plant origin derived it is ok? From all that I have heard about SLS’s in whatever form they are in. they are toxic and not safe to use, is this true?

Here are the ingredients, do you know which one is the SLS? “Oxygen chlorine free bleach, plant based non-ionic tensio-active surfactants, enzymes, salts, silicate, citrate, polypeptides, plant based bleach activator, plant based frangrance (lemon type).” Is there a website for people that are new to this whole thing that lists what ingredients are toxic are which are safe to use in all of its different name forms, not just its chemical name? I would have assumed that all the ingredients listed above are safe, since they did not use SLS in the ingredient list.

Thanks

Debra’s Answer

“If it is plant derived does that make it ok to use and non-toxic?” Yes and no. In general, plant-derived ingredients are more bio-compatible with the human body, however there are some plants that have poisons. Some herbs, for example, need to be used with caution.

Coconut is very safe and good for bodies in many ways. Coconut oil is very good for the skin, however, products made from it, such as even coconut oil soap, can be drying to the skin and mucous membranes.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is derived from coconut oil, however, it is made by adding sulfuric acid (made from sulfur taken from direct mining or processing of low-grade ores such as coal and petroleum) followed by neutralization with sodium carbonate (a natural mineral).

Like all detergent and soaps, it removes oils from the skin, can cause skin irritation. and is also irritating to the eyes.

You can read more about the health concerns at Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep website–Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Now, to your quesiton, “From all that I have heard about SLS’s in whatever form they are in. they are toxic and not safe to use, is this true?” One of the primary determining factors of toxiciy is method of exposure. There is a huge difference between brushing your teeth with SLS and washing your clothes with it. The primary problem is skin irritation. If you are going to use this product, I would make sure that you have soft water or add a water softener (such as baking soda) to your wash to make sure there are no residues left in the fabric that could irriate your skin. Otherwise, I’m not concerned. Every laundry product and cleaning product contains some similar surfactant.

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Question from Rosiem

what do you put down on a concrete floor to sound proof it before you cement down tiles?

Debra’s Answer

Hmmmmm. I don’t know. I’ve never done that. Readers?

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Question from SVE

Dear Debra,

We are on a community well (six other houses) that brings water to a tank house through PVC piping. We had copper piping installed from the tank house to our house. Also, we have copper piping inside our house.

Since there is no chlorine in the water, I understand that a carbon filter would not be practical to eliminate the PVC chemicals – microorganisms can grow quickly in the carbon. The water when tested is very good but they don’t test for PVC. We do have the problems of mineral deposits and a little iron stain on the toilets. (I use vinegar, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide – one at a time.)

Do you know how PVC can be filtered out of untreated well water for (1) drinking and (2) showering? Is there a risk to wearing clothes washed in “PVC water?”

Before we moved to our current house, one thing I noticed when we took a tour of a local bottled water facility using artesian well water was the PVC piping used in their processing! It seems it’s in city water systems, too. What to do?

Thanks so much, Debra, for all the time and effort you put into your outstanding website!

Debra’s Answer

Carbon is the proper filter media to remove PVC, but I do see your problem with the bacteria growth. Find a good local independent dealer of water filters who is accustomed to dealing with the water in your area.. I know you can purchase a chlorinator or you may be able to run your water through an ultraviolet or ozone system first to kill the bacteria before it goes through the carbon.

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Question from christie

Hi Debra-

I just wanted to say that I love this site. My mother in law sent it to us since me and my husband are trying to get off white sugar and lose some weight. We are also trying to get our children off the “high fructose corn syrup” lifestyle, that seems to be all kids eat anymore as its in EVERYTHING! We started this about a month ago with eating according to the Somersize lifestyle. Its been very good but we still want to have dessert sometimes and thats where your site comes in! So far I have tried the carrot cake with cream cheese icing and it gets 5 stars from my whole family. I made it and even my boys ate it up and loved it! Usually in the past when I have made low sugar things they said they taste funny, but not this one. Thanks so much for sharing these recipes and helping our family get on to a healthy lifestyle.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from LC

I’m looking for information on drywall compound or what contracters call “mud”. I had a few home improvements done – hardwood put on the stairs (sealed with Polyureseal BP, a very low VOC poly applied off-site several weeks ago and attached with nails only) and we had some bathroom fans replaced. The contractor had to cut new holes for the bathroom fans and then repair the drywall. I started having some dizziness yesterday, and it coincides with the drywall repairs. However, it’s now dry, and it was my understanding that it’s not particularly toxic stuff to begin with and had no odor. Anyone have info? Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

My understanding is that “mud” is not all that toxic to begin with, although the premixed mud can contain some volatile chemicals that outgas pretty quickly. You could use heat to make sure everything is outgassed and see if that works.

Readers, anyone have any other ideas?

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Question from Deborah