Question from miko

I am chemically sensitive and i am shopping for another car. i am very confused and overwhelmed by all the things to consider.

New cars will reek all the formaldehyde, plus whatever is put in by the manufacturer ( would you know the specifics?)

Used cars, usually if they have been well taken care of, will have a lot of armour all, would have beeen taken to the car wash several times to have the upholstery and floors cleaned, shampooed, and etc,and there goes more,more and more chemicals!

My old and out gassed car needs a brake, and I need to go on a long road trip to see my doctor in California. I am getting lost facing so many things to take into consideration!

PLEASE HELP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

thank you

Debra’s Answer

(updated 7/16/07)

Several readers have sent me links to a healthy car guide compiled by the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor Michigan. The guide is at www.healthycar.org.

It contains a report on the chemicals of concern in car interiors, AND it allows you to look up many vehicles where you can see what the measurements of chemicals are. They also give a rating for each vehicle for “level of concern” and list best and worst of the different classes of cars (my PT Cruiser was “low concern”). This is a great resource we’ve been needing for a long time.

Here are some articles written by others about this report:

* http://autos.aol.com/article/general/v2/_a/new-car-smell/20070709103709990001
(you’ll have to cut and paste this one, I can’t get the link to work, but it’s the right URL)
* http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17651756/

Another great website by the Ecology Center on this subject is Toxic at Any Speed: Chemicals in Cars & the Need for Safe Alternatives. It has a wealth of information on the toxicity of car interiors, including a report on finding PBDEs and phtalates in car interiors, Auto Company Chemicals Policies, Other Toxins Inside Vehicles, a chart of PBDEs phtalates found in cars ranked by manufacturer, and about a dozen links to other articles on the subject.

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Question from bev Rockey

I received one for Christmas. I was told they are made of Soy and Pariffin and the wick is organic wood. Are the safe ?

Debra’s Answer

I hadn’t heard of this product before, so I looked it up. It was easy to find by typing “wood wick candle” into a search engine.

The idea behind this candle is that it has a thin piece of wood for the wick instead of fiber, so it makes a crackling sound like a burning fire in a fireplace.

But the candles themselves are still paraffin with artificial fragrance. And from what I can tell from the ads, they look to be highly scented.

I’d stick with the natural candles I’ve listed at Debra’s List: Interior Decorating: Candles.

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Question from Cathi

I was wondering if you could perhaps point me in the right direction. I have been looking into buying a tempurpedic bed, but would rather buy a natural bed along those same lines. From what I can tell, the Talalay latex bed might be the best bet.

When I have been to Tempurpedic stores, I have been told that their mattresses hold the heat from your body. I would rather not have that. Do you know if latex beds are similar to that?

I know that you air out your mattresses, and have to watch that they do not get moist. Are the latex beds like that?

Also, did you used to live in Clearwater, Florida? I don’t know what a latex bed feels like. Do you know of any stores that have them in this area, where I can test one out?

Lastly, I know that you love your bed, but if you could choose any latex bed with any wool additions and sheets, could you relay that to me?

As I said, I am trying to sift through all the beds, and your expertise is invaluable to me.

Debra’s Answer

These are all good questions, and I am going to ask my readers to respond, because I don’t have a latex bed.

I do live in Clearwater, Florida, and I don’t know of a store here that sells latex mattresses.

I don’t have a latex bed personally because I find that there is an odor that is not agreeable to my body. I do have latex strips on my wood slats, and I had to air these out for about six weeks before I could bring them in my bedroom. It’s just the natural smell of the latex itself.

I have laid on several different latex mattresses and they are very soft and luxurious.

So, readers, please post your comments on how you like your latex beds, what they feel like, do they hold heat, do you have to watch for moisture, and any other advice you can give Cathi about choosing a latex bed.

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Question from William

Hello, I have recently turned some black walnut goblets, but Im stuck on a natural way of sealing them for use, I would like to use them for My own made wines and such so the seal would need to be acohol resistant as well.

Thanks

William

Debra’s Answer

I suggest you take a look at Q&A: Wood Conditioner for Cutting Boards and Bowls for some ideas. Readers, any suggestions?

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Question from wt

hello,

I’ve been cooking with date sugar of late, and love it. however, it is very expensive, and difficult to find. does anyone have a good source for date sugar online? i’m currently paying about $9 per pound at whole foods.

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Best price I could find is $3.60 lb when you buy 25 lb (organic) at NaturalGrocers.com.

If you want to buy it by the pound, it’s $4.49 lb for 1 lb at Adirondack Nutrition.

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I’m taking a break to spend time with friends and family. Will be back at work on January 2.

You are welcome to submit comments and questions and I will review and post them when I return.

Have a wonderful holiday!