Super Search
This is a powerful custom search engine that will allow you to search my entire site, or just a specific section.
Page 292 of 295
Green Building Resources
Question from D. W. Hello Debra, Love your website. We are about to start building a home, can you recommend a book or resource to try and build it as ‘green friendly’ or non-toxic as possible? Thanks. Debra’s Answer Actually, I can recommend lots of resources. The Building page on Debra’s Bookstore lists many books […]
November 7, 2006
Washing Wool Blankets
Question from Helen We inherited several old wool blankets that have been stored for many years. They are nice blankets and we would like to use them, but they have a musty smell. Is there a healthy way to have them professionally cleaned? Otherwise, all I can think of is to wash them by hand, […]
Natural latex mattresses and latex allergies
Question from Maureen Anderson I have been using Talalay Latex pillows for a few months and am considering purchasing a natural latex mattress. I have MCS and worry about developing a latex sensitivity, which can be very serious if one needs surgery. What I find on the internet indicates that it is the protein in […]
Floor Underlayment
Question from Leah Is there any type of floor underlayment for wood or cork floors that is low or non-toxic? I have looked at cork underlayment, but it is expensive. Did you use any type of underlayment with your wood floors Debra? Thanks! Have you had any experience with SOUND SOLUTIONS floor underlayment? We are […]
Are neoprene lunch boxes safe for my kids?
Question from Becca Hello, There are some soft neoprene lunch boxes that lie flat (making them easy to store) for sale in our neighborhood and I’m not sure about wether they are “safe” or not to use for my children’s school lunch. They are in bright colors and I’m not sure about the dyes used […]
November 3, 2006
Roaches
Question from Francesca I am so conflicted about what to with our roach problem. Does anyone have any effective ways of getting rid of roaches? We are going crazy. We clean up completely, spotlessly everynight but still have a problem.. We are getting desparate and really don’t want to have to use a spray.. Help? […]
November 2, 2006
Space Bags
Question from Carol My mom died of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and she was a very healthy eater. I have to assume that she contracted this cancer from her environment. I am trying to become more conscious of the things I use in my home as a result. My question has to do with plastics and storage. […]
Heating Pads or Other Heat Sources for Relaxation and Pain Relief
Question from Robin I experience muscle tension and pain in several areas of my body, and one of the treatments recommended to me is the apllication of heat. I have a hot water bottle, but this doesn’t work well for neck or shoulder pain. I’m looking at getting an electric heating pad so I can […]
October 22, 2006
Silestone countertops
Question from Kate Is anyone worried about the antimicrobial product in silestone countertops? I’ve explored Papercrete, kieri (sp?) wood, concrete and am now looking at silestone. Anyone have any yeas or nays about it? Thanks, Kate Debra’s Answer The antimicrobial agent used in Silestone is Microban. They don’t say on their website exactly what the […]
October 19, 2006
Space heaters
Question from Nina M. I’m looking for advice about which space heaters, if any, don’t outgas when you first use them or outgas for long? Also, has anyone had any trouble with a Delonghi radiator heater outgassing? Do you know which space heaters are the most energy efficient? Thanks very much, Nina Debra’s Answer We […]
October 16, 2006
Shampoo with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Question from svw Whats your opinion on the AFM Safechoice Shampoo for a person with MCS since it does contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate and MEA? Thanks Sandy Debra’s Answer The challenge for people with MCS is to find products that are both nontoxic and unscented. And the difficulty is compounded by the fact that each […]
Melaleuca
One of my most frequently asked questions is “Do you know about Melaleuca products and what do you think of them?” This is a broad question because the Melalueca company sells several different catagories of products: dietary supplements, cleaning products, and bodycare products. When I am evaluating companies and websites, I look for specific information […]
October 15, 2006
How bad are blonde highlights?
Question from J. Kelly Hi, I do own your book, Home Safe Home, and I did read the part on hair coloring. But here is my dilema: My teenage daughter desperately wants to add highlights to her hair. She is one of those girls who wants to be fancy all the time, and wants nail […]
October 13, 2006
Healthiest Flooring?
Question from Sammie Debra, this is my first visit to your website and I am impressed! We are confused as to the best type of flooring that is healthier — carpet, wood, or laminate? We have a large single living area that is paneled with a browish Ash wood with hints of golden highlights and […]
October 11, 2006
Making My Own Wool Insulation
Question from Jessica I’m wondering if you know how to make my own wool insulation? I have access to a lot of free wool and a small living structure to insulate. I know the basics of processing wool but don’t know how to make the actual insulation batts. Debra’s Answer When I insulated my kitchen […]
October 10, 2006
Particle/Press Board: Will it fully out gas and become safe?
Question from wt hi, we’re remodeling my house, and my husband put some “sound board” on the studs under the dry wall to help with sound reduction. this “sound board” smells HORRIFFIC! it seems very similar to particle/press board. we’re hoping that placing the dry wall over it, would essentially seal it, so the smell/toxicity […]
Natural Treatment for Nail Fungus
Question from Ali Debra, My daughter is 6 and has terrible eczema. It effects her nails, which have become fungus and makes her skin peel off around her finger tips. Also in the inner arms is bad. Do you have any recommendations for nail fungus so I can avoid a toxic chemical or medicines, she […]
October 9, 2006
Getting the Smell Out of a New Refrigerator
Question from Debi How can you get the smell out of a new refrigerator? I have never had a new fridge before so was not aware it would smell so bad! I washed it out with soapy water and then have put a bowl of baking soda on each shelf…4 days later, it still smells. […]
How safe is Clorox Bleach?
Question from Laura I’ve used Clorox Bleach steadily for years. It’s the only thing that seems to ‘clean’. The products sold in stores ( i.e. Clorox Softscrub, etc.) used to mask the bleach smell that have bleach in them, don’t do the job as well as just bleach alone. I usually blend a few drops […]
Mercury Thermometers and Your Family’s Health
I want to pass along to you a pamphlet I just found called “Mercury Thermometers and Your Family’s Health”. I knew that mercury is a dangerous chemical, but didn’t really understand how hazardous a broken thermometer can be, how to properly dispose of a mercury thermometer, or that non-mercury thermometers are available (I actually have […]
Page 292 of 295
