Question from Mara Di Donna

Dear Debra- I found a used car I wanted to buy (Accord 1997) but the man who owns it put car in storage for 2 months each winter with MOTH BALLS inside the car! I have asthma and resperatory sensitivities and even though he says the smell wears out, I wonder if this trigger reactions? I’ve never used moth balls before. Thanks! Mara

Debra’s Answer

Mothballs are toxic and especially bad if you have respiratory problems.

Please look for another car.

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Question from Tory

I just bought a second hand head board for my bed. It reeks of perfumes, which is the main trigger for my MCS. What do you recommend for cleaning such things? This is made of wood. In the past, I have left things outsided for many months to “outgas.” But, I don’t want to hurt the wood.

Tory in CO

Debra’s Answer

I’d still go with airing it out in the sun, or applying heat in some way.

Readers, your suggestions?

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Question from Alison Hine

Can anyone suggest a vendor for non-toxic floor wax and/or stripper?

I checked out all of the vendors suggested on Debra’s Floor Wax Stripper page, but all of the links are broken except those for SafeSource and Coastwide Labs.

I’ve talked to SafeSource but they say they have discontinued these products.

I’ve looked at Coastwide Labs’ site but its server seems to be overloaded. I’ve been able to get MSDS sheets for “Sustainable Earth” branded floor stripper and floor coating, but so far that’s all. I’m not sure if they sell these products via mail order, and I’m not sure how safe they would be for someone with MCS.

Someone I met at the local health food coop gave me a batch of floor wax she made by heating and mixing beeswax, carnauba wax and vinegar. She got the recipe from a book called Clean and Green by Annie Berthold-Bond.

I’m trying that. It’s pretty labor-intensive to apply, though, and I have CFIDS, so I am going to have to do a small part of the floor at a time.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Jennifer

Dear Debra,

I am having a hard time in my limited free time finding info about rGBH and rBST in milk. I have seen the link on your site to the recently published book about the dangers of rGBH in milk. Is rBST the same as rGBH and is it also dangerous? I do understand that they are both hormones designed to induce higher milk production in cows.

I just can’t find the information which tells me whether to avoid both hormones in milk or just avoid rGBH. I know some of these hormones occur naturally in the cow to create the lactation however it is my impression I should be looking for milk which states something to the effect of, “organic”, “no added hormones” or “rGBH free”. Also, if a milk carton says rGBH free it doesn’t mean it is rBST free–are the hormones used together or do the farmers use one or the other? How do I know if I am being duped if buying a carton which says rGBH free–am I likely getting one which has rBST instead?

Also, it is my impression that both rGBH and rBST are hormones which influence milk production in cows and can not affect growth or sexual development in humans. Is this true?

Thank you for helping clear this up!

Jennifer

Debra’s Answer

I’m going to give you a short and general answer to this, as I, like you, don’t have the time to look up everything.

I always look for products that are in their most natural state possible. So milk or milk products for me would be “organic,” “bio-dynamic” (which is even more in harmony with nature than organic), or “grass-fed” (which makes an even more nutritious milk). It’s unlikely these milks would contain any added hormones, but to be sure, you can always call the manufacturer and double check.

If the label says “rGBH free,” you may be getting one which has rBST instead. “Hormone-free” would be a better choice.

I don’t drink milk myself, but I do eat Natural By Nature certified organic, grass-fed cream. I buy it at my local natural food store. The label says “our dairy herds are not treated with synthetic hormones or antibiotics.

I also eat Brown Cow Yogurt, also certified organic, which says “No Artificial Growth Hormones” on the label.

I’m usually looking for indicators of GOOD on product labels, rather than looking for what to avoid.

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Question from Yvonne Clark

Hi Everyone…I am seeking an answer on how to eliminate the smell of cat urine. I have been feeding some strays by my house and they have repaid me by spraying my screened back door. The bottom part is made of metal. I have tried everything and though the smell isn’t as strong as it was, it still lingers. I have a nose like a bloodhound and everytime I open that door, which is every day, I get a whiff of it. I am trying to be as environmentally conscious as possible. Any suggestions???

Thanks

Yvonne Clark

Wilkes Barre, PA

Debra’s Answer

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Question from TanyaL

I called Sealy (mattress manufacturer) asking about the chemicals in their mattresses and they told me that they use Ammonium Polyproponate for Fire Retardant purposes…. they also told me that this is added to “all kids clothing”…

Is this true? I feel like crying if it is….how can a label that says 100% Cotton also contain a chemical?

Thanks

Tanya

Debra’s Answer

I don’t think this is added to “all kid’s clothing.” It’s not even added to all kid’s sleepwear anymore, since the regulations changed in 2005 (thanks to consumer pressure!).

You can read the new regulations about children’s sleepwear at U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION: Children’s Sleepwear Regulations, 16 C.F.R. Parts 1615 & 1616.

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Question from Helen

We are looking for a de-icer safe for people and plants for sidewalks and driveways. There are places below our roof-line where the ice is several inches thick.

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I have no experience with this, as I have never lived in an icy climate.

Readers?

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Question from Ben Jones

I have mcs and have been living and sleeping outside in my garden for three years because I cannot tolerate the building materials in my house. My mcs is such that i will become sensitive to any toxic substance if im around it too long. I have tried to build me a non toxic shelter out of just wood nails and slate. I understand freshly cut wood is toxic for a time. Do you know how long it takes to outgas fully? And after that what is the best non toxic substance to seal it with. The wood is douglas fir.

Debra’s Answer

I wouldn’t say “freshly cut wood is toxic for a time.”

First, each type of wood is different. Though it is all wood, each type has different characteristics. For example, both redwood and cypress contain elements that make them more impervious to insect infestations and dry rot. Cedar is much more fragrant than, for example, Douglas fir. Pine contains a lot of resin. So people with individual sensitivities may be sensitive to certain, or all, woods, but wood is not “toxic” in the same sense as many manmade petrochemical products.

How long does it take to outgas fully? I think you are asking, how long would it take before any odiferous elements would no longer smell. I think that relates to how much moisture is in the wood, and as it dries, there is less wood odor.

How long it takes for wood to dry is quite variable, as it depends on how dense and porous the wood is, the relative humidity of the air, how much air circulation there is, and temperature.

When wood is freshly cut, it has a lot of water in it. It needs to be dried for specific uses. Firewood, for example, is cut to size and then piled up to “season” for a year. It needs a year of just sitting outdoors in the elements to allow enough water to evaporate before it will burn. Freshly cut “green” wood will not burn.

For construction, the wood must be in equilibrium with the outside air. For indoor use, as in furniture or cabinets, wood must be in equilibrium with the air indoors.

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Question from Ann

I have two sofas that areabout 12 years old and looking very dirty. I’ve washed the cushion covers in the washing machine and they look much better, but I’m wondering how I can safely clean the rest of the pieces. Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

I would use a steam cleaner.

Readers, any other ideas?

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Question from Elaine

Has anyone had experience with Ecofinishes Air 1 collection of hardwood flooring? It looks as though the flooring has a UV acrylic finish. My kitchen has hardwood with a ceramic finish which was great — no chemical issues at all. However, the company is no longer in business. I have done a great deal of research and haven’t yet found another company that has the ceramic finish. I’m planning to replace the bedroom floor and want to be very careful.

Debra’s Answer

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