Question from JAD

Hello, a few months ago our landlord was doing some work on our cupboards and needed to sand the existing layer of paint in order to cover it up. My father wiped-away the paint dust and proceeded to use the same cloth for the dishes afterwards. I am concerned about potential exposure to toxic chemicals as a result, despite my parents having nary a concern in the world, and was wondering what the most effective and healthy product would be to use to clean the sink and the dishes to ensure that all toxic chemicals that they may have come in contact with will be removed. Thank you very much.

Debra’s Answer

Paint is only toxic when it is liquid. Dried paint dust does not outgas and would not leave a residue on your dishes. While I wouldn’t eat or breathe paint dust, I’m not concerned that it has left any toxic residue anywhere. Just make sure you’ve removed all the paint dust with a damp rag or vacuum.

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Question from Jeninmi

I have MCS and know that when I purchase furniture it cannot contain MDF wood or plywoods because of the off-gassing of the glues.

What I didn’t know was that when I ordered a custom-made solid wood bedframe and work desk that they would be sitting in my garage because they burned my throat turning it bright red and sore, made my eyes burn, plugged-up my nose and made me cough when I got near them.

The off-gassing is coming from the finish they used on them. The oil-based stain is the worst offender by far, but the clear top-coat is very strong also. I ordered them from a company that gets them from the Amish Community and I was so sure because of their beliefs that they wouldn’t use anything toxic, that I didn’t even second guess it.

I was told that it was a non-toxic finish because they use it on their table-tops. I guess they can say this because as long as you don’t scrape some off with a knife and eat it, that statement applies. I spent a lot of money because I only wanted non-toxic things in my home and now I am so upset it keeps me awake some nights.

I have another piece of furniture that I have had for a few months that was in the same store as display so most of the off-gassing must have happened before I purchased it. It is also completely clear-coated whereas some of the desk and bed have surfaces that are only stained which is where most of the toxic off-gassing is coming from. Even though the finish on it does not effect me the way the custom-mades do, it is a small piece and not something I work at or sleep next to like the desk and bed. If I sit next to the older piece, I faintly smell it which leads me to believe it is still off-gassing. I live where there are long winters and no open windows and don’t want them in my house at all. I have researched the internet for hours with no luck on these 2 questions:

Do oil-based stains and clear coats ever quit off-gassing completely? and,

Debra’s Answer

There are many toxic wood finishes and this is often a problem with solid-wood furniture.

You should always inquire about the finish and ask to the see the MSDS sheet before buying, or, better yet, only buy prefinished pieces that you can examine yourself.

I often buy unfinished wood pieces and finish them myself, though I have purchased small end tables that were prefinished in a way I found acceptable.

To answer your questions, yes, even oil based finishes will cure completely, though it may take years, and yes, if you can smell it even faintly, it’s still offgassing.

Question from zipora

Dear Debra,

I’m from Indonesia. I would like to ask you, what is the danger of using peeled off Teflon layer at rice cooker?

I just realized that my rice cooker has lost its teflon layer at the bottom of the bowl.It’s now becoming bigger and bigger , an i’m still using it …The rice cooker is purchased from local market , but under license of other country.

And now i’ve been suffering with some kind of allergy on my skin for months, everywhere ….i’m afraid it’s relating with my rice cooker damage..as i’ve been on diet from many kinds of foods ..and my allergy is not going away…

Thank you very much in advance for your attention and advice

Regards, zipora e.p.

Debra’s Answer

Lots of information on Teflon is at Q&A: Teflon on George Forman Grills?.

Personally, I wouldn’t eat food cooked in a pan with chipped Teflon.

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Question from Fran

I just want to recommend a look at the materials used in this product which is an eco mobile home.

It is built to be low and non-toxic, easy care, have good air quality, and even uses alternative energy. It’s from Canada and is launching in the US also this year, for a little over $100,000. The name of it is the mini eco home. If it is this good I think everyone should hear about it! I wish everyone in trailers lived in a nice place like these instead of accumulating environmental illnesses! Anyway the materials used are of interest I think.

http://sustain.ca/

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Julie

Debra, I’m back again to encourage people to think about window units (our upstairs ACs are actually installed in the wall….we once lived in an apartment and that’s what they did so we tried it….doesn’t block the window.) We find in a house with an upstairs and rooms that are shut off unless used, that this regional feature probably saves us money. This really isn’t expensive as a small AC for a small room starts at $100. Why AC a whole house when you don’t need to (although we did install central air years ago, we often don’t use it….window AC is easier to clean….no dirty pipes to worry about.)

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Kitty Johnson

What I would like to know is what types of food do you eat a day. I mean like a menu. I have a hard time with deciding what is good for me and I do have a problem with sweets. Thanks, so much

Debra’s Answer

This is a big subject and I have a lot to say about it, which is why I am working on a whole website about food.

Here’s the short answer for now.

I don’t have a set menu. What I eat changes from day to day depending on my activities and how much fuel my body needs. Also whether I am home or traveling, being strict or splurging.

But here is my basic rule of thumb.

I eat three meals a day, plus a snack in the middle of the afternoon and a snack before bed.

I never eat things like donuts or sodas.

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Question from Betty combs

Do you know of any safe organic cough syrup for a 6 year old? Afraid to give my grand-daughter anything on the market now.

Debra’s Answer

Readers, what is your experience?

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Question from cheryl lipson

We have been looking at new foam mattress options, and are very confused about “Talalay” and urethane foam.

It was my understanding that you should keep away from urethane as it emits toxic fumes. I have no info on Talalay foam.

The sales person told me that there was no need for concern about either product. I’m not convinced.

Any suggestions?

Debra’s Answer

I’d say find a different salesperson and a different store.

Polyurethane foam is a 100% petrochemical product. It’s what most foam mattresses are made of. It emits toxic fumes.

Talalay is a type of processing used for natural latex made from tree sap.

I’m glad you weren’t convinced.

By the way, Talalay and all the other terms associated with natural mattresses and bedding are explained in my ebook Debra’s Guide to Choosing a Natural Bed.

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I was going to write something on how you can green Halloween, but others have already done an admirable job:

• Green Halloween – a whole website on the subject!


• Green Halloween Tips: Tricks to Make Your Halloween a Treat for Mother Nature


• This Halloween, Think Green: Ten tips for an earth-friendly holiday


• care2: Halloween Tricks and Treats


• Enjoy a Green Halloween: Healthy treats and costumes, without any tricks

What are some things you do to make this holiday healthier for your family and better for the Earth?

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Question from Jayne Hemming

Would you please tell me if vegetable stearic acid is a synthetic chemical (possibly petro-chemical) or a natural safe substance.

I have been told conflicting opinions so far and would be very interested in whatever information you can find out on this ingredient that I have recently found in a natural soap bar.

I have also been told two conflicting opinions about how this ingredient is made. One says that it is always a highly synthetic oleo chemical coming from a vegtable source and the other says that the stearic acid they know of is cold- pressed, not highly processed from a vegetable source ( I believe they said it was from Palm). The second claimed that it was not a synthetic chemical and was in fact a safe and natural substance. Any information you could give me about this would be gratefully appreciated.

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

According to A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients by Ruth Winter, which I have been using for years, stearic acid is a fatty acid that occurs naturally in butter acids, tallow, and other animal fats and oils. It is “a white waxy natural fatty acid…the major ingredient used in making bar soap and lubricants.”

My chemical dictionary says stearic acid is the most common fatty acid occurring in natural animal and vegetable fats. It is derived from tallow (animal fat) by water processing, to which is added a sulfur compound and napthalene (a petrochemical). Whether or not any traces of these reagents remain after processing is unknown to me. Stearic acid itself is considered nontoxic.

So, stearic acid is not a petrochemical. It could come from an animal or vegetable source, but since it is vegetable stearic acid, I’d say it probably comes from a vegetable source unless it it mislabeled.

I’d go with the opinion that it is a safe and natural substance.

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