Submitted questions will be posted with my response by the following Tuesday or before.
Submitted comments will be moderated and approved within 24 hours.
Hydration Bladders
Question from Pedro
Hello, I recently started looking for hydration backpacks and I am finding that the bladders are made from either TPU or PEVA. Which one is less toxic? Are there better options? Help! I just want to keep my kids safe. Thank you.
Lisa’s Answer
ATC Trailers
Question from Kelly
Has anyone with MCS tried the ATC (Aluminum Trailer company)? It can be ordered with all aluminum interior. This option is impossible to find used and it seems I will need to order a new one. I have severe MCS, Athsma, COPD, and allergies (allergic to wood so can’t do the toxic free trailers). I cannot find any reviews on them for MCS on the ACT and am concerned with how long it will take to off gas.
Lisa’s Answer
Cadmium
Question from Olga
I recently purchased furniture from Wayfair.com. The smell is awful and not going away after several weeks. I contacted them and told them about it. They really don’t care. After looking into the furniture and maker I realized it has a warning for California proposition 65. I called them back trying to get more information on this and how it can affect my health and my children’s Health. The person I spoke to said we should be fine since we are not eating the furniture. The chemical in question is Cadmium. I have looked into it and all the side effects of this chemical. Is she right? Are we ok because it is on furniture and not being ingested??
Lisa’s Answer
I think you have two different issues. The smell is not likely due to cadmium, which does not have a detectable odor. The smell is more likely VOC off-gassing from adhesives, sealants or coatings. It’s difficult to identify the source without knowing what type of furniture you have purchased and what materials it is made from. One option is to seal any hard surfaces with a product like AFM Safecoat. It may also help to air it out outside for several days.
As for the cadmium, it is most likely from a pigment or coating on the furniture. While cadmium can be absorbed through the skin, that is not considered to be a major route of exposure. The most worrisome type of exposure after cigarette smoke, is ingestion, which is why it’s so important to make sure your cookware does not contain cadmium. Cadmium in your furniture is a lower risk than in your cookware but I still would not want it in my home.
Dental Compositites
Question from Kimberly
Hi Lisa,
Years of searching for dental composite replacements for simple fillings.
Most of them have BPA and TEGMA related compounds. The ones that do not still have horrible chemical tastes to them.
Would love some safer alternatives.
Lisa’s Answer
Zeolite Detox Symptoms
Question from Barbara
Hi Lisa,
Checking to see if taking the zeolite will produce detox symptoms? If so how severe or not? Can I start out slow in taking the product?
Lisa’s Answer
Safe Drywall
Question from Teresa
Hi Lisa,
Can you please share the best safest types of drywall? I was looking at Magnesium oxide but hearing things about cracking.
Thanks
Lisa’s Answer
Ants
Question from Jen
Hi there! I’m looking for advice on how to handle an influx of kitchen ants this summer. My usual methods (ie – clean counters, all food put away in sealed packaging, etc) aren’t working. I can’t even tell where they’re coming from specifically, can’t locate ant hills in the yard. Very confusing. I’m not ready to call in an exterminator quite yet (although my husband is quickly losing patience!) I’ve heard good results with the following products but since I have kids who play on the floor and pets who lick their paws I’m hesitant to use.
1-Terro ant traps
2-zevo ant spray
Thanks for your help and any recommendations you might have for me.
Lisa’s Answer
PVC and Microban in Air Conditioning
Question from Paula
Hi Lisa,
My situation is that I’m getting central air conditioning installed, and want to avoid all toxic components. I’m wondering if having PVC or Microban in my attic is something I should worry about (my attic isn’t air sealed from my living space, and air sealing is probably too expensive at this time). I guess my question is, is there a distance from which toxic chemicals aren’t a health danger?
Lisa’s Answer
The distance is not really the important factor since air will be moving through the AC system, through your vents, and into your home. I would avoid PVC and Microban if possible.
Non-Toxic Gardening
Its peak growing season in the northeast and we can’t wait for our first harvest of tomatoes, carrots and peppers. We’re already enjoying kale, lettuces, beets, and our house specialty, purple potatoes. My husband’s hobby is organic gardening, so my kids and I get to reap the rewards of his hard work. He is always experimenting with some new growing method or product and patiently allows me to research anything new before he buys it.
It’s always amazing to me that so many gardening products are made with harmful chemicals. Why go to the trouble of growing your own food, particularly organic food, if you are going to grow it in a bed made of pressure-treated wood or water it with a hose that leaches lead and BPA?
When you’re planning a non-toxic garden the first place to start is with high-quality, organic seeds. Some argue that it’s not necessary to buy organic seeds because studies have shown conventional seeds without trace chemicals from insecticides or fertilizers. I choose to err on the side of caution. Knowing that plants take in nutrients through their leaves, common sense would support that if leaves are sprayed with synthetic chemicals the plants will absorb those chemicals. There are other compelling reasons to buy organic seeds:
1. Organic seeds are grown to survive in organic systems. They may be more likely to thrive without synthetic chemicals than conventional seeds.
2. Buying organic seeds supports organic farming practices which is better for the environment, farm workers and consumers.
3. Organic seeds are relatively inexpensive at roughly $1 more per packet than conventional seeds.
Debra’s List has several high-quality seed companies to choose from.
If you are still using a garden hose that may be made with PVC or have lead-containing metal fittings, check out this study by healthystuff.org. It’s a bit out of date but it still provides great guidance. Debra’s List recommends Water Right hoses and Terrain Heritage hoses.
I’ll be writing more on garden products over the course of the summer. I am also working on an affiliate store where you will be able to buy recommended products. I plan to have a section on gardening supplies. Stay tuned…
PFAS Chemicals Found in Farm Produce
PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of chemicals that are used to make non-stick coatings such as Teflon. Sometimes called Forever Chemicals, they persist in the environment and body and have been linked to health issues such as hindered growth and learning and increased cancer risk.
There has been increasing concern about contamination from PFAS-containing firefighter foam that is used on military bases and some airports. The foam has previously been linked to groundwater contamination in neighboring communities. New reports show that PFAS chemicals have now been detected in milk and vegetables from farms located near military bases. Read more food contamination here.
How to Avoid Contaminated Foods
Federal and state agencies are testing samples from potentially contaminated farms, but until more is known it may be best to avoid food from farms that are located near contaminated sites. EWG has an interactive map that shows sites with known PFAS contamination.
Take Action
The Air Force is recalling PFAS-containing foam from the U.S. and overseas, but they have not found a safe way to dispose of it once it is reclaimed. The foam is being contracted out to private businesses for incineration, but incineration may not fully destroy the chemical. There is an amendment before Congress to hold PFAC polluters accountable for cleaning up contaminated sites. Click here to learn how you can help.
