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polyester fleece

Question from Jennifer

Hi Debra,I am curious about your opinion of fleece clothing. I am referring to the garden variety microfleece, not the greener, recycled six pack ring kind. Are there any health risks associated with it? How about children’s sleepwear that has NOT been treated with flame retardands? (I understand that polyester is inherently flame resistant and does not require chemical treatment to pass regulations). I have taken all of my children’s fleece pajamas out of circulation until I know for sure.

Thank you,

Jennifer Asadow

Debra’s Answer

I don’t recommend polyester at all. While very little research has been done on the health effects of synthetic fibers such as polyester, still they are plastics and outgas. Some types of polyester fabrics, such as woven polyester-cotton sheets, always have formaldehyde finishes.

In addition, polyester can be irritating to the skin and cause skin rashes, particularly on children’s delicate skin.

While polyester sleepwear is not the worst thing in the world, I’d provide cotton sleepwear for my children.

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Alternative to Aluminum Foil

Question from Mary Anne

Hi Debra – Happy, Healthy New Year to you! I’ve been reading so much about the problems with using aluminum for cooking. I’ve figured out really good alternatives to aluminum foil for everything except baking in the oven (such as covering very large roasting pans and covering turkeys with foil tents). I tried parchment paper and it was a mess. I’m afraid to use a heavier paper (such as a cut-up brown paper bag) for fear of contaminants in the recycled & heavily chemically processed wood pulp. Do you or your readers have any alternatives? Thanks so much for your help!

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know what to suggest for this one. My roasting pan has it’s own lid. Readers?

If using foil to tent your turkey once or twice a year is your only exposure, and you need to do this, I would go ahead and use the aluminum foil. There are two kinds of toxic exposures: acute (such as drinking drain cleaner) where there is immediate harm, and chronic (such as exposure to pesticide residues in food) where there needs to be regular long-term exposure to cause harm. Aluminum is a chronic exposure, so what you do every day with aluminum exposure is more important than what you do occasionally.

I’ve learned over the years that different people have different viewpoints about exposure. Some decide to have as little as possible, others reduce exposure but to not attempt to eliminate exposures entirely. It’s your choice.

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Bring on the Cookware!

Question from Fran M.

I want to find an electric skillet that has a stone, ceramic or stainless steel finish; or even cast iron. I also hope to find a breadmaker and food dehydrator with safe finishes. I have struck out on all three.

However, I may have found more alternatives to non-stick! Plus I also found a $20 wood trivet that fits around the large soapstone griddle from “Brazil on my Mind” – (which is cheapest from Greenfeet).

* Trivet for griddle: http://www.kitchenemporium.com/cgi-bin/kitchen/prod/29bmtv12.html

* Deni electric grill uses STONE! Flat, no oil can be used but may be able to stir veggies in butter in the 8 raclette pans? It’s $64 at

* Staub 10×8 all-enamelled cast iron rectangular pan with wood base! $89 http://www.chefsresource.com/12052.html looks awesome, easy care except: must avoid high heat

* Chantal 10-piece set with enamel frying pan – and glass covers – to dream on!! $340 + high heat OK (none of the pieces have nonstick finishes)

Debra’s Answer

Thanks, Fran, for sharing your finds!

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How Do I Choose a Nontoxic Car?

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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Need Advice on Latex Beds

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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Economical Source of Date Sugar in Bulk

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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Wood Wick Candles

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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Winter Break

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!

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Teflon on George Forman Grills?

Question from bev Rockey

I am really trying to do away with all my Teflon coated cooking pans. How harmful is the George Foreman Grill? I love mine.

Debra’s Answer

Personally, I don’t use any pot, pan, or appliance with a Teflon or other no-stick finish. There are different grades of Teflon, but it’s all still Teflon.

We all have to make decisions about what we are willing to use and what we aren’t willing to use. It’s a personal decision, based on health, budget, and various personal factors.

It took me a long time to give up my favorite shade of red lipstick. But ultimately, I’m happy I did.

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ARE TOXIC PRODUCTS HIDDEN IN YOUR HOME?

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