Question from goin’ green

Could you please tell me if there are any risks to humans or the environment with the product by Shaklee called “Basic G?”

According to the Material Safety Data Sheet, the hazardous ingredients are didecyl-dimethyammonium chloride, n-Alkyl (C14-50%, C12-40%, C16-10%) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, ethanol, octyldimethyl amine oxide, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, sodium hydroxide)

This product comes in a concentrate. To use, 3/4 tsp. is used per quart of water.

I am planning to use this only for surfaces contaminated with raw meat or in bathrooms. It will replace the product, 409 in my home as I am under the impression that Basic G is a safe alternative. Do you have other suggestions for a safe (for humans and the environment) product that could be used for the previously mentioned applications? Thanks

Debra’s Answer

The law requires that companies list substances on the MSDS sheet as hazardous ingredients because they are hazardous. Yes, hazardous to humans and the environment.

I don’t have time today to look up all these chemicals and write out their health effects. But you can type each one into your favorite search engine and find out how they are hazardous to health.

In my kitchen, I cut meat on a cutting board that is used only for that purpose, then I put it in the sink and scrub it with hot hot water and soap, and let it air dry on the dish rack. I’ve had no problems with contamination.

In the bathroom, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide will kill germs, also hot water, or a steam machine.

Readers, any other suggestions?

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Question from Laura

Debra, you commented on wanting long underwear in cotton — presumably because it is more eco-friendly than synthetics? but you must remember that conventional cotton probably does as much ecological damage as most synthetics. I actually have some wonderful polyester long underwear (cuddleduds) which has lasted about 15 years and is very warm, doesn’t cling under my clothes, and although certainly NOT made from recycled pop bottles at the time I purchased it, I can state that its longevity and durability have certainly helped minimize its carbon footprint. I wonder if anyone is producing long johns out of recycled polyester fibers?

Laura

Debra’s Answer

Actually, I wear cotton because it is more comfortable against my skin, and it’s a renewable resource. I’ve already discussed wearing non-organic cotton at Q&A: Conventional vs organic cotton clothing.

True, synthetics last longer, but I just can’t wear them. And they last too long–they don’t biodegrade.

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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 Leah

Does anyone own one of these or know anything about them? I am considering purchasing one. The information on their website is impressive, but I am afraid I may be missing something. It looks like it removes most impurities, without removing minerals and they even have a special filter for removing fluoride.

The website is http://www.berkeywater.com.

Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

Hmmmm…interesting. This is a free-standing unit that you pour water into, with a large filter. I would get the stainless steel rather than the plastic unit.

Readers, any experience with this?

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Question from Heidi B.

would you have any information on acrylic plastic dinnerware? we bought some really fun tumblers from costco but when we got them home and realized what an impulsive move we made. we don’t know anything about acrylic plastic and we avoid plastics especially with food…the colors were just so fun ; ) unless they are somehow safe, and we doubt that, they are going back.

thank you!

Debra’s Answer

Acrylic is made from acrylonitrile, a special group of vinyl compounds. In my book Home Safe Home I noted that acrylonitrile is included on the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of sixty-five “priority pollutants” recognized as being hazardous to human health. Scorecard: Chemical Profiles: Acrylonitrile notes that it is a carcinogen.

Take them back, please…

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Question from laura kasisky

I was diagnosed with mcs 6 years ago. How do others deal with hospital stays and hospital procedures. My family has a history of heart problems. I’d like to be prepared in case this situation should arise. The only doctor who is sympathetic to my needs is 2 hours away. I’m not that comfortable with the local doctor that I see.

Debra’s Answer

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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 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 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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