Plastic Outgassing Of Microwave Oven
Question from Patricia Hetzler My husband recently bought a new microwave. The only plastic parts are the door. It has a strong plastic smell when it heats up that gives me a headache. What can I do to speed up the outgassing?And no, my husband can’t live...Clothes Dryer
Question from Maya Hi Debra. WE never had a dryer before and dried everything on the line. We are moving soon and want to buy a dryer. Do you have any advice. I have been reading a lot on all the problems with front loading washers. Are there any problems with dryers?...Kettles
Question from Cheryl Hi Debra and everyone, I have been shopping for a new tea kettle. I just want a simple stove top type. All the kettles I see are made in China. For instance, Copco kettles abound at stores in our area. Does anyone know if Copco kettles are non...Bone china
Question from Julie Burns Hi Debra, I wonder about getting an English bone china teapot – are they safe to drink from and are their any environmental issues with their production? Thanks! Debra’s Answer “China” is a common name for porcelain,...Cornstarch powder in latex gloves
Question from RMM Hi Debra: I thought some of your readers may be interested in knowing that the presence of cornstarch powder in latex gloves can greatly increase the likelihood that one will become sensitized to latex. See this link:...Organic Houseplants
Question from Katrina Hello! We just moved into a new house (not new per se, but new for us) and had our first baby this year. We try to live as “green” as we can. I’m looking to fill my house with plants but cannot seem to find “organic”...Non toxic mugs
Question from Cheryl Hello Debra and all, Is it safe to assume that any mugs made in the United States and claiming to be lead and cadmimum free are non toxic? If I have been told that the coloring they use on their pottery is colored with “highfired stoneware...EVA foam
Question from Jennifer Dear Debra, We have just received a toy made from EVA foam (LDPE) Ethylene Vinyl Acetate copolymer which is, I believe, #4 plastic. It is my impression that it is a relatively safe plastic. This is a bath toy so a water proof nature is...ABS plastic toy
Question from Jennifer Dear Debra, We have been sent a really great ABS plastic toy. While not a big fan of plastic toys, this one is really cool. It’s called ShapeScapeS and I’d like to keep it–as long as it is a safer plastic. I’ve done...
