Art | Resources
Nontoxic Polyurethane Spray to Protect OUTDOOR Furniture
Question from Alice
Hi Debra,
Can you recommend a NON TOXIC POLYURETHANE SPRAY or paint . We want to protect some outdoor furniture from rain, wind and sun.
Thanks for your help with this.
Debra’s Answer
I would say there is no such thing as a “nontoxic” polyurethane spray. There is “less toxic” polyurethane spray, which would be any brand that is water-based. Water-based finishes do not contain the toxic solvents, but still contain petrochemicals.
Just type “water based polyurethane exterior” into your favorite search engine and you’ll get lots of products to choose from.
Getting Rid of Vanilla Scent in Rubber Gel
Question from John
Hello. Would like to know if its possible to get rid definitely of that persistent vanilla-scent odour left once I applied some amount of termoplastic rubber gel (Mulco label) inside a washing machine?
Thanks, Jon
Debra’s Answer
I don’t think so. You didn’t give me an exact name for this product, so I searched for “Mulco rubber gel” and found a technical data sheet for “Latex 9000”. It says that is a latex-based sealant with polyurethane added.
Interesting you picked up the vanilla scent, as Talalay latex is known to have artificial vanillin added. This is incorporated into the latex when it goes through the vulcanization process to turn it into rubber and is intended to be an integral part of it. It’s only function is as a scent.
PVC-free Internet Cable
Question from Need A Cable
Hi Debra, I need to buy a 100ft internet cable for my home but was unable to find the one that would be pvc-free. Do you by chance know where I can find one?
Debra’s Answer
I wasn’t able to find one.
Readers? Do you know of any?
Esperanza Threads
An interesting and unusual source of clothing for men, women, and children, made from organic cotton and other natural fibers. This is attractive, useful, clothing made from natural fibers in styles that are hard to find, including flowing, natural styles in sizes up to women’s 3x. And… “Esperanza Threads can provide clothing for you if you have moderate chemical sensitivities. We strongly suggest that you first test our fabrics. Look for our Chemical Sensitive Safe Logo next to fabrics which are safe for individuals with moderate chemical sensitivities.” These clothing items are handmade in the USA through a program that trains low-income individuals in industrial sewing, including immigrant refugees.
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Listen to my interview with Esperanza Threads Executive Director Lucretia Bohnsack. |
Kasper Organics
“Affordable and socially responsible organic cotton clothing and accessories for men and women.” All the items I checked were 100% organic cotton (except socks), with no synthetics. Many low-impact dyes and natural Colorganic cotton. Some latex-free. Some items are from brand name manufacturers, others handmade by the owner. Also bedding and bath towels. “If I was buying organically grown food for my family, why was I buying toxic clothing?”
Natural Furniture
A large selection of real wood furniture, made in the USA to last for generations. This “ready-to-finish furniture is available in a wide cariety of hardwoods, each with its own distinctive grain patterns and colorations.” Use the nontoxic finish of your choice. They have hundreds of pieces for every room in your home, made from many types of wood.
Natural Soap for Laundry and Bathing
Question from Rachel
Hello! I am wanting to use a natural soap to bathe with and make laundry detergent. I came across Kirks Castile Soap. I found a recipe on their website on how to make homemade laundry soap. Do you know if the bar soap has any “toxic” ingredients? I also thought about using Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap to bathe with. What are your thoughts?
Debra’s Answer
I used Kirks Castile Soap many years ago because it was one of the only soaps I could find at the time that didn’t have artificial fragrance and colors in it. However, it’s made primarily from coconut oil, which made my skin so dry I had to stop using it. Just went to their website to check the ingredients and OMG! Lots of industrial chemicals! Compare these ingredients with any of the natural handmade soaps I’ve listed on Debra’s List. This is also a good source for soaps for bathing. I have no objection to Dr. Bronners, but to me, handmade soaps are more interesting and they are made by hand.
Wearing Lead Crystal and Tin Against Your Skin
Question from Linda
Do Swarovski crystals pose a health danger? Say if I wear a Swarovski crystal necklace, can the lead leach off the beads and penetrate my skin and into the bloodstream causing lead poisoning? What about their Aurora Borealis beads? Those are quoted with tin foil (so I’ve been told) at back, meaning this would directly touch the throat area. If it’s hot and I’m wearing either, is leaching inevitable or are they somehow safe? Thank you for your help.
Debra’s Answer
Swarovski crystals DO contain lead, however, they say “the crystal manufacturing process creates a matrix which inhibits the mobility of lead. In other words, lead is bound into the structure of the crystal. Because of this structure, lead crystal poses no significant risk of excessive lead exposure to human health via surface contact (hand to mouth), mouthing or even ingestion. Indeed, Swarovski crystals have been tested under a variety of test methods for extractable lead. Test conditions and procedures do vary, but lead levels are well below regulatory limits even when the crystal is tested in an acid solution to maximize the release of lead.” Read more about this at http://www.i-kandi.com/CPSIA-Crystal-Lead-Statement.htm
Tin could be absorbed by the skin with contact, so I would not recommend wearing the Aurora Borealis beads against your skin. You could wear them over clothing if you want.
I Need a New Couch and a New Chair
Question from Sheri
I have MCS also..I need a new couch and new chair. What advice can you give me on brands or what to look for to protect myself and my pets from the outgassing. Glue really bothers me and formyaldehyde. Thanks, Sheri
Debra’s Answer
Readers, any other creative suggestions?
Will California TB117-2013 Really Reduce Fire Retardants?
TB117-2013 is a new California flammability standard for upholstered furniture (which includes, couches, padded chairs, but NOT mattresses). Because it is not feasible for manufacturers to make different versions of products for different states, the California standard has effectively been and will continue to be the standard for the entire United States. Currently it’s still in the proposal stage, but it’s in the news this week because the deadline to make comments is next Tuesday, March 26.
California Governor Jerry Brown has directed the Bureau of Electronic & Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation to redo the TB117 flammability standard in a way that reduces the use of flame-retardants while still maintaining fire safety. But will the currently proposed revision actually do that?
The existing TB117 rule requires the filling materials of household furnishings (polyurethane foam in most cases) to pass an open-flame test. This is where the foam is exposed to a flame and the foam is required to meet specific flammability criteria. Because polyurethane foam is has an “open cell” structure, there is a tremendous amount of air available between the thin cell walls, which makes the foam extremely flammable. In order to comply with the extisting law, foam manufacturers have to add flame-retardant chemicals into the foam.
These flame-retardant chemicals, however, are only of limited value, because once the foam does ignite, the resulting fire can be just as massive as a fire with untreated foam. Even worse, once there is a fire, the various flame-retardant chemicals are released into the air and create even more toxic conditions for residents and fire fighters. Fire retardants have been found in the blood of fire fighters, and cancer rates are up among them.
