Question from B Kyser

Hello I was reading the advice you had for the New Apartment question from another person. My question is what can I do if I have already moved into this brand new apartment complex and at first it didnt bother me, a week or so, but we were busy and running in and out, now I smell horrible chemical smells, especially in the bathrooms. It is making me sick to my stomach and headaches. I cant afford to move. Please please advise me. I want to enjoy my new apartment.

Debra’s Answer

It’s difficult to advise you without seeing your apartment and the sources of toxic exposures.

One thing you can always do is use an air filter, but it’s always better to remove chemicals at the source.

I am available to do toxic home inspections anywhere in the world

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Question from HEGS

We have purchased an old home without any ducts, that is heated with radiators. We are interested in installing central air conditioning and I just learned about ductless mini-split air conditioning, which is a less expensive way to install air conditioning in homes without existing ductwork. I don’t know much about these systems and I was wondering if you or your readers knew about any environmental or health concerns associated with them, and if anyone has experience with their efficiency?

Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

I think this is a relatively new product because I only just heard of it for the first time within the last month and a unit is on display in a prominent location at my local Home Depot.

Here is a simple explanation with photo US Department of Energy: Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners

We need a new air conditioner in the near future and I’m looking at this as a replacement for ours.

The one I saw at Home Depot is made entirely of plastic, which I wasn’t fond of, however, I think the plastic needs to be researched to see what type it is and if it would pollute the air in any way.

Could you find out what type of plastic it’s made from? Then we could discuss it further.

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Question from Lisa D.

Hello Debra, We are trying to find the least expensive yet least toxic futon mattresses since we just moved and are starting over. We had White Lotus ones in the past but honestly we can’t afford that route right now. I am trying to decide between the Gold Bond Wool Wrap futon mattress (that has boric acid and foam) and a cotton/wool wrap futon from Crane & Turtle which I was told could be without the boric acid. I am pregnant and concerned about health issues and boric acid although some people say it’s safe. Which would you do, or would you do something else? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

First, I wouldn’t do foam and boric acid, especially if you are pregnant.

I looked at the Crane & Turtle cotton/wool wrap and it certainly is a great price, but it’s not organic cotton. Pesticide residues stay in cotton batting, so it’s especially important for a bed to have organic batting in the filling.

And particularly since you are pregnant, it’s important to eliminate as many chemicals as you can. Since you spend 1/3 of your life lying on a mattress, this is no place to save money. There’s a saying “penny wise, pound foolish.” Saving money now will not save money in the future should your child’s health be compromised by pesticides in your mattress.

I know you are on a budget and there are many other chemicals you are being exposed to. But in my opinion, the mattress is one of the most important things to spend money on, and get the purest you can.

White Lotus frequently has sales so you may be able to get a White Lotus mattress for less than you think. Call them.

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Question from lynne

I found pans with the OrGreenic brand. Do you recommend them? I am particularly concerned about my bird.

Thanks,

Lynne

Debra’s Answer

Someone else asked about Orgreenic a couple of years ago (see Orgreenic nonstick pan)

At the time I didn’t have any experience, but since saw one in a “as-seen-on-TV” store.

The finish feels like plastic to me, not like ceramic.

See Debra’s List: Cookware for my recommended brands.

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Question from Alexandra

Hi Debra, Is stoneware a non toxic product? I am considering getting some stoneware items. Namely the butter dish and the teapot from Le Creuset. Also, some children’s play dishes at IKEA. Do you have any advice on this? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Some stoneware is safe. There are two variables.

One is contaminants in the clay itself. The other is lead or other metals in the glaze.

It’s always a good idea to check on the purity of lead and glaze before purchasing.

Call the manufacturer.

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Question from morgan

We recently moved into a new house and my 2 month old and 2 year old both have had blood in their noses since we moved in and I was wondering what could possibly be causing that? It has been fixed up recently but also has an old basement in an area with high radon.

Debra’s Answer

It sounds like there are many materials in your home that could be releasing various chemicals that would irritate your children’s respiratory track to the point of causing bloody noses.

“It has been fixed up recently…” with what? New paint, new carpets, new cabinets? Any one of those has chemicals that can cause irritation and more.

Radon could be doing it too.

This is the kind of thing we could discuss in more detail in a paid telephone consultation. I can help you identify exact source points of chemicals and how to remedy them.

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