Question from Tycho

In terms of formaldehyde emissions, is CDX plywood a safe choice as a subfloor in a residence? I’ve heard that CDX plywood (also called exterior grade plywood, I believe) only contains phenol-formaldehyde (not the more toxic urea-formaldehyde) and therefore is a good choice for a subfloor underneath a hardwood floor. According to my local lumber yard, regulations here in California have all but eliminated formaldehyde from CDX plywood. I’d be grateful for any relevant information.

Debra’s Answer

My understanding is as you state.

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I thought this was an interesting article, relevent to our topic of toxics.

Science Daily: Why Do Smells Make Some People Sick?

It seems that people who do not do well with odors have a different pattern of brain activity and blood flow through the brain that those who can smell the same odor and have no reaction.

Regardless, I say if it’s toxic, we shouldn’t be smelling it.

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Question from Annette Tweedel

Hi Debra, We got a, I guess you call it a chinet set of dishes when we got married back in 1982. And I believe my husband and I already checked it a while back to see if it had lead. And I don’t think it does. The set is Applique by Noritake, pattern # 3016 and the description is yellow, pink, blue, white flowers on rim. The paper that I managed to pull up shows item # 65212—Manufacturer status: discontinued actual: 1980-1987. We have not used anything from the set yet, my concern is, would the decorations from the plates and other dishes harm us if if were to come off while eating? This is the website, I don’t know if it will work. I hope this information helps. Thanks for the help.

Debra’s Answer

The best advice I can give you is to check it again for lead and specifically check the decoration.

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Question from Craig D.

Hi, Debra. I found a website for belts, bags, wallets and sandals. For the men and women, there are organic belts made up of certified USDA Organic Angus beef cattle, vegetable extracts, tree bark, and bees wax. Also made in the USA.

http://www.thomasbates.com/

http://www.thomasbates.com/pc/Men-s-Leather-Belts-c100.htm

http://www.thomasbates.com/pc/Highwood-Organic-Leather-Women-s-Belt-67p153.htm

Debra’s Answer

Great find! Thanks!

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Question from Lora

I recently acquired a couch that smells like it was sprayed with Febreeze or cleaned with a toxic chemical. The chemical smell is unbearable. Does any one know how to clean the fabric of the chemical odor/residue or should I just get rid of it?

Thanks,

Lora

Debra’s Answer

Personally, I would just get rid of it. Fragrance of any kind is very toxic and very difficult to remove.

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Question from petercsantoro@yahoo.com

I am trying to find a natural material tablecloth. Can I assume that if it is linen or 100% cotton (which isn’t easy to find), that it isn’t treated with any coating/ chemicals? Most do not state if their is any coating or not on the fabric… Do you have any recommendations for where to purchase? Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

You can’t assume it’s not treated, but usually if it is treated it will say “permanent press” “easy care” or “Scotchguard”. Look for items that say “100% cotton” but don’t say “easy care” or anything else that might indicate a finish.

I have purchased cotton and linen table linens at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and even Ross Dress for Less. Pier One has a lot of untreated cotton table linens.

Here are some natural fiber table linens on amazon.com:

Hemstitch Dinner Napkins

Hemstitch Table Cloth

Lots of cotton placemats

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Question from petercsantoro@yahoo.com

I am trying to organize my children’s playroom as well as the whole house. I have many plastic storage bins which I use to store clothes, Christmas decor, etc. Some of these bins are labeled “5” plastic, which I assume is safer than other types. Are these bins okay or do all plastics outgassing, and would you recommend something else? I did find some rattan baskets and dyed canvas storage containers which have metal frames (Pottery Barn). It does not state what finish is on the rattan, but I assume it is a polyurethane protective coating. Can I assume these bins are non-toxic and safe for a playroom? Do you have any other recommendations or tips? Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

Number 5 plastic is polypropylene, which is slightly toxic, but not horrible.

Personally, I always try to find containers other than plastic to use. I’m looking around my house and see wire letter baskets, wooden letter baskets, cardboard boxes, baskets made of various natural materials, wooden crates from Michael’s…

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Question from Lauri422

I would like to buy a personal computer for use in my small apartment. I’m looking for the least toxic, as there is not any cross-ventilation at home, and I have severe MCS. I’ve been using a computer at the public library, but the perfume odors that surround me at the library make me realize it would be a lot healthier for me to not come here often. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which brands may be safest, and what to look for. I just want this for basic email & google searches. Thank you

Debra’s Answer

The least toxic laptop computer I know of is MacBook, made of aluminum and glass.

But if all you need is email and internet, you might want to consider an iPad, which is much less material and costs less to buy.

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