Question from jkpone

I’ve been extremely sensitive to chemicals for the last 6 1/2 years and the time has come to purchase a new mattress (ugh!). I’m definitely going to buy organic but I’ve heard many organic mattresses smell very strongly and make sensitive folks very sick. Do you have any suggestions as to which company and/or brand I should focus on in order to reduce the risk of paying a ton of money for a mattress I can’t sleep on? Or on which type of organic mattress I should buy (organic cotton, wool, latex, etc)?

Thanks in advance.

Jen

Debra’s Answer

First, if you have MCS, your sensitivities are uniquely your own, and what can work for one person may not work for another.

For you, I would avoid latex, as it often has an odor. Organic cotton batting often has an odor that some react to, but it is not toxic. Wool seems to have the least odor.

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Question from M.R.

What is your opinion on the organic fertilizers, organic potting soil and garden soil on the market today.

Are these really any less toxic than the conventional products? I do not understand how fertilizer chemicals can be organic. Is this a misuse of the word “organic”?

Debra’s Answer

You are asking a question that is too general to answer.

So let’s take some examples.

Here’s one that came up near the top of the list searching on “organic potting soil”: Fox Farm Ocean Forest Organic Potting Soil. It contains premium earthworm castings, bat guano, Pacific Northwest sea-going fish, crab meal, composted forest humus, sandy loam, and sphagnum peat moss. All good stuff. All natural. All organic in the sense that it the ingredients are from nature and not manmade. There is nothing to indicate that any of it is organically grown without chemicals.

Here’s another one: Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix. It contains “a blend of all-natural, organic ingredients: sphagnum peat moss and composted bark fines.” Again all good stuff, all natural, no indication these are grown without chemicals.

Likewise for ingredients on “organic fertilizers” I checked.

These fertilizers are using whole natural ingredients for soil nutrients as opposed to isolated synthetic nutrients. Hence, the term “organic”.

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Question from sasha123

We have to build a new deck. I know that cedar can be problematic for many with MCS, but what about redwood?

Debra’s Answer

Readers, what is your experience with woods for building decks?

Here in Florida wood rots really easily so wood products are sold that mix wood particles with other materials, such as recycled plastic or cement. If you go with recycled plastic, look for recycled polyethylene decking and avoid recycled PVC.

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Question from SVE

Hi Debra,

Recently I figured out I was reacting to the ink in Pilot and Uniball pens with my usual antifreeze (ethylene glycol) symptoms. I eliminated all our pens from inside the house and I’m now using pencils. My biggest problem at present is not being able write a check.

I don’t think I’m reacting to the dry ink on our papers in the house and I don’t seem to have a problem with mail coming into the house either. We have a printer that takes ink containing no antifreeze.

With all the different inks in pens and printers using antifreeze as a solvent, I would think I would be reacting to them if traces of antifreeze remained.

Does antifreeze in pen and printer ink evaporate leaving the ink on the paper antifreeze free after it dries?

Do you have suggestions for non-toxic, antifreeze free ink pens that I could use for writing checks? What do you use, Debra? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I haven’t researched all the chemicals used in all pens.

I personally avoid all “permanent” marking pens and all ballpoint pens where the ink globs around the tip, as those clearly have strong odors.

My standard pen is Pilot Precise V5, which I have been using for years and haven’t ever had a problem with.

I would think once the ink dries there would be no residue of ethylene glycol left.

A number of years ago I decided I wanted to stop using disposable plastic pens and began to use fountain pens. There are also glass pens that pull the ink up into a spiral tip, which you dip into ink. Dipping inks come in several types which may have different ingredients.

You can also make your own ink, which would require a bit of research. Years ago when I visited historic Williamsburg, I bought a quill pen and a packet of black ink powder to mix with water. You can still buy this at Williamsburg Quill Pens & Ink.

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Question from chrisw

I purchased a backpack made from nylon which has a polyurethane coating on the inside. It has a sticky feel to it and quite a strong odor. I have confirmed with the bag manufacturer that the coating is indeed PU and is used for waterproofing purposes. Would the PU coating used in this instance be toxic? Thanks, Chris

Debra’s Answer

I personally don’t use any synthetic materials that have strong odors.

I suggest putting the backpack out in the sun for a week and see how it smells then.

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Question from Texas Cook

Hi Debra, My youngest daughter has times of the year that are so difficult because of severe outdoor allergies. I am considering purchasing x box 360 kinect so that we can play sports together while she has to spend so much time inside. I know nothing about the lasers they use for the kinect and I am wondering if they are safe. Thank you for your advice!

Debra’s Answer

I know nothing about this product. Readers?

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