Art | Resources
Immersion blender
Question from petercsantoro@yahoo.com
I just bought the Bamix immersion blender for quickly chopping, pureeing, mixing, etc. without having to take apart my blender and clean it every time. It seems like a great tool and has received all great reviews. But before I use it, I was hoping to get your opinion.
The drive shaft is stainless steel, and the detachable parts that do the chopping, pureeing, etc., seem to be chromium plated. Will this leech chemicals into the food I am preparing? If so, then it’s not worth it, and I will stick with the manual labor of chopping myself and cleaning the blender.
It was expensive, but seemed like such a handy tool, especially for pureeing baby food. I am still thinking about the Vitamix blender, which I believe you have, but am hesitant on spending the money. Is it easy to clean? I know it’s plastic but BPA free, so less worrisome.
I appreciate your opinion! Thanks again, Debra!
Debra’s Answer
I doubt there will be any leaching, as leaching from metals into food requires considerable contact time. This is not something I am concerned about.
I have a Cuisinart immersion blender and I love it. I use my Vitamix for making smoothies and crushed ice, but my immersion blender is perfect for pureeing vegetable soups.
Houston PLACE to Stay ? Safe? Safer?
Question from Stjarn
To no avail, I’ve been searching for days on end for some place in the Houston, TX area that is safe to stay for someone with MCS. Staying in conventional hotels has been an absolute nightmare. I’m aware of two large chains’ allergy rooms and they are indeed good for people with traditional allergies, but they seem to use MORE chemicals for killing conventional allergens. Not a help here. Houston is seeming more and more like a place where people/businesses just don’t have an awareness of chemical issues. Even small B and B’s have not responded favorably. If anyone has particular information, it would be great to hear it before we go to Houston next weekend. Thank you very much.
Debra’s Answer
Readers?
Japanese Tansu
Question from Sue Mironer
I have two Japanese Tansu chests (one for clothing, and one for odds and ends) in my apartment. I’m considering purchasing a third chest but when I inquired about fumigation I was told the tansu are fumigated in Japan before being shipped to the U.S. with a chemical called DDVP. When the tansu arrive here, they’re washed down with TSP. I wiped the two I own down with vinegar and water before using them. I’ve never noticed a smell or reaction but I’m wondering if this is safe. Your comments please.
Debra’s Answer
DDVP is the acronym for 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate, also called Dichlorvos. It is a highly volatile organophosphate, widely used as a insecticide to control household pests, and also used in greenhouses, on outdoor fruit and vegetable crops. and in the milling of grain. It is also used in pet collars and “no-pest strips” as pesticide-impregnated plastic. In this form it has recently been labeled for use against bed bugs.
DDVP is absorbed through all routes of exposure. Symptoms from exposure are weakness, headache, tightness in chest, blurred vision, salivation, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
www.pan-uk.org/pestnews/Actives/dichlorv.htm
I’m not sure that TSP would do anything to remove this pesticide. I suggest calling a manufacturer and find out how to remove residues of this pesticide from furniture.
GreenShield Organic Household Cleaners and Laundry Products
“The only line of USDA Certified Organic laundry and cleaning products in the country,” sold in major retail stores. These products really work. The All Purpose Cleaner took the mold right off of my bathroom tile. No harsh odors or floral scents. Website has store locator and online ordering through Lowe’s.
Cedar Oil Store
Control bedbugs, mosquitoes, lice…A whole variety of cedar repellants, for personal protection, pets, and farm animals. Cedar oil sprays in various concentration for different uses, and red cedar granules to use indoors or out to repel repel fleas, mosquitos, roaches, scorpions, flies, no-see-ums–even venomous snakes–with no effect on beneficial insects such as butterflies and pollinating bees. These really work.
Hemp Basics
“The Internet’s Widest Selection of Hemp Products,” provided by a company that has been making and selling hemp products since 1991. Choose from clothing for men and women, bags, accessories, body care, home and garden, and pet. Also basic hemp materials to make things yourself, including fabrics, yarn, rope, webbing, and more.
Confused…Safest twin mattress for toddler?
Question from DomsMom
Hi, I’ve been researching through your site and just as I think I have FINALLY found a safe toxin-free mattress for my 2 year old, I feel unsure again.
I was going to go with the Bella Sera Nove 3 mattress. I choose this mattress because it has organic wool, from the USA. I am was/am still concerned about the possibility of contaminants in the wool- arsenic, mercury, etc. I’ve heard about Lanolin being contaminated with toxins, so I assume wool could be as well.
I figured that if the wool was organic, it would probably be free of contamination, but how do I know that? I cannot find any brand that says that they screen their wool for these things.
Then, I read about latex exposure causing latex allergies, and am at a loss…
Oh, I also read about EMF’s in the innerspring mattresses, so I crossed those off my list as well.
My son is currently sleeping on a Naturepedic crib mattress, but I want to get him something more comfortable. The Naturepedic is extremely firm and I’m not a big fan of it. Help!!
Debra’s Answer
Contact Shepherd’s Dream and ask them your questions about wool.
Water Filters For Well – Need Help
Question from jiwaskow
We’re looking for a whole house water filter and water softener for a mountain house that is on a well. I have severe MCS so I’m sensitive to plastic, but also to nickel (in stainless steel). Has anyone already done a bunch of research and perhaps has info to share? Thanks!
Debra’s Answer
Readers?
Oeko-Tex Certified Children’s Clothing
Looking for non toxic “Nap Nanny”
Question from sparky2too
My 14 week old son suffers from reflux and we have found it helpful to have him sleep on a slanted surface so his head is higher than his tummy. The only comfortable way we have found to do this so far is to use a chair called “Nap Nanny” which is basically a slanted foam chair covered in a velour type fabric- very comfortable but not so healthy given that the foam must be treated with fire retardant chemicals. Have you heard of a non toxic replacement to the ” Nap Nanny”? Or anti-reflux pillows for infants that are non toxic?
Debra’s Answer
Readers? Any experience with this?
If you don’t find one, try asking any of the natural mattress or pillow makers to custom make one for you.
