Art | Resources
Covering Lead Cords with Washi Tape
Question from Mary
I have seen several discussions on this site about the lead in cords. Would covering them in washi tape be a good idea to reduce lead exposure? Are there any concerns with washi tape?
Or what about painter’s tape?
Lisa’s Answer
I’d recommend a fabric cover. You can find hemp or other natural material covers on Etsy. I honestly had to look up washi tape because I had never heard of it. Any tape is going to introduce an adhesive. Washi is typically made from a natural fiber paper but the adhesive can vary by manufacturer. Overall, I don’t think this is a big exposure but if you are going to the trouble of covering your cords why cover them with something that could offgas?
Cover for Cochlear Implant Cords
Question from Miriam
My daughter wears cochlear implants, which have cables that connect the magnet to the processor. Her audiologist kindly gave us some covers to strengthen then and keep them from kinking up but when I asked the Etsy vendor about them, she informed me they are made from PVC. Could you PLEASE help me think of an alternative? These are something she wears every day, and on her head :-/.
Here is a picture of a cochlear implant:
https://advancedbionics.com/com/en/home/solutions/processors/naida-ci.html
and here is the link to the covers we were given:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/846131723/cochlear-hearing-aid-cable-twists
You can see a picture in the listing of what it is covering, as well.
Lisa’s Answer
Have you searched for silicone covers? I googled hearing aid covers and came up with several options. I’m not sure if they would fit your device but perhaps they could be cut. I don’t recommend silicone for baking but it is inert at room temperature.
No-VOC Exercise Equipment
Question from Greg
Any recommendations on no-Voc home exercise equipment? Looking for options from stationary bicycle to resistance bands.
-Here is an example of resistance bands :https://smarterlifeproducts.com/products/smartsport-resistance-tube-bands
-Home gyms are heavy on plastics.
-There may be some good examples of stationary bikes.
Lisa’s Answer
I think it would be a great business idea for someone to make truly safer gym equipment. Unfortunately, I don’t know of any that are truly No-VOC. I’m not sure that’s possible. The way I look at it is that the benefit of exercise outweighs the risks and you should minimize exposure where you can. Also, home gyms are a very good place to have a good air purifier that captures VOCs.
The resistance bands shown seem better. It’s good that they are not made with PVC but it doesn’t tell you what it is made of.
I haven’t looked into stationary bikes. Readers, any suggestions?
Organization
Question from Stefany
At the moment I can not afford real wood drawers or cabinets. Would metal drawer organizers be non toxic? I want to buy some down below for clothes and kitchen/pantry as well.
https://www.target.com/p/closetmaid-4-tier-wire-utility-cart-white/-/A-16694639#lnk=sametab
Lisa’s Answer
Unless you are sensitive to EMFs I think metal dressers are a good choice. Just make sure the metal is not coated with an epoxy or even vinyl coating. One of the items listed is powder coated which is a good choice. There were a couple that listed epoxy coating. I’d avoid those.
Cowhide Rug
Question from Stacey
I’m wondering if cowhide rugs are toxic, or if the end product is toxic to touch. I am aware that the tannins used in the process of leather-making are toxic, so I avoid leather furniture.
Would a cowhide rug be safe for my home?
Lisa’s Answer
Most cowhide rugs are made with a chrome tanning process, similar to leather. It is toxic. Some of the more toxic chemicals are Chrome VI, AZO-dyes, and formaldehyde. Like leather, cowhide can be made with a vegetable tanning process which doesn’t use chrome VI or some of the other harsher chemicals, but it does use chemicals. If you are interested in a vegetable tanned product, you would need to understand the chemicals used for the particular item.
Jewelry Glue
Question from Mir
Could you help me find a good jewelry glue?
This is not something I intend to use often; just to repair a few pieces of jewelry, so perhaps it’s less of a concern and the exposure is only while it’s drying?
I googled non-toxic jewelry glue but not sure what to look for. Ideally one I can get on Amazon or a low-shipping free :-/
These are the 2 I found recommended:
(1) Crafter’s Pick–The Ultimate
(2) Weldbond
I’m inclined to go with (2) b/c their website seems more transparent and they said they can provide an MSDS (they volunteered this in their FAQ). I emailed them, I’ll let you know what they say.
Lisa’s Answer
I looked for a MSDS online for Weldbond and didn’t see one. I’ve never used a jewelry glue before so I’m not familiar with a safer one. If you expect to use this only on occasion, I am not too concerned about it being a significant exposure. Make sure you use it in a well ventilated area, ideally outside, and allow it fully cure.
Convection Ovens
Question from Duane
Lisa’s Answer
I haven’t done a full investigation on ovens in general. If you have read my guide on Toasters and Toaster Ovens you’ll understand how challenging it is to get information about appliances. It is something that I plan to dive into at some point but it will be a very big project so I can’t give you specific timing.
Toaster and Toaster Oven Buying Guide
It’s hard to find safe, non-toxic kitchen appliances because manufacturers don’t always list the materials they use. Here’s a guide to help you find a toaster or toaster oven that uses safer materials.
Non-Toxic Dishes
Question from Lisa
Lisa’s Answer
I assume that the dishes are new. If so, Villeroy & Boch claims that their dishes use lead-free glaze. Even when manufacturers use lead free glazes, it’s possible that they could have traces of lead which can be a raw material contaminant. Typically white dishes are a safer bet. I believe the Manor pattern is white. You can read more here about lead in ceramic dishes.
The EU has been evaluating tightening their lead limits for ceramics but it hasn’t been updated since the 1980’s. I reached out to Villeroy & Boch to see if they meet or exceed California Proposition 65 limits but have not heard back. I recommend buying white ceramic dishwater that meets or exceeds Prop 65.
Tamara Rubin from leadsafemama.com tests products including dishes with XRF equipment to see if they contain lead. You could try that. The limitation of this is that it tells you if there is lead content but does not tell you if it leaches out of the product. You can use it as an extra precaution. The testing, however, is not done in a laboratory and only tests one sample. It can be a useful tool in some instances.
Stokke Oval Crib
Question from Nicole
Lisa’s Answer
I would need more information than is provided on their website but there are some red flags. The crib is described on some reseller websites as made of 100% beech wood. On the Stokke site it is described as solid beech wood but then further down in the details it says it is a combination of solid beechwood, Beech laminate and beech plywood. I find this very misleading. Laminate is made with adhesives so I would need to know what type of adhesives are used. Plywood may contain formaldehyde. I don’t see any certifications to confirm that they use formaldehyde-free plywood.
Also, the natural color has a finish that I would need to know more about. The white and grey are stained and I would need to know more about the stain used. You can call the company and ask if the have Safety Data Sheets for the finishes and materials used. If you get those I can look at them to tell you more.
