Question from carolmr

Dear Debra – I have been reading a lot about Nano Tex. It is used on almost everything: clothing, furniture, luggage, etc., to repel stains and water. It is actually built into the fabric, not sprayed on. It has been approved by the EPA. Do you know anything about this?

Debra’s Answer

I haven’t been able to find anything related to health effects of Nano-Tex and I’ve never seen a fabric that has had it applied. As you say, it’s an alteration of the fabric itself, not applied as a finish. Has anyone had any experience with this?

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Question from hatzis4

My wife and I recently bought a cheap area rug from Target. We learned you get what you pay for!!

For about two weeks, there was a rubbery odor that I now know (after doing a lot of reading on your website) was probably the off-gassing from the backing of the carpet. My son had trouble sleeping and lots of congestion.

We got rid of the carpet a few days ago, but now the problem is that the smell has actually gotten worse. It’s like the chemical has seeped into the 50 year old wooden floor. I’ve scrubbed it with Murphy’s Oil Soap and another hardwood floor cleaner, left the windows open, and nothing seems to help.

Any ideas about how to get rid of the smell? It is actually overpowering – especially at night when the heat kicks on. We are new to learning all about the toxic chemicals all around us in our house – but becoming quick converts! Greg in CT

Debra’s Answer

I was about to write for you to use heat to release the odor, then I read that the odor is worse at night when the heat kicks on. That’s actually a good sign.

I suggest that you turn on the heat to the highest setting, then everyone leave the house for the day. When you come back, open the windows and air out the house. You may need to do this a few times, but heat should handle it. The heat is causing the fumes to be released from the flooring.

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Question from Ann

Can anyone recommend a NON-organic sheet manufactured in the US? (The “Still Made in the USA” web site has no companies that manufacture sheets.)

Organic cotton doesn’t remove cotton tannin (dust). I am sensitive to that.

The Fieldcrest sheets that were made in the U.S. (went bankrupt in 2003) had such a wonderful Pima cotton sheet. Today the Fieldcrest label has sheets manufactured from Pakistan, which have an odd odor that won’t seem to wash out.

I have been contemplating buying an Italian sheet, but am concerned about international fumigation on exports, which I have been reading about in connection with the textile industry.

If anyone has bought a non-organic sheet made in the US within the past three years, please let me know! Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from J. S.

Have you had any experience with fabrics with this certification? Not all the fabrics are natural fibers but supposedly are tested for harmful and/or toxic substances. I’m looking for fabric to have make into slipcovers that will be washable. What are your thoughts on polyester fabrics or combination poly cotton as an option? I have found a denim like cotton but I’m looking for something with a pattern to mix and match to increase options. Any other recommendations.Thank You.

Debra’s Answer

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or ֫o-Tex Standard 100 is an international testing and certification system for textiles, developed in 1992.

It centers around a list of harmful substances used in textile production, which are tested for. The list of harmful substances is based on the latest scientific findings and is continually updated. The test samples are tested by the independent Oeko-Tex institutes for

There are four Oeko-Tex product classes:

If all components of a textile product comply with the requirements of the Oeko-Tex criteria catalogue without exception, the textile manufacturer receives certification and is entitled to use the Oeko-Tex label on their product. The Oeko-Tex certificate is issued for a period of one year and can be extended subject to further successful testing. In order to ensure ongoing compliance with the test criteria, the authorised Oeko-Tex Institutes carry out control tests every year on a minimum of 15% of all certificates issued on Oeko-Tex products currently being sold.

It’s my understanding that the certification only applies to the toxicity of the products, and no other environmental factors. I would say that if the certification is given to a synthetic fabric, such as polyester, it would have been manufactured in a way that does not contain any of the list of harmful substances. But it still would be made from nonrenewable petroleum and not be biodegradble, which are not considerations with this certification.

I still opt for organically grown natural fibers as the best choice all around for health and the environment. But the Oko-Tex 100 standard would guarantee that a textile meets the standards given for presence of harmful substances.

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Question from Karolina

I am shopping for a natural/organic mattress. I have read for several hours the posts here and I am still confused. I believe that I would do well with a natural latex bed, as I have a back/neck pain and need some support. I was considering a wool mattress too, but I have sensitivity/allergy to wool. My mom has a deadly allergy to wool – it seems to run in the family.

I was in a furniture store yesterday and saw “Natural Care” by Simmons www.naturalcarebed.com for sale. I am wondering if anybody tried/experienced this mattress and is it truly chemical free or what kind of fire retardant do they use. I have bought a new mattress “Miralux” only

Debra’s Answer

Natural beds have become so popular that major mattress companies such as Simmons are now making mattresses design to meet that consumer interest. This one was even designed and endorsed by Danny Seo, a “celebrity” green advocate. So it really looks like someone “in-the-know” says it’s OK.

Unfortunately, this mattress has some shortcomings. It’s taking a step in the right direction by using some green materials, but not enough.

The website lists their “natural and sustainable” ingredients.

Among them are the following.

This is simply an effort to make a product that will appeal to consumers who want green products, without actually making a green product.

The natural mattresses I’ve chosen for Debra’s List: Textiles: Beds & Bedding are 100% natural and many are organic.

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Question from Leslie

A company called Cuddledown offers many Oeko-Tex certified bed linens. We are looking at a “down alternative” comforter and/or blanket. Their description is:

Debra’s Answer

How sharp you are for noticing this!

I would say from their description that their synthetic fill is just like any other. How toxic is it? Not tremendously, but I don’t use synthetic fibers of any kind as they are made from nonrenewable resources, not biodegradable, and may have chemicals used in their manufacture I don’t even know about. Synthetic fibers are also known to weaken the body’s electromagnetic energy fields, which is different from damaging cells, but affects health nonetheless.

Last fall I had the opportunity to go to a trade show in Germany and a lot of bedding was made with Oeko-Tek certified fabrics used as covers over other questionable fillings. It’s a step in the right direction, but since there are products that are safe and green through and through, I prefer to choose those.

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Question from LMH

Hi Debra,

I have found your website and blog so helpful as I move to reduce toxins in my home and life. Thank you!

I just purchased a set of 100% bamboo sheets and I’m in love with them. They are light and silky and are a “green” choice being a sustainable natural fiber. I’m wondering though, if they are treated with formaldehyde or other toxins as are standard cotton sheets. There is of course no indication on the packaging (only reads 100% bamboo, imported from China). I bought them through a large catalog/online retailer who can’t offer any details beyond what’s on the packaging.

I thought you may know if it is common for bamboo fabrics and linens to be chemically treated or if I should return them and choose organic cotton instead.

Thanks, LMH

Debra’s Answer

I believe they are not chemically treated, but I don’t know for sure. There seems to be not a lot of information about the processing and manufacture of bamboo fabrics.

My assumption would be that they are not treated because they are being marketed as a natural product. I don’t have bamboo sheets myself but I have seen samples of them and they do not appear to be treated to me.

If you want to be absolutely sure of no chemicals in your bedding, choose organic cotton.

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Question from Miemiemuis

Would you use ‘green’ pans that have a PTFE-free nonstick coating? I have been seeing these in a few stores and Walmart in particular is selling a non-stick pan using NP2 technology that is suppose to be eco-friendly.

Thanks for your input.

Debra’s Answer

I’m a little wary of this coating. I’ve noticed that not all “green” nonstick coatings are the same. I personally do use the Cuisinart Green Gourmet pans sold at Bed, Bath & Beyond, but none of the others. I just can’t get enough information on the finishes.

All I can find on NP2 Technology is this press release: AkzoNobel Develops “Green” Non-Stick Coating for Cookware. It talks about being green because it uses less energy in manufacture and eliminates “non-biodegradable components” but doesn’t say anything about how toxic the finish might or might not be.

Readers, any experience with these pans?

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Question from wendyr1674

I am looking for a cheap natural twin mattress for the top of my sons bunk bed i bought him a Latex for the bottom but is was very pricey and do not want to spend that on one that only guests will use but I am very concerned with the gases in regular mattress. Any suggestions? Are their any foams out there that are safe for 3 year olds?

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know of any cheap foam that is nontoxic. But not all natural mattresses are pricey. Take a look at White Lotus Home.

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Question from jaye_tea

Hi there,

I am on the hunt for a gender-neutral white wood dresser for our new baby’s room. I have been doing on-line research and it looks like Romina products are made with sustainably harvested wood, as are Oeuf and Argington. Are there any other options that I am missing? I’ve tried to find out information on LaJobi but have have not heard anything back.

I know there are a few manufacturers that adhere to stricter guidelines for cribs than dressers, which isn’t helpful for us.

Thanks!

JT

Debra’s Answer

I haven’t researched baby furniture specifically. Readers, what is your experience?

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