Question from heather

Hi Debra,

We recently purchased a new home that has Closet Maid vinyl-coated shelving in the closets. The home is about a year old. Oddly enough, two of the closets have a strong odor whenever I open them (I am not sure why the others do not). I read that Closet Maid vinyl-coated shelving is actually made to be less toxic than the others and do not off-gas as much. However, with one of the offensive closets being in my son’s play room, I am concerned that he is breathing in phthalates and other toxins whenever he opens the closet to get his toys. Should these still be off-gassing after a year? (I still don’t know why I only smell this certain smell in only two closets.)

Debra’s Answer

Vinyl-coated shelving could still be releasing phthalates after a year. I would remove them.

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Question from Krissy

I just purchased two Paula Dean Enamel on Stainless, a 12 quart stock pot and a oven roaster. I used Lead Check testers and they tested negative for lead. I contacted the company to see if they test for cadmium and lead, they have not gotten back to me with any answers yet. Are enameled on stainless steel a safe option for cookware?

Debra’s Answer

Enamel on stainless steel is fine. I just don’t usually recommend it because enamel chips easily.

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Question from Krissy Hughes

Does anyone know if swiffer dusters are safe, I just saw the posts dicussing the liquid solution in the swiffer liquid jet product and it made me concerned over the swiffer dusters I have. I’m wondering if thet contain anything toxic? I have the unscented disposables.

Debra’s Answer

I have no personal experience with these, but the product description online looks like it is some kind of synthetic microfiber that does a super job at picking up dust. Usually these fibers are not treated with anything toxic, but the synthetic fibers are not biodegradable.

Anyone have any experience with these?

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Question from Mary Marston

It’s getting difficult to avoid tagless garments for adults. Is tagless categorically bad stuff, or does it depend on the ink used, the sensitivity of the wearer, etc.? If you don’t have an obvious allergic reaction to the ink, does that mean it is safe to wear?

Debra’s Answer

I think that there are probably several types of inks used to print the tagless tags, which may be of varying toxicity. I primarily wear 100% cotton tank tops with tagless tags. None of them have irritated my skin, nor did they have an odor. Some washed out entirely faster than others.

I don’t consider tagless tags to be a major toxic hazard. If fact, I personally actually prefer them to the scratchy polyester fabric tags that are very uncomfortable for me. I know many babies and children have developed rashes and some companies have changed their inks.

That said, some sensitive adults may very well react to them.

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Question from beebes

I have a 2 year old and we have had a bad year with respect to illnesses — we’ve had norovirus and flu twice (once with very high fevers lasting over two weeks). I try to keep toxic chemicals out of our house, particularly in cleaning supplies. So I’ve been looking for a cleaner that can disinfect and kill norovirus, H1N1, etc. Vital-Oxide was recommended and is on the EPA approved list. Any thoughts, either on Vital-Oxide or other disinfectants?

Debra’s Answer

Vital-Oxide looks fine to me in terms of toxic exposure. It does not contain toxic chemicals, but rather uses oxygen to oxide bacteria and mold.

My only concern is that the website says it is in the form of nanoparticles. Still, I think this would be a better choice that toxic chemicals if you must use a disinfectant.

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Question from Cathy DeVoe

Hello Everyone,

Does anyone know if a propane furnace will affect a person with MCS? It will have a whole house electonic air cleaner attached. We would use carbon monoxide sensors in the home. Thanks for your input.

Cathy

Debra’s Answer

I don’t recommend gas heaters of any kind because they product toxic combustion by-products.

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Question from Heather Hill

I recently purchased used silverware (silver plated) and would like to clean them up. Could you recommend an Earth Friendly/natural silver polish ?

Thank you,

Heather

Debra’s Answer

In my book Home Safe Home, I recommend removing tarnish from silver by magnetizing it away.

You just use aluminum and salt in any form–like a crumpled piece of aluminum foil and table salt–and put it in a pot of water. Add the silver and let it sit. The tarnish will come right off. I demonstrated this on TV once, years ago.

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Question from klh

How long does it take wallpaper to outgas and become nontoxic?

Debra’s Answer

It depends on the wallpaper. If it is vinyl wallpaper, quite a while. Years.

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Question from L.A.

I’ve just purchased a used Room and Board sofa. The fabric is a kind of micro-suede,and the tag reads “resin-treated polyester.” I tried calling R and B, but they had no further details. I’m concerned that this may be the toxic PTFE Resin that the EPA has issued reports on. Any ideas?

Debra’s Answer

I have not a clue as to what this sofa might have been treated with some time in the past.

Your best bet is to call Room and Board and ask them. They will need some kind of model number, which should be on a tag somewhere on the sofa.

It’s probably not PTFE, but is probably a stain-resistant resin containing formaldehyde.

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Question from Reenie

Hello, Are there any books or online resources that are helpful to others wanting to create a Green Team in their workplace? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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