Update January, 2020:

Read more about cookware and bakeware in the Ultimate Guide to Non-Toxic Cookware.

read more…

Question from Marcia Sherwin

Hi Debra:

I know that you said that you’d never live in a house that has been fumigated.

Well, I’ve held that position myself for many, many years. In fact as a realtor I’ve always been able to talk all of my buyers and sellers into using a non-toxic method and in over 29 years of selling real estate, never has one of my listings or sales properties been fumigated! It’s the first thing I talk about when sitting down for a listing appointment as in California termites are big business and every transaction requires a termite inspection.

Well the unthinkable finally happened to me! I’ve livec in my town home for 33 years and never had a termite problem. All of a sudden our board decided to fumigate the entire complex of 231 townhomes.

I single handedly started my own research campaign showing the dangers of Vikane Gas (sulfural flouride) and presented many alternative methods that work equally well, and better to our board – I was even able to get them to allow the representatives from the heat treatment method which also kills mold, fungus, mildew, bacteria and viruses along with someone from a method known as the DriOut method which uses a Silca Gel that they have the patent on….it fell on the board’s deaf ears. The bottom line is that after 1-1/2 years of my striving to get

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Question from Donna

Hi, Debra,

Here’s one more question on the safety of PUL in diaper covers. What if the PUL is completely enclosed in polyester, as in Bummis Super Whisper Wraps? Is it still harmful to my baby? Thanks so much!!

Debra’s Answer

Polyester doesn’t act as a vapor barrier. The fabric would block skin exposure to PUL, but it wouldn’t block vapors that could be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

In addition, polyester fabrics are treated with a formaldehyde resin that lessens with repeated washings but never completely washes out.

I’d stick with the natural fibers.

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Question from Katie

Hi Debra,

I came across a comment in a past blog about the health hazards of rubbing alcohol, because it is petrochemical based. Can you tell me more about these health hazards and why you do not recommend rubbing alochol? I’ve had a bad feeling about it for awhile, but would like to learn some solid facts on why. Thanks so much,

Katie

Debra’s Answer

Here is the MSDS for Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol).

It says, “MAY BE POISONOUS IF INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. VAPORS MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS OR SUFFOCATION. CONTACT MAY IRRITATE OR BURN SKIN AND EYES.”

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Question from Linda

Hi Debra, I’ve been searching tetra paks to see if they’re a non-toxic alternative to canned soups (I can find a lot of soups in the organic section in tetra paks). I can’t find any information on toxicity levels though, whether something nasty is going to be leaching into my food from these. Can you help? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Tetra Pak is a brand name for aseptic packaging.

Aseptic packages are made with three materials:

According to the Aseptic Packaging Council the polyethylene layer next to the food is low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Also according to the Aseptic packaging council the LDPE has been tested and found to not contain bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol, and phthalates.

A couple of weeks ago, in Q&A: Food Grade Polyethylene Containers a reader wrote, “We are a tiny manufacture (>50K) of a liquid organic product. Some of our product was stored in high-density polyethylene food grade containers, while another batch was stored in low-density polyethylene, food grade containers. All the product in in HDP containers was ruined. The product in the LDP is fine.”

So I don’t see a danger to health from aseptic boxes for food or beverages.

There are some other benefits too.

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Question from Melissa

I am trying to find a non-chemical fabric softener that would work in the dryer on my son’s nylon sport clothes. I read that you can use a sheet of aluminum foil instead of a fabric softener sheet. Has anyone tried this, or have other suggestions? I use vinegar in the rinse cycle of the washer, but nylon clothes still get full of static in the dryer. Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

This is the first I’ve heard of this. Readers? Have you tried this?

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Question from Melissa

I’ve been browsing the Q&A this morning reading up on making my own laundry detergent and others’ experiences/ tips on doing so. I noticed a lot of raves for Dr. Bronner’s soaps. I like the liquid version, but it is heavy, so I never order it online knowing the shipping fee will be a lot. BUT! I went straight to the Dr. Bronner’s site, and they give FREE SHIPPING within the U.S.A. I wouldn’t have expected that! So I wanted to pass the tip along to Debra’s readers.

Their retail price is $52.49 for a gallon. If anyone knows of a better deal, please share!

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Question from PJ

This is more of a thank you note than a question. I have been using ideas from your web-site to green up my clean up for over a year now. I still have a nearly new bottle of acid based toilet cleaner that I bought shortly before the switch. Believing that the best thing to do with this product was to use it up, I recently started doing. The first thing I noticed was the smell. Uck. I had forgotten that it smelled so bad. Then came the danger. While attempting to relocate the toilet brush that was sold with this cleaner in it’s holder, a portion of the container fell off and the brush and container fell into the toilet.Of course the water splashed all over, including on me. Luckily I had just used the brush to lower the water level and I had not applied any acid cleaner as yet. I hate to think what the results might have been if that acid had splashed over myself and my bathroom. I thank you for getting the word out that these dangerous products are not necessary for a sanitary home. I will be very glad to use up this product and return to my green practices.

Debra’s Answer

You’re welcome! 🙂

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Question from west

Hi Debra and the Internet community:

How long have grains been used as a microwavable therapeutic heating pad stuffing?

I’ve never seem to have heard of it before. Is this a recent development or an ‘old’ idea that’s been brought to modern times by reheating via microwaves?

Frankly it surprises me that grains are so good for retaining heat! 😀

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Readers, does anyone know the history of this?

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Question from Marie

I think we just figured out that my teenager with MCS is very sensitive to the chlorine in our municipal water (used for washing clothes, of course). We are at a temporary location. When we find a place to move to, I planned on getting a whole house filter system which I have not researched yet. (We have been just using Brita for drinking and my son says I have to get something better NOW. I do have a chlorine filter on the shower.) Is there something we can do with the wash water for now?? Please offer any suggestions (Help!!). Thanks!!

Debra’s Answer

If it’s chlorine and not chloramine, you can get any carbon “undersink” filter and install it wherever you can in the pipe that leads to the washing machine. You can buy these filters at any home improvement store.

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