Question from G.O.

Does anyone have a non-toxic method of cleaning mattresses?

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

Add Comment

Question from svw

Hi Debra,

In the past you mentioned Narvana Safe Haven has a photo catalytic spray and also AFM has a product that will seal in outgassing from couches etc. Do you have a preference of one over the other? Thanks s

Debra’s Answer

I haven’t ever used these.

Readers?

Add Comment

Question from Charise

Will putting ceramic tile or another non-toxic floor over vinyl flloring seal in any fumes from the vinyl underneath?

Debra’s Answer

Ceramic tile will seal it in for sure.

What you need is for the new flooring to be air tight, which means that the flooring itself needs to be impermeable (wood is not, but ceramic tile is) and the spaces between the flooring tiles need to be filled with impermeable material.

Installation can make a difference. If you cover the flooring with something impermeable, then lay the floor on top of it, that would do it. So that would be something like an impermeable vapor barrier sealant or sheet of vapor barrier.

One thing I would check, however, is if whatever floor you want to install CAN be installed over a vinyl floor. It may not stick.

I’ve installed many floors and have always removed whatever existing floor was there.

Add Comment

Question from Erik

Here’s a question for everyone: What kinds of green and safe products exist for on-the-go lunch making? I am on the hunt for convenient system that can house food for lunches and keep them fresh without toxic leaching chemicals from plastics or other material. Seems like so much waste is generated using ziploc bags and they are also plastic which isn’t good. Something that is safe for kids and the environment.

I am aware of Laptop Lunches, but I think the components are still made of plastic. I would like to know about any others that anyone has come across. Any help is appreciated!

Debra’s Answer

Good question. Readers?

Add Comment

Question from KOS

As I am chemically sensitive, my friends come to me looking for healthy cleaning ideas. One has a vacation rental property and is concerned about “killing bacteria” and uses Lysol to do so. I told her that good old soap and water would get rid of a lot of it and white vinegar would kill off some more. Are there any commerically made products you’d suggest or mix of essential oils? Sure appreciate your help.

Debra’s Answer

There’s actually a whole discussion of this in my book Home Safe Home, on pages 108-111.

Add Comment

Question from KSM

Hi Debra,

I recently received a used sofa from a family member. The sofa is about five years old. I am wondering how safe this sofa is and should I keep it. The tag reads:

Body

Those materials do not sound very healthy to me! Would it make a differance if I put a slipcover made out of organic material on it?

I have young children so I want to make sure that that they are safe.

Thanks for your help and all of the wonderful inforamtion you share !

Debra’s Answer

These materials are NOT healthy. And a slipcover will do nothing to block any fumes that may be emitting from them. I’d advise not to use this sofa.

Add Comment

Question from Lisa

Hi Debra,

I’ve read many of your answers to questions about the safety of plastics, a hot topic these days.

I think the material used often for eyeglass lenses is either polycarbonate or high index plastic.

In addition, teflon or other based coatings are used for scratch proofing, anti-reflective coating, or UV coating. Frames are often made of plastic or have some sort of coating on them.

What are your thoughts on the safety of such materials sitting so close to one’s face all day?

Do you wear glasses personally? And, if so, what kinds of materials have you used for yourself?

Debra’s Answer

Yes, a lot of plastics are used for eyeglasses.

The thing to remember about polycarbonate is that the concern is not outgassing, but leaching into food and water from contact. Since our skin does not contact the eyeglass lens, I don’t believe there is a problem with toxicity during use.

I do wear eyeglasses. Just reading glasses I buy at the drug store. I buy the type with metal frames, not plastic. At the moment I am wearing a pair with metal sides and frameless lenses. Sometimes the metal sides make my skin break out in a rash, but others don’t. Seems to depend on the brand and quality of the metal.

Plastic eyeglass frames, though, are not particularly toxic. Look for frames made from zyl (zylonite, or cellulose acetate). It is actually a plant-based plastic that is made from wood pulp and has been in use for decades.

Other frames are made from propionate, a nylon-based plastic that is hypoallergenic and nontoxic.

Add Comment

Question from Mary Ann

I have a big problem with lint on my clothes after washing them. I have been line drying my clothes and have tried several things I have read on the internet to solve the problem including vinegar in the wash cycle, putting the clothes in the dryer 15 min before hanging (this gets some lint off), 15 min in the dryer when the clothes are almost dry, and baking soda in the wash cycle. I don’t want to use the dryer for full drying, I am desperate, HELP!!!!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

Add Comment

Question from Roxann

Hi Debra

I am a registered dental hygienist and know the great dental benefits of Xylitol and caries prevention. What most consumers do not know is Xylitol is poisonous to dogs, just a small amount ingested can make them extremely ill or kill them. Some may inadvertently give fido a piece of cake, cookie or something else made with Xylitol not realizing how potentially dangerous it is.

God Bless

Debra’s Answer

Add Comment

Question from Sweet Lucee

I have been using Stevia for quite awhile now and personally I think it’s a God send. It’s derived from a leaf and has zero chemicals, zero carbs, zero glycemic index and zero calories.

Stevia is so highly concentrated that knowing the correct amount to use is key. If you get an after taste or bitterness, you’ve simply used too much. I enjoy the shaker bottle to use for cooking. If using the stevia plus shaker for cooking, 2 Tbsp is equal to about 1 cup of sugar. I find the safest thing to do for cooking is just look for stevia recipes. I would like to suggest the liquid flavors. They are wonderful and can be added to plain yogurt, or any bland tasting food, to give it a boost of flavor. My favorites are English Toffee, Valencia Orange, Vanilla Creme and Root Beer. You can even add them to a glass of water, ice cube trays or shaved ice. Kids love it too! I’m also hooked on two drops of the Chocolate Raspberry in my coffee. It’s called SweetLeaf Flavored Liquid Stevia. Whole Foods Market is a good source to purchase it from.

Debra’s Answer

Add Comment