Question from Sara L

Hi there, we just moved into a new house, and I have been loving your website (although regretting certain choices we made when we were less informed!) 🙁

We have three young kids, and we are in rather desperate need of absorbent mats at the various entry doors to our house, especially in the mud room space. I see a lot of good ratings for Waterhog, but I can’t tell if these will off-gas significantly into our home.

I welcome your thoughts about this particular mat and/or suggestions of other eco-friendly, water absorbent mats that can handle heavy kid and mud traffic.

Thanks so much for all you do! Sara

Debra’s Answer

This mat looks like a great choice for what you need. It’s made from 100% polypropylene plastic, which does not significantly outgas, and will not contribute to air pollution inside your home.

My only reservation about this mat from a materials viewpoint is that it won’t biodegrade, but if you get a biodegradable mat–say one made of coconut coir–it won’t have the same water, mud, and snow absorbancy that you are looking for. So for that use, this is a good nontoxic choice.

Add Comment

Question from Margaret L

HI, Has anyone had successful experience with cleaning upholstery that has been contaminated by pesticides? (possibly petroleum solvents too)

My car seats got contaminated and for the time being I’ve been driving around with plastic bags atop them to protect myself. I was thinking of applying a heavy coat of white vinegar with a mini fogger. Or maybe some kind of baking soda solution.

But I know nothing of the science or chemical feasibiliy of these ideas actually working. So, any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Debra’s Answer

Polyethylene plastic will block fumes if it is at least 5 mil thick, but it would be better to remove the toxic substance.

Unfortunately, we are dealing here with manmade chemicals that do not break down when exposed to natural solutions like baking soda or vinegar.

I once had success removing a pesticide by calling the manufacturer and asking what the “cleanup chemical” was. It turned out the ordinary household bleach would break the chemical bonds of this pesticide. I had bleach applied to the area and in fact, the pesticide did break down and dissipate. This would be my recommendation.

Add Comment

Question from Marylou W

My daughter is in occupational therapy. They use polyurethane mats, swings coated with who knows what chemicals, and other institutional products. I’m transitioning to home-based therapy but the organic or low VOC options for equipment are non-existant.

For example, I can either pay a couple thousand for organic mattresses or insurance will cover the 3″ polyurethane foam mats.

The same is true for a whole host of other necessary products–pay premium price out of pocket for something re-purposed to fit the need or accept the toxic product that’s made for that purpose and covered by insurance.

I’m trying to figure out if there are other options.

For example, the polyurethane foam comes covered in a vinyl fabric. Is there anything else I can cover that in to minimize the outgassing inside my house?

The Health Care without Harm website was unable to recommend alternatives. I’m hoping you or your readers have some creative ideas!

Debra’s Answer

I have no experience with occupational therapy equipment. If you want to do a private phone consultation with me, we could go over each item and I could see if I could offer a way to make it less toxic. I just don’t know what the items are. For example, you can cover the mat with a sheet of 5-mil thick polyethylene and it will block fumes.

Readers, any experience with occupational therapy equipment?

Add Comment

Question from Mary

Exciting news! California has a promising ballot initiative in the works to label GMO foods. From now until April 22, readers living in California can sign a petition to get labeling of genetically engineered foods on the November ballot.

Studies show that GMO foods can cause significant health problems, and at the very least, people with allergies to them need to avoid them. People have the right to know what is in their food. Organic food is not allowed to contain GMO ingredients , but did you know that food labeled “Natural” is?

Over 40 other countries require GMO’s to be labeled. Once the state of California mandates labeling, other states are expected to follow suit.

For further information and to find a place to sign in your area, see www.labelgmos.org. Readers living outside California can help by contacting their friends and relatives in California and encouraging them to sign the petition.

Debra’s Answer

Add Comment

Question from Daddeo

Recently saw on a news source a bit about organics… they stated that buying organics is a hit and miss process because of the lax laws. Stating we are better off just buying regular food until legislation makes organics more “organic”. What’s your opinion?

Debra’s Answer

I don’t agree. ANY improvement in the direction of organic is better than none.

There are many excellent organic farmers around. Look for local sources of organic food where you can meet the farmer, rather than buying organic food from multinational corporations.

There is actually a wide variety of methods by which organic agriculture is practiced. There are minimal laws but many farmers go far above and beyond. So get to know your growers, don’t give up on organics.

Add Comment

Question from Sheri

Has anyone with MCS had to replace their central HVAC system? My doctor insists this is what I need to do.

Did you have any trouble in any way after installing the unit?

Also, has anyone made any modifications to their HVAC to minimize VOCs and other pollutants created by it?

And, does anyone with MCS have any experience with The Lennex Pure Air System installed in duct work to minimize chemical outgassing from a new central heat air unit?

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Readers? What is your experience purchasing and installing HVAC systems?

I don’t have any experience with the Lennex Pure Air System, but I took a look at the specs and it doesn’t seem to me to be useful for the purpose you stated. It is simply a UV-lamp, which is not the best method for removing toxic gasses. It says it removes only 50%. Carbon filtration would remove more.

Question from Jody

I saw Nature’s Carpets listed on your website as a natural option. But when I went to their site they list the backing as: Backing: Polypropylene / Woven Jute Latex: Synthetic Latex So the backing concerned me.

What do you know about the new backing EnviroCel — made from soy beans and PET recyclable bottles. Are PET plastic hormone disrupters? And would that occur with carpet backings or just from leaching into liquids that we drink?

Here’s the website for the EnviroCel backing: http://www.universal-textile.net/envirocelhome.html Would love your thoughts on PET recyclables — is this better than synthetic latex and polypropanol?

Debra’s Answer

PET plastics are known to be hormone disruptors but more likely so from water that has been sitting in a PET plastic bottle than from outgassing from carpet backing. And we don’t know how much PET is in the backing vs how much soy. I would say that the amount of outgassing from this carpet backing would be negligiable, if any, but I have not seen a sample. Just from the description.

Polyprolylene is of low toxicity, as is latex, however, even natural latex has an odor of it’s own that some people (including me) do not tolerate well, and exposure can develop allergies. So I usually stay away from anything latex.

The best answer I can give you is NO carpet. I have had no carpet in my home for more than thirty years. Hardwood floors and ceramic tile.

Add Comment

Question from Vi

I’m chemically sensitive and searching all over the web for a Safe (safer : ) wood putty for interior windowsills.. primarily where the old wood sill meets the relatively new metal storm windows…so I guess they are both outside (as far as moisture etc and inside as far as VOC and other irritant concerns…

I was told I should look for a water based product and I found Famowood…but a trial of that (on tin foil) and it still has a strong “solvent” irritating odor after four days…

any suggestions?

the sills have basically contracted from the metal storm windows….some of the retraction is thin like a pencil tip…other places its at least as thick as a pencil erasure… these are old windows…no sawdust available (I saw an earlier post where you recommended that)… as I am completely ignorant of home repairs in general, am open to ANY suggestions, even of other materials… thank you

Debra’s Answer

There are a number of water-based wood fillers available. Has anyone used one they like?

Add Comment

Question from Eddi

Hi Debra, I was wondering if you have an advise on this one. I have a humidifier in my home, pretty good brand, filterless, still it needs to be cleaned every 2 weeks or so with this little packet of chemicals. I really don’t want to use it, especially because I have an 8 month old baby. There are warnings on it not to touch it, breath it in etc. so makes me super uncomfortable using it.

Any alternative that I could use instead? Thank you, Eddi

Debra’s Answer

Readers, how do you clean your humidifiers?

I personally don’t have a humidifier (it’s humid enough here in Florida!) so I don’t have experience with this one.

Add Comment

Question from Pritee

Do you know if the Moderno Clear Dinnerware (made in Mexico – http://www.crateandbarrel.com/outlet/dinnerware/moderno-dinner-plate/s673938) is lead and cadmium free? I am aware that there are concerns about buying dinnerware made in Mexico…

What are your thoughts on the Archie dinnerware (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/dining-and-entertaining/dinnerware-sets/archie-dinnerware/f45542) made from spun glass? Are they lead and cadmium free?

Finally, do you know whether Visions cookware () are lead and cadmium free given that it is not made from clear glass.

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my queries!

Debra’s Answer

I have no reason to believe that either of the glass dinnerwares you linked to or Visions cookware contain lead or cadminum.

Lead is present in glassware only in lead crystal.

Cadminum has been in tpictures of popular characters on the glassware, not because it is present in the glassware itself.

All of these items you asked about are OK to use.>/p>

Add Comment