Question from Cheryl3

The shower filters we’re considering have the KDF technology (copper etc.) that has been mentioned here. However, I notice the ads generally refer to it as a “bacteriostatic media.” Does this just mean that by virtue of its technology it inhibits the growth of bacteria? I just want to confirm that they are not using triclosan or any unhealthy antibacterial. Thank you

Debra’s Answer

By virtue of it’s technology it inhibits the growth of bacteria.

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Question from cymering

Hi Debra!

I hope that maybe I can find help here.

My son needs sparring gear for kis Karate lessons. I don’t think I have safer choices for the gloves and protective gear, all is made with plastics and vinyl. But I think that the risk of injury is worse…

My big problem is with the mouthguard. A piece of undescript plastic in his mouth, even if it is for 15 minutes twice a week…

I have found this website, http://www.mogosport.com/. They say all the things that are not in the mouthguard, but of course they do not say what it is really made of. No answer to my email yet.

Any advice?

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know what is in your mouth guard, but here is a previous post where it was known that the mouth guard used for teeth grinding was made from the type of plastic that releases BPA: Q&A: Bisphenol A Exposure From Plastic Mouth Guards.

I see on the website where it says, ” Our technology uses all natural ingredients, is latex and BPA free, and has passed all toxicity tests.”

It’s good that it’s BPA free. Ask them what the all natural ingredients are and for a copy of the toxicity tests it has passed.

Sounds like they are at least aware of the toxicity issues. That’s a good sign. So they should be willing to communicate with you about them. Follow up.

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Question from cymering

Hi Debra!

I am planning to knit some presents for christmas, and I would appreciate your opinion about these:

o-wool.com/

http://www.ecobutterfly.com/

As a Knitter, I guess I am supposed to understand the process they us, but…

THANKS!

Debra’s Answer

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Question from jameswlew

I was wondering if you could please provide me with information about the type of plastic the steam generator for the Miele and Thermador Steam Oven is made out of. I love the idea of steam oven, but was concerned about plastics and leaching. I had contacted Miele and they said the generator is made of a polymer material which meets safety standards of the foodstuffs and Consumer Goods Act. What is your opinion? Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

If you have contacted the manufacturers, I can’t get any more information than that.

The Foodstuffs and Consumer Goods Act seems to be a German law. Couldn’t find a copy of it to see what is allowed.

See if you can get an exact type of plastic from Thermador.

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Question from sheazee

H Debra,

I saw a comment you made on another blog – Wild in the city – regarding lead in dishes. I found it super hard to wade through all the comments! Although given that you been doing this for 30 years (wow) I thought you would be someone to trust. If you don’t mind, could you tell me which dishes you personally use? Is white corelle okay to use?

Thank you so much.

Debra’s Answer

I have various dishes that I have gotten from various places over the years.

Some are clear glass, I have some old white Wedgewood china, and some plates I bought at Pottery Barn.

I keep a box of Lead Check swabs on hand. I’ve tested a lot of pieces and haven’t found any yet that tested positive.

However, I should say that Lead Check swabs only check down to a certain level. So they can tell you that there are not high levels, but not that there is zero lead. More accurate is a XRF test, but it is much more expensive.

There is a lot of discussion about lead in dishware at Q&A Safe Dinnerware. A reader had her whilte Corelle XRF tested and it was lead free.

I think there needs to be some kind of certification for dishes where there is an independent XRF test and a certificate that the dishes are tested and lead free.

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Question from sheazee

Hi Debra,

I noticed a comment you made in response to another comment that said you didn’t recommend enamel cookware because it chips but that you might have to rethink that. Would you consider Le Crueset cookware safe then if it is in good condition with no chips as I understand it is enameled cast iron. As far as I understand, the process of making the enamel is toxic but once it is completed, it is safe? I did notice another reader post that they had used a piece of XRF equipment on their Le Crueset and it registered lead content but I am assuming that would likely be in the painted colored exterior which wouldn’t come into contact with your food. I don’t have the money right now to replace all my stainless steel and am hoping at least my Le Crueset is safe!!

Thanks so much.

Lisa’s Answer

This answer has been updated in January, 2020.

You can read about enameled cookware in the Ultimate Guide to Non-Toxic Cookware.

Question from tedmobley@cs.com

I am wanting to start a Doggie Daycare and need to put down rubber flooring. I don’t want anything toxic – are there any non toxic choices that I use? I’m thinking it will have to be glued down and would need a non toxic gluse as well.

Debra’s Answer

Well, I have no experience with rubber flooring at all.

Readers?

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Question from thedavisfamily

Hi Debra,

I recently bought a home built in 1976 with original windows. Now that winter is approaching (I’m in Maryland), I’m seeing just how inadequate the window seals are. Not only is the cold air coming through the edges, but the smell of burning wood from fireplaces nearby is coming in, too. I cannot afford new windows right now. Is there such thing as a safe plastic I can use to put over any of my windows? The one my dad recommended literally stinks.

Thanks in advance!

~Melissa

Debra’s Answer

Yes. Polyethylene or polypropylene.

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If you eat honey, read this article from Food Safety News: Tests Show Most Store Honey Isn’t Honey.

The article says that in order for honey to actually be real honey, it must contain pollen. Yet most of the honey sold in supermarkets has had the pollen filtered out. Some of these honeys also contain antibiotics and heavy metals. Without pollen, the syrup labeled as honey is no better than refined white sugar.

By contrast, every sample of honey tested that was purchased from farmer’s markets and natural food stores DID contain pollen.

I personally buy raw honey from local beekeepers or my local natural food store.