Question from EMC

So I’m using glass as much as possible.

But I have kids who run around outside a lot and wanted to know if its better to use the stainless steel versions like Kleen Kanteen or a BPA free plastic for these outdoor periods?

I assume that the leaching is more problematic when heated, is that right? But which one is more resistant?

It’s hot year round here, bottles are often left in the scorching sun or baking in a bag.

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I can’t evaluate which is the lesser of the two evils.

Sitting in the sun would release more plastic when heated, so I would probably go with the stainless steel, if those were the only options.

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Question from Gigi

Is anyone familiar with Dri-Out for Termites?

I have looked at Tim-bor, however, I was told that I would also need a soil treatment.

Is Dri-Out as non-toxic/safe as the manufacturers say?

It is a dry micron size desiccant powder that clings to the exoskelton and dehydrates the insect within two hours of contact rather than affecting the nervous system.

According to the MSDS and Technical Sheets, it is a SYNTHETIC amorphous silica, not to be confused with silica such as quartz or other naturally occuring silica. It has a Health Rating of 0.

It does not seem to be carcenagenic.

Debra’s Answer

This appears to be a nontoxic product by its description.

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Question from JAD

I was told that I was Chemical Sensitive in 1993. I crashed when my husband painted the cedar on our Mi home with oil based stain while I was out for the day in 2008. After a few months I decided I needed to find help. I Googled “How to Cure MCS” and found Debra’s site and found a link to my now Environmental Allergy Specialist. Debra’s site pretty much says the same thing my Dr. has, but he tested me for allergies and found out that I was very allergic to Soy and Glycerin. He told me that if you are fighting allergies your body has a harder time fighting the chemicals. I have switched all my medical needs to his office and it has been slow but I have made great progress.

I volunteer at a FL State Park for 6 months and had announced to the other volunteers the only way I could continue is if they came in chemical free anytime I was around. I was very ill when I asked this of them, it wasn’t over night but most of the volunteers complied and they saw my health improve every time I came back from MI. They started asking questions and then 2 volunteers asked if I would do a talk on the subject non-toxic living.

So I invited all the volunteers, 7 were able to make it. I told them up front that I was not there to sell them anything and was only going to share information. I also told them that as much as I appreciated them all trying to help me that this was for them. I just wanted to share what I had learned from my Dr, Debra and others.

I shared information about Chemical Sensitivity and some of the symptoms that we all suffer from and that other suffer from chemicals and don’t know.

I told them about a young lady that just visited us. She thought she came chemical free. She used Free and Clear on her wash but just once so I had to have her wear my clothes why she was there. She told me about the headaches that she was getting and I suggested she keep using Free and Clear and she avoids other fragrances. I explained to her if she is having problems now that she could get worse. She made the changes I suggest and when I heard from her two weeks later she said her headaches were all but gone!

We talked about cleaning products and told them what I used (Shaklee, 7^th Generation….) and gave them information from the EWG site on what to stay away from.

Debra’s Answer

What a great idea! This is something we can all do. May this be the first of many “hands-on” nontoxic education parties! Thanks for sharing, Jackie.

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Question from Rubys Mom

What do you think of The 10″ Green Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri, with Smooth Ceramic Non-Stick Coating (100% PTFE and PFOA Free) ?

Debra’s Answer

The descrtption sounds good, but I’ve never actually seen one.

Readers, any experience?

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Question from samsam

Hi Debra,

I was wondering if putting a couple of cotton slipcovers on a normal sofa is effective in containing the fumes? I can’t find any non toxic sofas on the east coast (of Cananda or the US.) Is there a normal brand that is less toxic?

Thanks,

sam

Debra’s Answer

No, this will not work. Fumes go right through the spaces between the threads. You need something with no gaps, like a sheet of polyethylene plastic or aluminum foil.

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Question from vlavianos

Does anyone know about the safety of magnetized water? My daughter has interstitial cistitis and apparently drinking magnetized water could be helpful. Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

I know of no negative health effects.

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