Question from Cheryl3

We have a one floor home mostly carpet and some tile (which usually mop not vacuum). We are considering a Hoover Platinum bagged upright w/cannister (model UH30010com). We need something light because I’m not good w/heavy/cumbersome things. It has a HEPA filter and gets excellent reviews (for dust control and other issues) on Amazon, priced in the low to mid $200’s. It has a self sealing bag to contain the dust when emptying it, but my question is: is this effectively the same as a “Sealed HEPA System”? We’re not super allergic to dust but do want to reduce it substantially. I didn’t want to go too expensive because down the road (not for awhile though) we hope to get rid of the carpet and have hard wood floors installed. The canister is for dusting, furniture and bare floors. Any thoughts or experience? Thanks very much.

Debra’s Answer

HEPA is a specific type of filter that is extremely effective at collecting particles.

If the label doesn’t say “HEPA” it’s not the same thing.

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Question from kgbubble

Hi Debra,

We are going to be looking into buying a house soon, for the very first time. I want to go beyond the basic assessments done when purchasing a house to make sure it’s as non toxic as possible, prior to any remodeling on our parts. I wonder if you can point me in a good direction or a past post on this website, or a website with this information.

Additionally, if this hasn’t been covered here, what are some key points on purchasing a less toxic home? What should we look for? What should we have tested/inspected? I know, for example, that a lot of older homes have lead issues, but they also, according to some, have fresher air due to better circulation of outside air b/c of their leaky windows. thoughts? I want to go in eyes wide open, rather than having to do a lot of costly clean up after the fact. Building isn’t an option right now, b/c we likely won’t be here longer than 3-4 years. Thank you so much for helping us start this journey and Happy New Year!

Debra’s Answer

The subject of buying a nontoxic home is quite thoroughly covered in chapter 17 of my book Home Safe Home.

You specifically mentioned lead.I know here in Florida, the seller needs to disclose the presence of lead, that may be true in other places as well. You should also ask about asbestos in an older home.

You will, of course, want to have the home inspected by a standard home inspector, but they will not look for toxics issues. One of the things I do as a consultant is look at homes before people buy them, and I am available to go anywhere in the world to do this. You may be able to find someone locally who does this as well.

If you have questions as you are looking, you can also call me on the phone for a paid consultation.

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Question from petercsantoro@yahoo.com

I am trying to find a good HEPA vacuum. I like the Miele series 7, but they all have “integrated PVC bumpers” to protect your furniture, etc… Does it matter that there are PVC bumpers? I’ve heard to avoid anything with PVC, so should I stay away from these vacuums in my home?

Debra’s Answer

We have a Miele HEPA vacuum and LOVE it. The entire unit is plastics, as are all vacuum cleaners. Ours has never had an odor.

You may not be able to find a vacuum cleaner without PVC. I’ve never looked for one. There are things in this world that if you are going to use them, there is going to be some exposure. But if the bumpers are hard PVC, they wouldn’t outgas much. I don’t know the model of my Miele, but it doesn’t have bumpers.

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Question from saphire

I have lived in my apartment for five years and have been searching a lot for a nonsmoking place to live. I am in Placentia, California, 62 years of age, a cancer survivor and want to live a healthy life.

The one apartment that I found is very expensive and I may just have to stay where I am. My concerns regarding staying are that there are many smokers here. Last year the lady downstairs smoked continuously and I could smell this at all hours. It gets hot in the summer and had to close window. I then was concerned about air conditioning and the smoke getting through the vents. Yes, she has moved, but what if someone else moves in and smokes, or their visitors? There are cigarette butts all around the property and management will not agree to banning smoking inside, outside and all around because there are too many smokers here. They do not want to lose money, although I see quite a few vacancies. (I have talked and explained all the pros of having this a nonsmoking property, but they just want to get people in and keep them).

I would be gone if I had family around or could find a place suitable. If I end up signing the lease in two weeks then what “really good air filter” can I get to rid the air of the toxins from the smoke. Smokers pass by the apartment so I do still get this.

Does the smoke really travel through vents? I read that it does all the time and then someone will tell me that that is ridiculous and that apartments are all individual units and that the vents are not joined. Is this the case sometimes?

Would appreciate any suggestions on “Good air filter” for getting rid of the toxins from smoke.

Second issue: I walk down a hallway to get to the elevator and there is a perfumed odor. A resident told me that they put air fresheners in the vents because someone had complained about the smell.

Debra’s Answer

I understand your predicament.

With regard to the vents, it depends on the building whether they are connected or individual. Ask your building manager. If they are connected, then pollutants from other units certainly can come into your unit through the vents.

Cigarette smoke contains both particles and gasses, so you need a filter that removes both. A good combination would be HEPA and charcoal.

Update April, 2020.  Read more in the Portable Air Purifier Buying Guide.

Question from UlliV

In my effort to slowly replace everything plastic in my closet with natural fibers I came across two companies/websites that will most likely become a staple in my clothes shopping. Both are outside the U.S. though, one in the UK, the other in Iceland.

www.woolovers.us

www.nordicstore.net

I have ordered 2 sweaters from woolovers and a hat and gloves from nordicstore and am waiting with anticipation for them to arrive. Both orders already shipped.

I find it hard in the U.S. to come across real 100% wool clothing that doesn’t cost a month’s salary and is still manufactured in a sweat shop, be it in China or elsewhere.

The closest I could come to real and authentic on the American continent is this: www.native-languages.org/clothing.htm Their wool sweaters are wonderful and handknit and just what you want in a cold winter but of course cost accordingly.

Debra’s Answer

Thanks Ulli! I’m sure others will appreciate having these resources.

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Question from kimrmora

How green is the cleaner Simple Green?

Debra’s Answer

The MSDS for SImple Green lists no hazardous chemicals, but their ingredients list shows some ingredients I don’t consider safe.

The ingredients are: Water (Aqua), Butoxyethanol, Mixed Alcohol Ethoxylate, Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Citrate, Fragrance, Colorant.

Butoxyethanol is a toxic ethylene glycol (see www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC35051). Synthetic fragrances are neurotoxicants (affect the nervous system).

They may be diluted enough to not be listed on the MSDS, however, this begs the question, is a diluted toxic chemical a safe product overall?

Personally, I clean with soap, baking soda, and vinegar.

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