Question from Adica

Hi Debra,

I’ve been researching how to improve the air in my house, and one of the things I’ve been researching lately is various types of house plants that can help clean the air (from the NASA study). When searching this site, I read that some were concerned about mold in the plant soil becoming its own air contaminant. In my research, I found a replication study of the original NASA study that stated that you should use “[s]everal centimeters of small washed gravel … to cover the surface of pot plants when large numbers of plants are kept in the home … to reduce the exposed area of damp potting soil which encourages the growth of molds (fungi)” (Houseplants, Indoor Air Pollutants, and Allergic Reactions by Wolverton, 1986, abstract and p. 7). Although, people with allergies would probably want to do this with all plants, regardless of the number, and would probably want to start with only one or two.

I hope this helps some people!

-Adica

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Annette Tweedel

Hi Debra, We are considering purchasing a mattress from Shepherd’s Dream and my husband wants to build the bed frame himself instead of purchasing that from Shepherds Dream. The lady did mail my husband instructions on how to build the bed frame with slats.

Now Shepherds Dream uses Tung Oil finish. What would you recommend as a safe finish? And what brand?

And, also, if you don’t mind, for the slats, they use latex, what else can be used that would be less expensive and non-toxic, because I cannot handle any odors. Thank you so very much for your time.

Debra’s Answer

I have a number of nontoxic wood finishes listed at Debra’s List: Interior Decorating: Wood Finish. This subject of wood finish has come up before and every time, if I recommend one, someone writes in and says they like another one better.

Of the brands on Debra’s LIst, I personally have used Vermont Natural Coatings, which is my current favorite, and the Varathane Diamond FInish, which I used for many years.

Lots of my readers like AFM finishes, and others can’t tolerate them at all.

So…the “best” one for you is the one you like.

For many years I slept on wood slats with no padding, and that is traditional. I do have their latex slat pads and have to say it is more comfortable, but I had to let them air out for many weeks before I could sleep on them. I suppose you could wrap the slats with cotton or wool batting, but they wouldn’t cushion as well as the latex. Or you could wrap the latex pads with aluminum tape or something else that would block the odor.

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Question from charlene Gormley

Hi My daughter, who is biracial, is begging me to straighten her hair. We have tried it the natural way, with a blow dryer and about 4 hours of hard work! But it only lasts a day. We are looking into the Brazilian blowout treatment or the Keratin treatment which last a few months. I have found conflicting advice as to whether these treatments contain formaldehyde or one of it’s derivities or not. I am wondering if anyone has any solid information about this.

Debra’s Answer

I don’t have an information on or experience with these hair treatments. Readers?

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Question from Miemiemuis

At my son’s school they are no longer allowed to use metal-type water bottles for ‘safety reasons.’ I have been looking at CamelBak water bottles that are made of a copolyester polymer called Tritan. It is suppose to be BPA and phthalates free. Does this sound like a safe choice?

Also, I was looking into alternative containers to pack his school lunches and snacks in. I’ve been using #5 plastic containers that I already had in the house. Would you think it is worth switching to pricey stainless steel containers just for the 4 or 5 hours that his food will be in contact with the plastic? Most of his food comes out of plastic containers or packaging any ways because that’s just what it comes in when I buy the bread, crackers, grapes, carrots etc. So it’s already been in contact with plastic. Maybe some other moms have ideas for school lunches and snacks that have no plastic packaging. Thanks! Marie

Debra’s Answer

Here’s a study that shows that Tritan is not an endocrine disruptor: Endocrine disruption potential of monomers used in Eastman TritanTM copolyester.

From reading other websites, it seems that many companies that formerly were using polycarbonate bottle that contained BPA are now switching to Tritan.

Here is a page that lists 10 different materials made by Eastman that are sold as “Tritan” and their MSDS sheets: Eastman Tritan. I looked at the MSDS for the first one and the toxicity was rated “1” which is very low. It’s not “0” which is none.

So unless you know which “Tritan” is being used in the bottle…I only use glass, but schools probably don’t want that either.

Mom’s, what are you packing lunches in that is nontoxic and acceptable to your schools?

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Question from vlavianos

I have acquired an LL Bean 100% wool blanket. The care instructions indicate “dry cleaning recommended”. I have read that vinegar can be used in the washing machine. Does anyone have more detailed instructions?

Debra’s Answer

I don’t have any information on washing a wool blanket with vinegar in the washing machine, but I do have a warning: do NOT dry a wool blanket in the dryer with heat. It makes the wool fibers contract together and will shrink your blanket. Believe me. I lost two beautiful wool sweaters this way.

I always wash my woolens by hand and let them air dry.

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Question from greenermom

Hi Debra, I love your site. Thank you for what you do! I wanted an alternative nap mat for my pre-k child. Do you know or what do you think about the following I found on amazon: Our Gaia Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats are made from a newly developed, innovative environmentally friendly closed-cell Nitrile/Buna N Rubber(NBR)foam, and are free from any toxic materials. Their low apparent density reduces weight without performance loss, and our Gaia foam does not contribute to greenhouse emissions. Thanks for your help/knowledge!

Debra’s Answer

The MSDS sheet for a product made from Nitrile lists no hazards from exposure to it.

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Question from jiwaskow

I’m desperately seeking a safe insulation for our new “healthy house” construction. I have severe chemical sensitivities. I’ve ruled out all the known insulations for one reason or another.

Anyone heard of or tried Ecobatt insulation? (NFI)

http://www.ecobatt.us/index.html

Thanks

Debra’s Answer

I haven’t used this product, so I can’t speak to how it smells, but it looks great on paper! Instead of using non-renewable toxic binders that include phenol, formaldehyde, acrylics or artificial colors, EcoBatt converts natural, rapidly renewable organic materials (not specified) into an inert polymer to use for the binder.

EcoBatt Insulation is made from sand–one of the world’s most abundant and renewable resources–a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled bottle glass and their renewable binder, and that’s it.

Has anyone tried this?

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Question from jiwaskow

We’re planning on installing an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) in our new construction to bring fresh air into the house. I’m wondering if anyone has suggestions about a good one for someone with severe chemical sensitivities.

I like the Venmar Eko but am unsure I’d tolerate the filter. Also looking at Lifebreath and some others.

Curious too for recommendations on where best to put intakes and exhausts.

thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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