Question from Celestine

I will need to cover several pieces of furniture. I know that organic and untreated fabric is available and I’ve used it before. However, it tends to be bland and neutral in appearance, which is sometimes fine, but there are times when I want to use something like apricot velvet–or other unusual colors. The broader spectrum of colors and patterns have not seemed so far to be available in untreated natural fabrics! First, if anyone knows where I might find these, I’d like to know. Second, is it possible to wash out things like teflon and other unwanted coatings? If so, I’d like to know how!

Debra’s Answer

I totally understand your desire for color, but unfortunately, those finishes can’t be removed.

It is possible, however, to get non-organic natural fiber upholstery fabrics without finishes. Unlike clothing and bedding, upholstery fabric finishes are well-labeled. I’ve been able to find cotton and linen upholstery fabrics without finishes in the past.

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Question from Cheryl3

Hi all,

I’m wondering if anyone has the WaringPro Toaster oven? It appears to be stainless steel without nonstick/teflon interior which is what I want. I’ve emailed Waring and am awaiting response. Somewhere I read a review that it might be part aluminum. Anyone know about that and or how well it works? If it’s aluminum either inside or out would that be a problem if it isn’t touching the food? Or, if others have recent toaster oven recommendations w/ot any unhealthy type nonstick interiors I’d love to hear. Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from HEG

I just discovered an electrical power substation about a third of a mile from my home. I am concerned about whether there are any potemtial health hazards from being in this proximity range to a power substation in a major urban environment. Do you or any of your readers have any thoughts?

Debra’s Answer

The amount of exposure from a power station decreases exponentially the further away you are from it.

There was a previous question Safe Distance from an Electrical Transformer, but it didn’t address power stations.

I think the distance has to do in part with the size of the power station.

I’m sure some of my readers will write in who know more about this than I do.

When we were looking for the house we live in now, there was a wonderful house I loved but it was right next door to a neighborhood power substation. My gaussmeter went crazy in every room of the house. This substation is about a mile from my house. I am not concerned about it.

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Question from Ronda

Hi Debra –

I was just reviewing the PVC free school supply list that you sent out. Although the backpacks are PVC free they are made out of polyester. Is polyester ok as long as you know it is PVC free or should I look for a canvas backpack for my 5 year old?

Thanks for your great information!

Ronda

Debra’s Answer

I’m glad you brought this up. Not all lists go as far as we do here. Polyester is PVC-free but still a non-renewable, non-biodegradable petroleum product.

I always go for cotton canvas for bags or other natural fibers. I have a hemp bag.

It’s unlikely you will find such a thing in your local stores, but here are some online sources:

Cotton Canvas Backpack Product Search

Hemp Backpack Product Search

There are lots more too online.

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Question from Annie N

Is sun protective clothing, with built in sunscreen, safe to use? The company, Coolibar (coolibar.com), has several fabrics with protective elements like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide permanently in the fabric of the clothing item.

Debra’s Answer

I took a look at the website. Two things I am not certain about. 1) What types of finishes might be on the fabrics. 2) How are the sunscreens attached to the fabrics.

So I can’t give you a definitive answer.

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Question from Celestine

I bought wool carpet for one room of a new house. However, I did not pay attention to the installation, and after it was done there was an unpleasant and suspicious smell. I got headaches, head pressures and stinging eyes and nose when anywhere around the area. The house has an open floor plan, so the toxic stuff disperses. So far I have had two rather weak ionizers in there, and have left doors and windows open around the house. There are three possible culprits: One is the carpet itself. A remnant I have smells bad. It is wool, but clearly there are toxic substances on it and behind it. Then there is the pad, which is recycled pieces of foam that the installer told me would have outgassed long ago. But I wonder what they stuck the pieces together with? Nothing friendly, I’m sure. Then there is the glue, which probably has a host of toxins, including formaldehyde. Short of tearing everything out and starting over (major $$$) I would like to find a way of taking care of this to make my house fully inhabitable! I saw a set of products on the internet that included a shampoo and two sealants to prevent outgassing. I would like feedback to see if anyone has used a similar product and whether it was successful. Right now the whole house is being affected. I want a green house, and this is way far in the other direction! Any suggestions?

Debra’s Answer

If the product you are referring to is AFM Carpet Seal, I used that product about 25 years ago and it worked really well to block the fumes from the carpet. You could try this, but the other alternative would be to somehow enclose the area and heat it to speed up the outgassing of the chemicals.

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Question from HEG

I live in the downtown area of Miami, along the Miami River where small cargo ships pass on a daily basis, and about a half a mile from the Port of Miami where cruise ships dock daily. My apartment is on the 40th floor of a highrise and I would love to be able to keep the windows open frequently to enjoy the fresh air off the ocean and river. However, I am concerned that this fresh air may not be so fresh, and instead heavily polluted with the exhaust of all the boats and ships. I rarely notice any bad odors, but I know that the particulate matter and other air pollutants can travel a far distance. Do you think it would be safer for me to keep my windows shut or do you think the benefits of the outside air outweigh the pollution from these boats and ships? I have an infant who I am particularly trying to protect. Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

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The toxics reform bill, H.R. 5820, the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act, has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Chairmen Waxman (CA-30) and Rush (IL-01). Toxics reform is now moving through both houses of Congress. Yay! We’re making progress.

If you would like to show your support, add your signature to Environmental Working Group’s petition at Toxic Chemicals Safety Act Petition.