Question from Elizabeth

Debra,

I purchased my couch five years ago and had Stainsafe applied in the store before delivery. Now I obviously realize that decision was wrong but I don’t have the money for a new “organic” type of couch and all the companies want at least $1500 to reupholster my sofa and loveseat. Do you think after five years it’s gone? Or do you feel it can still be toxic to my toddler? I have checked and at the very least there were no flame retardants used on the foam. I acknowledge there are still fumes from the foam and plywood inside, but I’m mostly focused on the exterior fabric right now. I’m thinking about buying a few sofa covers (washed multiple times to get out the chemicals) and using those to minimize exposure from the Stainsafe.

Thanks!

Elizabeth

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Question from Emily

I have a strange request and since you of all people are very knowledgeable on the subject, I thought I would go straight to the source.

I am looking for scientific and medical sources to use for a college english class project regarding the environmental and health effects of using disposable feminine hygiene products. I get to “solve” the issue by introducing alternatives and tell why they’re so great, but I need the hard facts on the issue. I’ve mentioned to my professor specifically the manufacturing (bleaching, etc.) and the landfill/ocean issues. He has told me I need at least 10 reliable sources to use. I know this isn’t the usual request, but if anyone can direct me to these sources, that would be wonderful. Thank you for helping this poor college student out.

Debra’s Answer

Well, Emily, I spend my time collecting the alternatives, so I would have to do the same leg work you would have to do to collect the studies.

But if anyone out there has some recommendations, let’s have them!

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Question from kb

We are expecting twins and have recently purchased Kids Line bedding, made in China. The company claims to be organic, which is why we purchased the set.

I’m wondering if anyone has used this bedding and can speak to this.

Along these same lines, does anyone have any thoughts on Gerber Organic products, such as their onsies and other clothing?

Finally, what do people think about organic cotton clothing made in China, in general?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Kristen

My little guys love to take bubble baths but I’m guessing that using most of the over the counter ones are about the same as steeping your kids in chemicals ;-). Do you have any good home made bubble bath recipes?

Thanks!

Kristen

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Leah

Hi Debra,

What can you tell me about phosphates and their use with laundry detergent? I have heard mixed things about their use. I know that they are illegal in some states, but for a person with hard water and clothes that do not get clean with any natural detergents or oxygen bleaches, might it be better to use them than chlorine bleach or other chemicals? I actually had a company on your list recommend that I look into using them. Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

The problem with phosphates is that wasterwater treatment plants remove only a small percentage of phosphorus, so the effluent that is released into streams, rivers, lakes and estuaries considerable amount of phosphorus. These bodies of water contain algae, the growth of which is kept in balance by a limited amount of phosphorus that occurs naturally in the water. Quite simply, more phosphorus results in more algae and the balance that keeps the aquatic ecosystem going is upset (read more at Historical Perspecitve Of The Phosphate Detergent Conflict).

Soap, on the other hand, has been used historically for centuries with no such problem.

If your water is too hard, it would be better to soften the water than to use a phosphate detergent.

I recommend that you call Winston at Go Beyond Organic and see if his water conditioner will work for you. It does not use salt of any kind. We have very hard water and use this conditioner, and our clothes get very clean using soap or soapnuts.

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Question from Nell Covington

Hi Debra,

I am thinking about buying a bread machine. It seems like all of the brands have a non-stick finish. Are these machines likely to get hot enough to make this a problem (I understand that the temp has to reach over 500 degrees to cause leaching, right??) What do you think?

Debra’s Answer

I don’t feel comfortable using non-stick finishes at any temperature.

I don’t know of a bread machine that doesn’t have a non-stick finish.

When I used to bake bread, I just baked it in the oven in a glass loaf pan. I don’t eat bread as part of my regular diet any more.

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Question from Steve Savitz

Are stainless steel food steamer inserts safe? I assume there wouldn’t be any nickel, aluminum, etc. Can anyone recommend a pot insert for steaming?

Debra’s Answer

Stainless steel is stainless steel, so steamers would have all the same issues as pans. Except short cooking time and you aren’t scratching them with metal utensils.

I have a bamboo steamer and I love it! Much more organic and less industrial.

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Question from TJW

The interior design is specifying us to use reclaimed 150 year old french wood floors in our home.

Our concern is that one of the wood floor installation subcontractors informed us that the wood floor appears to have been chemically dipped in some kind of chemical/stain mixture to make it look weathered and grey.

The supplier states since it is reclaimed material and they did not put the finish on it, they are unable to inform us of the chemicals/stains used.

Unfortunately, we have already purchased the material and the supplier will not take it back. Our concern is it the wood floor is off gasing any hazardous chemicals, if the wood floor dipping process contained any hazardous chemicals, and what are any hazards if we need to sand down the wood floor in the future and what chemicals may now be airborne.

Do you know of any agencies that can/will test our wood floors for any hazardous chemicals?

Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

My husband and I use a lot of reclaimed materials in our remodels and always examine them carefully for any treatments or finishes before we purchase them. Reclaiming wood is great for the environment and often results in better quality material than you can buy today, but you need to watch out for unknown treatments and finishes.

A clue to a problem would be if it has an odor.

I don’t know who to refer you to for testing. Readers?

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Question from Debbie in Kentucky

Hi,

What do you recommend for flea and tick control for dogs? I saw Sergeant’s Nature’s Guardian squeeze on product and their powder. The package says it is “natural”. The ingredients listed are peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, lemon grass oil, clove oil, thyme oil, vanillin, and isopropyl myristate. The powder has the same oils but has silicic acid, calcium salt, carbonic acid, monosodium salt, and calcium carbonate. Do you think these “natural” products are safe?

Thanks for your help.

Debra’s Answer

First, let’s look at the ingredients.

Obviously cinnamon oil and the like are natural. Isopropyl myristate is not quite natural. It is made from myristic acid (a saturated fatty acid from plants) and isopropyl alcohol (made from petrochemicals). So it’s a “half-and-half” ingredient.

The rest of the ingredients are natural.

I don’t see any ingredients here that are particularly toxic, however, it is always wise to be careful with essential plant oils as they are very concentrated and can be irritating to the skin.

I don’t see any reason not to use this.

Readers, what do you use to control fleas on dogs?

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Question from Kat

Hi..

I’m another of these mould-sensitive types, and I’m looking to buy a house.

I’m a bit confused as to what to avoid re mould and mildew and I’m worried that I might buy a place, only to discover there’s a hidden mould problem that’s expensive or impossible to fix.

I’ve just found a property that I like.. and, of course, it’s on the ground floor. It’s a 1930s building with floorboards, which I assume are sitting without furter insulation above the dirt below, which probably has some mould/mildew..

I wondered how much mould spores can actually come through timber floors.. And whether there are any reliable ways to check that out.. I also wondered whether you can wax floors or do something that will keep them to be more airproof.

I did find small mould growths on most of the windows (not at all unusual in sydney) and on one of the walls.. but otherwise, it had a lot going for it.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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