Question from dt

That new Fresh Aire Paint~It still smells like paint???

I’m sick with pretty bad asthma-MD said”Severe”, so I need a paint without any smell~

Pinned my hopes on this new paint@Home Depot,…

Anyone use it, & how do you like it, and, does it really smell?

TIA, xoxoxo, me ps: Co$t? Is it pricey $$$ in USD?

Debra’s Answer

Readers? I haven’t tried it yet.

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Question from jK

Hi Debra

Could you share with us what supplements you take?

I am in my mid 40s and am currently taking Shaklee’s Multi Vitamins, Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Are these sufficient?

Tks

JK

Debra’s Answer

This is a big subject. First, everyone is uniquely individual and our individual body needs change over time depending on what is going on with our bodies. So I can’t tell you if what you are taking is sufficient.

I already wrote about it at At Home With Debra: My Vitamins. Start with that for my general philosophy about supplements.

But that was a couple of years ago, and now I’m taking different supplements based on body conditions I need to take care of now.

Here’s what I’m taking

I also eat Himalayan Crystal Salt for minerals.

In “My Vitamins” I mentioned taking specific Standard Process vitamins chosen by a practitioner. I’ve stopped doing that only because my doctor moved away and I haven’t found a suitable replacement. I still value that method and those vitamins.

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Question from sunnydside

We just purchased a new slide-in electric range that has a glass cooktop. The cooktop is no problem but the interior of the oven definitely has a “new” odor. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to break-in the new oven and remove the odor? Your input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Debra’s Answer

I have not had personal experience doing this, however, I know heat helps almost any odor disappear, so I would try just turning on the oven and letting it bake. Several times…until there is no more odor.

Readers?

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Question from Marie

Debra,

Thank you for all the information you give us to help in making the right choices for our home environment. I have a question about PVC blinds. I am shopping for blinds for my home and wonder if aluminum is a better choice than faux wood blinds that are made from PVC or vinyl. The faux wood blinds look great but I wondered if they outgas especially if they are on a window that gets a lot of sun. My windows get a lot of the afternoon sun and wood blinds tend to warp in the heat. Do you or any readers have any suggestions.

Thanks,

Marie, Los Angeles

Debra’s Answer

Aluminum blinds are much better than PVC blinds. Yes, the PVC would outgas in a sunny window.

To the best of my knowledge, aluminum does not outgas anything into the air. The problem comes from ingesting food that contains aluminum leached during cooking or storage, or from skin absorption from products like antiperspirants containing aluminum chlorohydrate.

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Question from bets

I am looking for cotton underpants without elastic at the legs, but the finish of the same cloth, in the form of a band.

Anyone have an idea where to find some?

Also the old fashion sox w/ a ‘slouch’ top. no elastic there.

Diabetes ones can run 8.00 a pair.

bets

Debra’s Answer

Jockey Elance underpants are 100% cotton (not organic) and have covered elastic at waistband and legs. They are sold at Macy’s and I presume other places that sell Jockey undergarments, and also I just saw them at a Jockey outlet store. You can order them online to (click on link at the beginning of this paragraph). Decent Exposures also makes their own with covered elastic.

You can also get the covered elastic underpants made from organic cotton, such as from Rawganique.

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Question from MBP

Hello Debra,

I am curious if you or any of your readers know of any “Green/Natural” magazines that cover topics related to natural parenting. I have heard of one called “Mothering” and would love to know if there are any others.

Thanks so much!

~Melissa

Debra’s Answer

“Mothering” is a great natural parenting magazine and has been around for as long as I’ve been doing my work (25 years plus).

Mothers, any other magazines to recommend?

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Question from sal

I read a question about a guy with a guitar that still had a poly. odor to it. I have a guitar body that I painted and finished with auto body clear coat, its been two weeks and it has a very light odor, the clear coat is very hard. I don’t know the exact curing time, but the odor seems to be coming more from the wiring cavity then the body. I am wondering if this is hazardous, should I wait to use it or will this finish be emiting this odor for quite some time.

Debra’s Answer

Auto body clear coat? This is very toxic.

I believe that this product is designed to be used with a heat-drying method. In a body shop they apply it and then dry it with heat, so it dries fast, it is not designed for air-drying. I think it will continue to outgas for quite some time.

It’s best to use finishes that are designed for the material they are being applied to. There are many less toxic wood finishes that could be applied to musical instruments. In fact, if I were doing this, I would research the natural finishes that were used on wood instruments prior to the availability of industrial finishes. They would most likely produce a better sound as well.

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Question from Sonia

I was wondering if anyone knew of a product that is safe to freeze and store breast milk in other than the usual plastic bags that are currently available.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Molly

I have recently moved and am renting a home. The kitchen shelves are wood but have a layer (or two) of contact paper on them. I do not want to use any harsh chemicals to remove the the adhesive that remains. Do you have a “green way” to remove this stubborn stuff? Thank you in advance for your help!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from muriel

Do you know of any other product besides MURCO (joint compound for wallboard)? It appears that Murco can only be bought through the company in Texas or other locations in Texas and I am in Florida and I have unexpected work to do asap in my house.

Or does anyone know of any place locally (South Florida) that carries Murco or any other joint compound product that is environmentally safe that is sold in a Home Depot etc?

Also does anyone know of any environmentally safe joint tape and where I can purchase it? Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

My husband and I have always used just the standard powdered joint compound sold by Home Depot and Lowe’s and standard tape. I don’t consider this to be a particularly toxic product, though some people with MCS do react to it.

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