Question from Karen

I would like to know if bathtub resurfacing is safe. The contractor said there would be an odor only when it is wet. It takes 3 days for it to dry completely. Staying out of the houdse for that long is not a problem, but does anyone know if it continues to outgas after that time?

Thank you,

Karen

Debra’s Answer

It makes sense to me that it would be fine once cured, however, I have no actual experience with this.

Readers, has anyone actually done this?

Question from LH

I have a question about enamel coated cast iron cookware (a la Le Creuset).

My husband and I adore our simple cast iron cookware, but have recently read that it is not advised for those with Hepatis C, which he has.

We both love to cook are always looking for safe and effective cookware.

I am intrigued by the new Mario Batali line of “Italian kitchen” cookware, a low priced knock off of Le Creuset. I would like to know more about the current safety of both Le Creuset, made in France and Mario Batali, made in China.

At one time the lead and cadmium levels in enamel coated ware was controversial. The info I have found says that has been corrected, but being skeptical about the USA standards and enforcement, I wonder if you have any other source of info or advice.

Also, I am wary of anything made in China. I would love to try this Mario Batali cookware but wonder if it is worth the health risk. Is Le Creuset?

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know the answer about lead and cadmium.

With regards to Le Cruset vs Mario Batali, as much as I love Mario Batali as a chef, I would go with the Le Creuset. Here’s why. Le Creuset is a long established French company, who makes a high quality product for the discriminating French, to whom cooking is paramount. Manufacturers in China just don’t have the same level of care. I’d get “the real thing.” And if anyone has corrected the heavy metal problem, it would be Le Creuset.

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Question from Mary

I’d like to order duplicate checks. Does anyone know of a brand that doesn’t smell a lot? It’s a pain to have to air them out before using them. Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

I don’t recommend using duplicate checks for the same reason I don’t recommend carbonless carbons. They are made with toxic chemicals that outgas. Though duplicate checks may be more convenient, they are more toxic. I don’t think any exist that smell less, as they are all made with the same technology.

I’ve also discovered that all checks are not alike. The ones with pictures on them use a different ink than the plain checks, and they have a much stronger odor.

I’ve been using checks from Check Gallery, which are printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink. I’ve been happy with them.

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Question from PSG

I’m going to be taking a Color Rendering class as part of an Interior Design curriculum and will be using color markers and pencils. I cannot use markers with solvents or a strong smell due to chemical sensitivities. Please advise me (ASAP) as to the brands of non-toxic markers with the color range required for interior design drawing. Thanks so much. (And now that I know the currently available edition of Home Safe Home is the new one, I’ll get that, but need the marker info right away.)

Debra’s Answer

What you want to do is go to a art supply store and get water-based markers. I use STABILayout markers. Lots of colors. I just searched for a webpage and couldn’t find one. Maybe they are no longer available.

Try asking The Art and Creative Materials Institute. They keep track of safe art supplies.

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Question from Ruth Ruddock

With all the toy recalls going on, I wonder what is safe for a little 9 month old guy to chew on?

Any thoughts?

Ruth in Wisconsin

Debra’s Answer

Moms, what do you recommend?

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Question from Stephanie

Hi. My partner and I are in the process of buying a house in Pittsburgh. We are about to hire a home inspector to check out the house for any structural damages, etc. I have chemical sensitivity and want to hire someone, as well, to check out the house for environmental issues — I think these include mold and radon, but I’m not sure what else I should have the house checked for and who I should hire to do these things, as I’ve never been through this process before. Are there special environmental inspectors? How might I find them? What else should I be aware of? Thanks!!!

Debra’s Answer

Well, you could hire me. I do that kind of inspection and can travel anywhere to do it. My specialty is toxics, so you’ll get a good toxics inspection, but there are other factors, too.

You could also hire a Bau-Biologist, who is trained to check for molds and moisture conditions, emfs, radiation, and more. You can read about a Bau-Biology inspection I had at my house at AT HOME WITH DEBRA: My Bau-Biologie Home Inspection. Visit the International Institute for Bau-Biologie and Ecology to find a Bau-Biologist near you.

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Question from Sweet Pea

I’m aware of the dangers of inhaling Nitrous Oxide itself. I know it is used to charge whipped cream dispensers. But I can’t seem to find an answer to my question on any of the websites.

Does it harmfully affect the whipped cream itself or does it just dissipate when discharged? Are there traces of the drug in the whipped cream?

A friend wanted one of those dispensers for Xmas.

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know how much nitrous oxide remains in the cream after it is dispensed, but it does mix with the cream. It is a very small amount.

I’d just like to say that whether there is any residual nitrous oxide in the cream or not, why not just use a mixer to whip cream? This kitchen gadget is just another specific-use thing that is using resources to manufacture. You can even whip cream in about two minutes with a manual egg beater. If you whip the cream yourself with a mixer, you KNOW there’s no nitrous oxide.

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Question from jason

Thought some of you might be interested in a list of the numerous chemicals found in mattresses glues, polyurethane memory foams and industrial perfumes that we have compiled.

http://www.essentiadirect.com/research/glues-toxic-components

Debra’s Answer

This is a comprehensive list. Thanks for posting it.

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Question from LA

Does it matter if the recepie calls for unsweetened butter and i use sweetened instead?

Debra’s Answer

I’m not sure what your recipe actually said, but I’ve never seen a recipe that called for “unsweetened butter” and I’ve never seen such a product.

However…the word “sweet” is used in the labeling of butter, but it has nothing to do with sugar.

Unsalted butter is often labeled “Sweet butter”. “Sweet cream butter” is lightly salted butter.

Also, fresh cream is referred to as “sweet cream” as opposed to “sour cream” which is fermented. Until 1940, all butter was made from sour cream. Today, because of mechanization, butter is made from sweet cream (read more about this in The Case for Butter).

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Question from Leah

Although we have a lid on our sump pump, there is an odor coming from it, especially when it is dry outside and the water sits for a period of time. It comes in through the heat vents in our crawl space and our entire house smells. We were told to put chlorine tablets in it to help the smell. I am looking for something more natural that might work. Does anyone have experience with this or have any ideas? The water travels into a ditch in front of our house. Not only do I not want to be breathing chlorine in our house, I also don’t want to pollute our yard. Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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