Question from Jennifer

Has any one installed bamboo flooring in a semi-arid climate? If so, did you have any problems with contraction or cupping? FYI: We have a swamp cooler but will not be maintaining a constant humidity level.

Debra’s Answer

Readers, any experience with this?

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Question from Louise

This is from a parent on Berkeley Parent’s Network…

Have you seen the article in the latest ”Environment California”newsletter on popular baby bottles that leach dangerous chemicals, bisphenol A in particular? The Environment California Research and Policy Center and an independent laboratory conducted a test on Avent, Dr. Brown’s, Evenflo, Gerber, and Playtex bottles, and found harmful levels of bisphenol A in all of these brands.

About four years ago I contacted Avent to ask about the safety of their bottles, and they sent me information admitting that their bottles had been found to cause cancer in rats. I was horrified, thinking that my newborn was about the size of a rat. Also I had been heating my Avent bottles in the microwave, which I’m sure helps to release the chemicals. I switched to glass bottles immediately.

I also tell everyone I see using these bottles about their possible danger. The safest thing to do, if you want to use plastic bottles, is to look for those made with softer, less clear plastic — generally these don’t have bisphenol A. It bothers me to note that stores like Baby’s R Us, who say they don’t sell anything with PVC, continue to stock Avent bottles.

Low doses of bisphenol A have been linked to a number of childhood ailments and behavioral problems. For the entire report on toxic baby bottles, see www.environmentcalifornia.org/reports.

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Question from Patricia

Hi Debra,

I know blueberries are on the dirty dozen list so I always try to buy organic blueberries. They are usually quite expensive. Wyman’s blueberries, www.wymans.com/sustainability, posts the following statement on their website and I wanted to get your opinion:

Thank you

Debra’s Answer

This is an interesting question.

I went to their website. First, they correctly do not claim their blueberries to be organic, but they do promote “sustainability”. What was surprising to me was that pesticides in any amount were being used on “wild” blueberries. I had always thought that if something was labeled “wild” it was harvested from the wild, but apparenetly not. I need to do more research on what “wild” means, if there is a legal definition. Does anybody know?

As to whether or not it is OK to eat blueberries with this tiny amount of pesticide, here are my thoughts. Ideally, we would eat NO pesticides–100% organic. However, in today’s world, that is usually not possible. Myself, I eat as much organic as is available wherever I am, but I also eat non-organic foods. So if I look at my overall consumption, I am probably eating more pesticides overall between organic and non-organic than are in those blueberries.

Also, we need to consider that there are many health benefits to eating blueberries that may outweigh the infinitesimal amount of pesticide in them. And, these IPM blueberries have much less pesticide than standard blueberries.

So I would say it is a better choice, but not the best possible choice. That said, it may be the best choice available to you where you live.

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Question from Susan

generally, i have no problem with having a few spiders around. but i have a small lime tree that spiders seem to love too much–huge webs spring up overnight and kill the flowers before they have a chance to turn into fruit. (i also have a lemon tree in the same yard but do not have the same problem with it.) i only use products that are ok for organic gardening.

any suggestions?

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Sage

Dear Debra,

I am currently looking for a new car seat for my 11 month baby, but all car seats stink. Do you know of any that are less toxic?

Thanks.

Sage

Debra’s Answer

Moms, what do you suggest?

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Question from Helen

We have some fifty-year old child-sized wicker chairs that were recently repaired. The old material is gray and the new is natural new wood colored. The chair man has suggested we spray paint them because the color difference is so great between the old and the new materials. I suggested milk paint but he thinks that wouldn’t cover the discrepancy well enough.

We plan to put these chairs on a covered porch and want them safe for children to use and sit in when their little legs are bare on these hot days. Can you recommend a natural spray paint that would be suitable for this?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know of a less-toxic or natural paint that comes in a spray can, however, you can purchase paint sprayers at any home improvement or hardware store and spray any type of paint you want.

Readers, any other suggestions?

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Question from joyce k.

I have an interior bedroom that only has one window. Outside the window the air flow is blocked by an added on bathroom. There is still air flowing, but the window is near the ground and if left open is a security hazard (someone could enter the house.)

I cannot even go in the room without a mask or holding my breath because of the build up of stale air. An air filter helps, but does not of course provide fresh air.

The wall of the bedroom that leads to the rest of the house cannot be taken down because it is a supporting wall.

Does anyone have experience with this type of problem? How can I ventilate this room?

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Question from Mark

My wife is sensitive to many chemicals and plastics. Until recently she has tolerated Dove soap, the one that is for sensitive skin, which states “fragrance free” stated on the label. She has not tolerated the soap for the last two or three months and finally contacted Dove to complain. Dove customer service stated they now use a masking fragrance in the soap.

I am writing just to inform readers, this soap is no longer suitable for anybody that needs to avoid fragrances.

Mark

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Perri

Hi, I love your website and use your Shopping List almost daily!

I decided to start making my own candles so I can have fun trying different scents. Also, I want to know for sure that my candles are safe for my home.

Do you or any readers know where I can find 100% organic soy wax and organic cotton wicks? I have searched online with no luck. Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from SarahBug

I just bought two Method cleaning products at Target recently and was wondering why it was not on the list?? Is there something wrong with the products I should know about?

Debra’s Answer

First, there are many more products on the market than I can keep up with, so don’t assume that if it’s not on Debra’s List, there is something wrong with it. I love having you all write in asking about specific products because then I know exactly which products you are wondering about and can address them. Sometimes I learn about new products from you too that I am not aware of and add them to Debra’s List.

Now about Method Cleaning Products, I’ve already answered this at Q&A: Method Cleaning Products.

Remember to use the big purple SEARCH button and search for your question before posting. It might already have been addressed and you’ll get an instant answer!

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