Question from Whitney

Indeed it does say they use ozone!  I have removed it from Debra’s List.  I will need to do further research to better understand the risk.  In the meantime, I would chose another deodorant.

Question from Joseph

I am working on a Buying Guide for Toasters that will be posted next week.  Check back then!

Question from Lisa

I am working on a Buying Guide for Toasters that will be posted next week.  Check back then!

I hope you have had a chance to read my new Air Purifier Buying Guide. I received a lot of questions about other air purifiers that were not discussed. The guide is designed so that you can evaluate any air purifier you are considering by comparing the outlined criteria. I did get multiple requests to look specifically at the following brands:
* Air Doctor
* Airpura
* Aireox
* Austin HealthMate Plus Junior

Here is a review of these additional brands. I hope you find it helpful.

New Air Purifier Reviews

Question from Ron

Sur La Table’s GreenPan is a hard anodized aluminum core with ceramic non-stick coating.  Studies have shown that ceramic coatings can release nanoparticles into food.  According to the study, chronic exposure can cause immune system disruption and pre-cancerous lesions to the gut.  Most manufacturers do not specify exactly what is in their coatings because it is proprietary.  Without further testing to prove safety, I don’t recommend any cookware with non-stick coatings.

Man Pans are anodized aluminum with a non-stick coating.  They also do not reveal what is in their coating because it is proprietary.  While they claim that the coatings do not chip or flake, I would also be concerned about the possibility because aluminum is very prone to leaching.

I wouldn’t use either pan.

Question from Melissa

Hi Lisa, thank you for this wonderful resource!  We are in the process of a home renovation project, which includes moving our kitchen and several lightly used bathrooms (powder room
and guest room/office bathroom).

Our contractor was planning to use PEX piping for all incoming water.  I know there are concerns about leaching from PEX pipes.  Would you share that concern?

One alternative is copper pipes.  The contractor is pricing this for us for our kitchen only, as it is likely too expensive to use everywhere (the kitchen is our highest priority for uncontaminated water).  Do you have health concerns with copper pipes and/or joint materials that would be used with it?

For the other locations, I know that polypropylene pipes are sometimes considered safer than PEX, but that there could be concerns about joint material used with polypropylene pipes.  What do you think about polypropylene  vs PEX?

Here is a very good guide by EWG on pipes.  Perhaps use copper with lead-free joints where affordable and polypropylene pipes on the remainder.

Question from TJG

After an exhaustive search for a 100% nylon shower curtain (untreated) I settled for one that some websites touted as having the lease toxic material (Berning).  But when I received product which was labeled as 100% nylon, I cross referenced it on manufacturers sight (Carnation Home fashions) and it was classified as polyester. There is no chemical odor to it but is nylon a safer material for those with chemical sensitivities and allergies?

If the product is labelled 100% nylon, it should be nylon.  I looked at the manufacturer’s website and see where it says it is 100% nylon but then goes on to say it is 100% polyester.  You could call the company to clarify.  Perhaps it is a typo.  I can’t tell you what any sensitive person will react to because everyone is different.

Question from Joyce

I have a small teapot, sugar and creamer labeled L.H. Vaughn, Taunton, Mass.    In searching I discovered he started in business in 1915.  They have not darkened in the 6 years I have had them.  Did he use lead in the making of his pewter items?  Because they have not darkened in time can I assume there is no lead in them?

I can’t tell you about that particular maker, but old pewter (made before the 1970’s) was typically made with lead.  Did you purchase them new 6 years ago or are they older pieces?  If they were made in the early 1900’s I would assume there is lead in it.  It is generally true that the darker the pewter, the more lead.  However, since there is no safe level of lead, I would not recommend using it.

Question from Dawn

What are the best air cleaners and protection from EMF’s?

Here is my Air Purifier Buying Guide.  I am not an expert in EMF’s.

Question from Dawn

I don’t know what stores in the Pittsburgh area carry non or low toxic reclining furniture and I need to buy some for the new home we plan to be in fairly soon.

I am not familiar with local stores in your area.  You can check out Debra’s List for non-toxic furniture makers.  There are many options for loveseats, though non-toxic options tend to be expensive.  I am not aware of any non-toxic recliners on the market but there are companies that might be able to custom make one for you. It will not be inexpensive. Pine Street Natural Interiors is one to try.

Almost all traditionally made upholstered furniture is made with polyurethane foam cushioning.  The polyurethane foam is likely to contain formaldehyde and possibly flame retardants. Formaldehyde can continue to off-gas for the life of the product and flame retardants in the foam can break down and end up in household dust.  The other things to avoid in traditional furniture are treated fabrics, leather tanned with harmful chemicals, high-VOC adhesives and stains.