Question from Judy

I am trying to make up my mind about the different kinds of aluminum free deodorants on the market. Some say they are aluminum free when, in fact, they do contain potassium alum. Is this safe to use or is it, in fact, just another aluminum product worded differently? Thank you…

Debra’s Answer

When an antiperspirant claims to be “aluminum-free,” they are saying it does not contain aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum chloride, aluminum hydroxybromide or aluminum zirconium—all forms of aluminum commonly used in antiperspirants and deodorants. To stop the flow of sweat to your skin’s surface, the aluminum plugs sweat ducts in the top layer of your skin stopping the the natural flow of sweat to your skin’s surface.

This aluminum can also be absorbed into your body where it can then build up as part of your body burden. Alzheimer’s disease and cancer are two illnesses known to be associated with aluminum exposure.

The aluminum in crystal deodorant stones is a different type of aluminum, called alum. The most common form is potassium alum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate.

Potassium alum (and other alums) is a natural mineral salt made up of molecules that are too large to be absorbed by your skin. They form a protective layer on your skin that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. While this is a better alternative, it is not completely aluminum-free.

I haven’t used antiperspirant of any kind for decades. More than thirty years ago I started using baking soda as a deodorant, but have given up even that. Sweat is necessary for your body to detox (see Toxic Free Nutrition:Is Your Antiperspirant Preventing Your Body From Detoxing?) and a health body has a lovely smell, not a foul odor.

Antiperspirants and deodorants are an industrial consumer invention, not found in nature.

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Question from Joy

Does anyone have a safe, successful way to get rid of carpenter ants? They are eating my window frame and the framing in the walls.

Debra’s Answer

Readers, and experience with this?

I had carpenter ants in my little cabin in the woods in California and I just vacuumed them out of the walls when I opened them up for remodeling, and that was it. They may have returned, I don’t know.

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Question from Janice

Hi Debra- We had our bathroom gutted and redone about a year and a half ago and had 100% silicone caulk sealing the area where the tub meets the tile. I was very careful about the products used and although the silicone was very stinky for a couple of days it was fine once cured. The problem is it’s developed mildew stains and must be removed. Any ideas about what we can use? What do you think about EcoBond Kitchen Bath Plumbing. Thanks so much for your help.

Debra’s Answer

I don’t have any experience with this product, but the description looks very good.

Has anybody tried this?

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Update January, 2020:  Read these more recent articles:

So Many Chemicals in Clothing

More Sources for Non-Toxic Clothing read more…

Question from SheriB

We are about to lay wood/bamboo flooring in an above ground section of the house that is a cement floor. It connects to other areas of the house that are over a full basement and have wood sub floor.

We will need to put down a 6 mil plastic vapor barrier over the concrete. We haven’t had any water come in, but want to have the preventative layer.

If we put in solid hardwood, the expense is very high because we would first have to lay a plywood sub floor about an inch high. It also would make the threshold into this area an inch or more higher than the rest of the flooring.

So we were looking into solid strand bamboo click lock flooring from US Floors. Resins are used in creating the solid strand bamboo. The flooring’s outer coating is baked in the factory the same as hardwoods. Have you had any experience with bamboo flooring?

I have severe MCS. We were opting against tile because the floor would be very cold in the winter.

Debra’s Answer

I have no personal experience with this flooring, but can’t recommend flooring made with unknown “resins.” See if you can get more information.

I understand ceramic or stone tile is cold in the winter, but it’s the safest flooring for someone with “severe MCS.”

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Question from Angelique

Any thoughts about the brand of oven/range combo that would off-gas the least and/or fastest?

Debra’s Answer

I purchased a new oven/range about five years ago. At that time, outgassing didn’t seem to be much of an issue. I purchased the one that had the best features for me.

I chose a Frigidaire gas range and have had no problems with it of any kind.

Readers, any suggestions?

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Question from Stacey

I need to purchase bedding and am trying to keep costs down. I have bedding from Lifekind (latex mattress), and Shepherds Dream (wool mattress). I am happy with both, and will most likely purchase from whoever offers the best deal. I did just discover White Lotus (from your site) and like the prices; however, to choose organic wool adds to the cost significantly (otherwise I would choose White Lotus this time).

I’ve read that you have an organic wool comforter from Shepherds Dream, but I thought they did not have organic wool. Shepherds Dream states they use “Eco Wool” which seems just as good to me. So did you specifically request organic wool from Shepherds Dream?

I see White Lotus uses virgin wool from New Zealand, but not sure if I am comfortable with this. I’ve read of arsenic detected in this wool…

Can you tell me if you still prefer organic wool over New Zealand wool, or even “Eco Wool?” Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

First, here is the description of EcoWool from the Shepherd’s Dream website:

Eco Wool Batting

All of our products are filled entirely with our Premium Eco Wool Batting. Eco Wool is entirely derived from local flocks of sheep that are raised following specific criteria that ensures top quality wool. Our Oregon grown, Eco Wool batting is produced at the Woolgatherer Carding Mill, located down the road from Shepherd’s Dream.

And here’s what they say about organic wool on the same page:

Is Eco Wool Organic?

This is a question many people ask. Eco Wool is not certified organic. At this time very little organic wool is available on the market; almost no organic wool is grown in the United States. We find that Eco Wool is actually cleaner and of higher quality than the organic wool currently available. Eco Wool is produced to the highest standards; some of these standards are beyond those specified for organic materials. We have access to organic wool from New Zealand that is pure and clean, though due to it being only one type of wool, it doesn’t offer the kind of resilience or bounce that our Premium Eco Wool does.  Our Eco Wool is a blend of about 7 different types of wool varying from fine to coarse in order to create the most ideal wool fiber for use in bedding.  We prefer the quality, loft and sustainability of our Premium Eco Wool, though if you require certified organic wool, you may call our office to put in a special order.

Now let me tell you from my own personal experience. I was actually there many years ago when the Eco Wool standards were written. I helped write them. Certified organic or not, the intent and practice is as good if not better than certified organic.

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Question from Joshua

My brother has a project where he simply wants to paint the concrete floor in his bedroom with white/off-white, then color, then a seal/finish. Can you recommend a paint that can be used on concrete?

Debra’s Answer

Here’s a link where you can find nontoxic paint and sealer for concrete: Green Building Supply: Concrete & Masonry Sealers.

I love painted concrete floors. I think it can be a beautiful and creative solution.

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Question from Heavens

I am in the market to buy a waterproof mattress pad.

The first company that came to mind is Naturepedic because I have a couple of their mattresses and they use food grade polyethelene to waterproof them. I just checked your website here and found a similar question and a reference to the waterproofing on the Naturepedic mattress pads as being done with polyethelene.

I have heard otherwise so called Naturepedic to confirm: The waterproof layer in the mattress pads is a polyurethane film, not polyethelene. It took a lot of questioning as the rep didn’t know. They call it something like “dryguard” without specifying exactly what that is. After insisting that I needed specifics, he was able to come back and tell me that it was, in fact, a polyurethane film.

That being said, the cotton is organic and they are GOTS certified and Greenguard certified regarding outgassing. Polyurethane is a very dirty word in my house. Can you please clarify the safety of sleeping on this?

Debra’s Answer

I actually recently did HOURS of research on polyurethane. Polyurethane itself, as in a film is actually pretty nontoxic. It’s when you combine polyurethane with other toxic chemicals that it gets a bad name, such as combined with chemicals to make polyurethane foam or combined with solvents to make polyurethane wood finish. But polyurethane itself is not the problem.

I have known the owners of Naturepedic for years and have had many discussions with them about the toxicity of various materials. The founder, Barry Cik is an very experienced Environmental Engineer. They have a “no compromise” policy about toxic chemicals. So if Naturepedic is using a material, I feel confident that it is safe for babies.

Question from Stacey

I am searching for affordable, basic platform bed frames for my organic mattresses. I came across one that is “formaldehyde free” but uses an “oil based polyurethane” which “takes a few weeks to outgas,” according to the website (Lifekind). Would you recommend these as safe, or recommend something else… Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I don’t recommend oil-based polyurethane. Water-based polyurethane would be OK.

I would suggest that you find your local unfinished furniture store and see what they have to offer. Buy an unfinished frame and finish it yourself with a finish from Vermont Natural Coatings.

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