Question from Lisa D.

Hello Debra, We are trying to find the least expensive yet least toxic futon mattresses since we just moved and are starting over. We had White Lotus ones in the past but honestly we can’t afford that route right now. I am trying to decide between the Gold Bond Wool Wrap futon mattress (that has boric acid and foam) and a cotton/wool wrap futon from Crane & Turtle which I was told could be without the boric acid. I am pregnant and concerned about health issues and boric acid although some people say it’s safe. Which would you do, or would you do something else? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

First, I wouldn’t do foam and boric acid, especially if you are pregnant.

I looked at the Crane & Turtle cotton/wool wrap and it certainly is a great price, but it’s not organic cotton. Pesticide residues stay in cotton batting, so it’s especially important for a bed to have organic batting in the filling.

And particularly since you are pregnant, it’s important to eliminate as many chemicals as you can. Since you spend 1/3 of your life lying on a mattress, this is no place to save money. There’s a saying “penny wise, pound foolish.” Saving money now will not save money in the future should your child’s health be compromised by pesticides in your mattress.

I know you are on a budget and there are many other chemicals you are being exposed to. But in my opinion, the mattress is one of the most important things to spend money on, and get the purest you can.

White Lotus frequently has sales so you may be able to get a White Lotus mattress for less than you think. Call them.

[Rneed-an-inexpensive-futon/#end” color=”silver”]Add Comment[/button]

Question from lynne

I found pans with the OrGreenic brand. Do you recommend them? I am particularly concerned about my bird.

Thanks,

Lynne

Debra’s Answer

Someone else asked about Orgreenic a couple of years ago (see Orgreenic nonstick pan)

At the time I didn’t have any experience, but since saw one in a “as-seen-on-TV” store.

The finish feels like plastic to me, not like ceramic.

See Debra’s List: Cookware for my recommended brands.

Add Comment

Question from Alexandra

Hi Debra, Is stoneware a non toxic product? I am considering getting some stoneware items. Namely the butter dish and the teapot from Le Creuset. Also, some children’s play dishes at IKEA. Do you have any advice on this? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Some stoneware is safe. There are two variables.

One is contaminants in the clay itself. The other is lead or other metals in the glaze.

It’s always a good idea to check on the purity of lead and glaze before purchasing.

Call the manufacturer.

Add Comment

Question from morgan

We recently moved into a new house and my 2 month old and 2 year old both have had blood in their noses since we moved in and I was wondering what could possibly be causing that? It has been fixed up recently but also has an old basement in an area with high radon.

Debra’s Answer

It sounds like there are many materials in your home that could be releasing various chemicals that would irritate your children’s respiratory track to the point of causing bloody noses.

“It has been fixed up recently…” with what? New paint, new carpets, new cabinets? Any one of those has chemicals that can cause irritation and more.

Radon could be doing it too.

This is the kind of thing we could discuss in more detail in a paid telephone consultation. I can help you identify exact source points of chemicals and how to remedy them.

Add Comment

Question from Percyfaith

I am looking for a healthy material chair mat for my computer desk. Don’t know if there is such a thing. I have a low pile carpet in the room and over my lifetime have mostly used the cheap mats at office supply stores. I am more sensitive now and the 2 mats we have have cracked and need replacing. I found a mat I liked (size and price) but it was made of polycarbonate. I know that is avoided in drinking bottles but not sure if it is ok for flooring mats. Do you know a healthy material and a source? I don’t not have much money to spend either.

Debra’s Answer

The issue in drinking bottles is that the water is sitting in the bottle for a long period, having a lot of contact time with the plastic, which leaches BPA into the water.

BPA does not particularly emit vapors into the air from polycarbonate, it’s a contact issue.

This mat should be fine. The only caution I would give you is to not walk on it with bare feet and especially don’t have bare feet sitting on the mat for hours on end while you are working at the desk. Any plastic can be absorbed through the skin by contact, especially long period of contact where heat and moisture from your feet can increase leaching.

Question from Kelly

I love using my breadmaker. However, the loaf pan has a non-stick surface. Are there any breadmakers that do not have a non-stick loaf pan?

Debra’s Answer

Not that I know of, but I don’t particularly keep up with all the breadmakers, as eat gluten-free.

Readers? Any suggestions?

Add Comment

Question from sara

Hello – where did you get your sofa cushions? Coil spring w/organic cotton? I’ve heard that children with allergies should not use organic latex cushions due to potential sensitization due to offgassing, especially if they are allergic to avocado, kiwi, milk, etc.

Debra’s Answer

I had mine custom-made.

I bought an old sofa at an auction and had it all stripped down, then repadded with organic cotton batting and covered with 100% linen fabric (this was before organic upholstery fabric was available).

Your upholsterer should be able to get coil spring cushions for you.

Add Comment

Question from raftergirl

Debra–Thanks for your work in hosting this Q&A, I rely on it for lots of decisions! So thanks!

I have a question about Gyp-Crete. Here is the MSDS link: http://www.maxxon.com/MSDS/MSDS_MAXXON_UNDERLAYMENTS.pdf

I have MCS and we may put down radiant floor heating to provide safe heat. Our contractor suggested using Gyp-Crete instead of regular cement to house the tubing because it is much less weight (we are retrofitting the system into an older house). We would finish out the Gyp-Crete as our flooring (no wood or tile on top).

Since the Gyp-Crete will be heated I want to be sure if won’t off gass. This is a concern to me as I’m very chemically sensitive. The MSDS sheet says it is primarily Gypsum and Portland Cement. But it does have a list of other additives. What do you think?

Thanks so much!

Debra’s Answer

This looks fine to me in terms of offgassing. All of the ingredients listed are particles, not gasses, and once bound up in the cement they will not be released with heat in the same way gasses are released.

Be careful about the finish applied, as that WILL outgas vapors until all the solvent has outgassed.

Add Comment

Question from AnnaDella

Debra, do you think Restoration Hardware’s 100% wool rugs are as good as BioCarpet? They seem to cost exactly the same with carpet pad-all wool–and the experience is such an upper, but the 2 dealers who sell the Earthweave carpet are not a good experience.

I got a quote from the local dealer, but then received the RH gorgeous catalog for baby nurseries in the mail. The color & weaves is the same, and the price was even a couple hundred dollars less. If it doesn’t smell like camel urine, then don’t you think we are safe, even if they are made in India? they have no synthetic backing or adhesive.

Here is the Biocarpet/Earthweave:
Natural Wool Carpet, Non Toxic, Green, High Quality –Earth Weave Carpet Mills, Inc.

Here is a picture of Restoration Hardware Natural wool rug-very very similar:
Chunky Braided Wool Rug – Cream | Ben Soleimani for RH | Restoration Hardware

This link tells about the man who does their rugs, & the quality
‎images.restorationhardware.com/media/articles/RH_DreamWeaver_BenSoleimani.pdf

Restoration Hardware just opened a multi-story stunning showroom in Houston, and is full of creative interior designers. I hope you think their wool rug looks as high quality as your standards–I think it is not camel pee stinky or adhesive stinky, and the prices & softness/quality seem to even exceed the Biocarpet experience.

Debra’s Answer

First I want to say that two products don’t need to meet the same standards in order for you to choose one or the other. The question for me is not does the Restoration Hardware carpet compare with Biocarpet, but does it meet the basic standards I would apply to choosing a carpet.

The answer appears to be yes. I say “appears to be” because I can only go by the description, I’m not looking at the actual carpet.

The thing I would check is what pesticides may be applied in manufacture, and even if there are none, always assume that pesticides are sprayed in shipping containers from India, and that would be a reason to go with the Made-in-USA Bioweave. Packaging may be sufficient to protect this rug from India during it’s travels, but it’s an unknown.

It’s is a beautiful carpet. I agree.

Question from Dawn

Hi Debra, Do you have any thoughts on a product called Bora Care? We are considering purchasing a home that is being sprayed with Bora Care for a fungus issue in the crawl space. By state law it can only be applied once which makes me concerned about its safety. I am having a hard time locating information on its safety. We will be renovating the house before we move in so several months will pass after the treatment. Any help you can provide would be appreciated!!! Love your site!

Debra’s Answer

It’s actually one of the safest termite treatments on the market. Read about it at ePestSupply: Bora-Care