Question from Mary

I have a pet peeve and I’d like your opinion. I frequently see advertisements with the message printed in white or colored ink against a solid black backgrouond. My assumption is that black ink uses more petrochemicals than lighter colors and therefore printing the message on a lighter background is more ecological. Also, if the paper is recycled it will require more bleach. I am hoping that if you publish this, perhaps eventually it will reach various publishers and they will be moved to change their procedures. Or am I all wet?

Debra’s Answer

I understand!

Black ink would use more black pigment than lighter colors, yes, but I’m not sure it’s petrochemicals. Iron oxide is also used as a black pigment, and that is a naturally occurring mineral.

And yes, if the paper is then recycled, it might require more bleach to get this black ink out.

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Question from NS

I was just about to buy a latex mattress, and found out that during the process of making latex they use zinc oxide and sulfur. They also use ammonia, but said they use a de-ammoniation afterwards. He said that it might not get all of the ammonia out though.

I’m very wary now to purchase a latex mattress. They are very expensive, and for what I have to pay for one, I don’t want any chemicals.

I have a couple of questions: 1. Is iron oxide and sulfur bad? 2. Which mattress do you think would be less toxic: a Savvy Rest latex mattress(using talalay & dunlop), or an organic cotton/wool innerspring Royal Pedic mattress? I know innerspring mattresses aren’t optimal because of EMFs, but now I’m really concerned about the stuff added to latex.

I would love your input on this. Thanks for any information.

Debra’s Answer

I’m not concerned about EMFs in innerspring mattreses see EMFs and Innerspring Mattresses: A Correction.

Iron oxide and sulfur are both natural elements.

Iron oxide is not toxic, but it is what is known as a “nuisance dust” and so can cause lung irritation if present in high amounts. I don’t think a latex mattress would give off much, if any, iron oxide.

Sulfur is not toxic in small amount or in it’s natural state. Again, the breathing of sulfur dust is a hazard more than toxicity (damage to cells). When burned, sulfur turns into sulfur dioxide or hydrogen sulfide, which are very toxic gasses.

I don’t know how much of either of these substances may be left in latex by the time it goes through processing.

I personally won’t sleep on a latex mattress or pillow because I can’t tolerate the latex itself. But I recommend them as a natural alternative to polyurethane foam, if others want to use them. It is also very common for people to develop allergies to latex from repeated exposure, as in wearing rubber gloves.

By contrast, an organic cotton mattress has fewer chemicals but an innerspring mattress has EMF problems with the metal coils.

Question from Sunny S.

Hi Debra! I am packing away baby clothes for a possible one in the far future 🙂 Right now the clothes are in the house in cardboard boxes but they are soon moving into the garage. I’m afraid of smells and whatever else might get into the boxes (moths, mold, etc.)if they are not sealed. I’m trying to stay away from toxic plastic. Are there non-toxic storage containers out there big enough for storing clothes or are there non-toxic trash bags I should wrap the clothes in and then put in the cardboard boxes? Thank you in advance!

Debra’s Answer

Yes! I have the perfect thing for you.

A few years ago my husband and I were planning a move back to California (which we never did) and started to sort through our things, selling and giving some away, and packing blankets, clothing, and other such items.

We found Hefty One Zip Big Bags which are like zip-lock sandwich bags, only huge. They are made from the same polypropylene, so toxic exposure is practically nonexistent. I still use these for storage if I want to store something in the garage and make sure it doesn’t get damaged.

Most of the sandwich bag manufacturers make big bags. I’ve tried them all and like Hefty the best because the zip lock has a slider and it is easier to zip. Also the zip is more secure than other’s I’ve tried.

Question from Marylou W

My daughter is in occupational therapy. They use polyurethane mats, swings coated with who knows what chemicals, and other institutional products. I’m transitioning to home-based therapy but the organic or low VOC options for equipment are non-existant.

For example, I can either pay a couple thousand for organic mattresses or insurance will cover the 3″ polyurethane foam mats.

The same is true for a whole host of other necessary products–pay premium price out of pocket for something re-purposed to fit the need or accept the toxic product that’s made for that purpose and covered by insurance.

I’m trying to figure out if there are other options.

For example, the polyurethane foam comes covered in a vinyl fabric. Is there anything else I can cover that in to minimize the outgassing inside my house?

The Health Care without Harm website was unable to recommend alternatives. I’m hoping you or your readers have some creative ideas!

Debra’s Answer

I have no experience with occupational therapy equipment. If you want to do a private phone consultation with me, we could go over each item and I could see if I could offer a way to make it less toxic. I just don’t know what the items are. For example, you can cover the mat with a sheet of 5-mil thick polyethylene and it will block fumes.

Readers, any experience with occupational therapy equipment?

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Question from Sara L

Hi there, we just moved into a new house, and I have been loving your website (although regretting certain choices we made when we were less informed!) 🙁

We have three young kids, and we are in rather desperate need of absorbent mats at the various entry doors to our house, especially in the mud room space. I see a lot of good ratings for Waterhog, but I can’t tell if these will off-gas significantly into our home.

I welcome your thoughts about this particular mat and/or suggestions of other eco-friendly, water absorbent mats that can handle heavy kid and mud traffic.

Thanks so much for all you do! Sara

Debra’s Answer

This mat looks like a great choice for what you need. It’s made from 100% polypropylene plastic, which does not significantly outgas, and will not contribute to air pollution inside your home.

My only reservation about this mat from a materials viewpoint is that it won’t biodegrade, but if you get a biodegradable mat–say one made of coconut coir–it won’t have the same water, mud, and snow absorbancy that you are looking for. So for that use, this is a good nontoxic choice.

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Question from Margaret L

HI, Has anyone had successful experience with cleaning upholstery that has been contaminated by pesticides? (possibly petroleum solvents too)

My car seats got contaminated and for the time being I’ve been driving around with plastic bags atop them to protect myself. I was thinking of applying a heavy coat of white vinegar with a mini fogger. Or maybe some kind of baking soda solution.

But I know nothing of the science or chemical feasibiliy of these ideas actually working. So, any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Debra’s Answer

Polyethylene plastic will block fumes if it is at least 5 mil thick, but it would be better to remove the toxic substance.

Unfortunately, we are dealing here with manmade chemicals that do not break down when exposed to natural solutions like baking soda or vinegar.

I once had success removing a pesticide by calling the manufacturer and asking what the “cleanup chemical” was. It turned out the ordinary household bleach would break the chemical bonds of this pesticide. I had bleach applied to the area and in fact, the pesticide did break down and dissipate. This would be my recommendation.

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Question from Anita M

Hi, Debra, I live in Southern California and am having an issue with subterranean termites in my home. I have a service contract with a “green exterminator” and have used Electro-Gun and boric acid treatments over the years for dry wood termites.

I am wondering if you have any knowledge about or experience with a termiticide called Altriset?

I am told that it is extremely safe, but I am generally very cautious about trying things that are fairly new — and, of course, would prefer to use something nonchemical (but have been advised that the same treatments that we have used for the dry wood termites are not recommended for the treatment of subterraneans).

Thanks, Debra, for any insight you can offer.

Debra’s Answer

I have no experience with Altriset, but have read the materials about it and the toxicity is extremely low. Still, it is a petrochemical pesticide so you are wise to be cautious.

There are natural methods for controlling subterranean termites. Here a link to a site that belongs to my friend Michael Piachenza, about how they control subterranean termites naturally here in the Tampa Bay area of Florida: Advantage Pest Control: Natural Termite Treatment and Control.

Your “green exterminator” should offer similar services.

Readers, any experience with Altriset?

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Question from Daddeo

Recently saw on a news source a bit about organics… they stated that buying organics is a hit and miss process because of the lax laws. Stating we are better off just buying regular food until legislation makes organics more “organic”. What’s your opinion?

Debra’s Answer

I don’t agree. ANY improvement in the direction of organic is better than none.

There are many excellent organic farmers around. Look for local sources of organic food where you can meet the farmer, rather than buying organic food from multinational corporations.

There is actually a wide variety of methods by which organic agriculture is practiced. There are minimal laws but many farmers go far above and beyond. So get to know your growers, don’t give up on organics.

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Question from Sheri

Has anyone with MCS had to replace their central HVAC system? My doctor insists this is what I need to do.

Did you have any trouble in any way after installing the unit?

Also, has anyone made any modifications to their HVAC to minimize VOCs and other pollutants created by it?

And, does anyone with MCS have any experience with The Lennex Pure Air System installed in duct work to minimize chemical outgassing from a new central heat air unit?

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Readers? What is your experience purchasing and installing HVAC systems?

I don’t have any experience with the Lennex Pure Air System, but I took a look at the specs and it doesn’t seem to me to be useful for the purpose you stated. It is simply a UV-lamp, which is not the best method for removing toxic gasses. It says it removes only 50%. Carbon filtration would remove more.

Question from Mary

Exciting news! California has a promising ballot initiative in the works to label GMO foods. From now until April 22, readers living in California can sign a petition to get labeling of genetically engineered foods on the November ballot.

Studies show that GMO foods can cause significant health problems, and at the very least, people with allergies to them need to avoid them. People have the right to know what is in their food. Organic food is not allowed to contain GMO ingredients , but did you know that food labeled “Natural” is?

Over 40 other countries require GMO’s to be labeled. Once the state of California mandates labeling, other states are expected to follow suit.

For further information and to find a place to sign in your area, see www.labelgmos.org. Readers living outside California can help by contacting their friends and relatives in California and encouraging them to sign the petition.

Debra’s Answer

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