Question from mammina

Hi Debra,

I was wondering if you knew this company, and what were your thoughts about their products. I remember somebody told me that they make the best shower filter. What do you think? I am looking for a shower filter, but I am on a budget, and the only one I could afford from your list is not made in the USA, which makes me uncomfortable.

http://www.naturallyfiltered.com/home

Thanks a lot!

Debra’s Answer

This shower filter looks fine to me, as long as your water contains chlorine. It will NOT remove chloramine.

Is it the best? Many shower filters are made with the same KDF filter media.

Add Comment

Question from cymering

Hi Debra!

I have recently recieved a recommendation for this shampoo : http://www.organicexcellence.com/chemical-free-products/mint-shampoo.php

I will really appreciate your opinion about the ingredients.

THANK YOU!

Debra’s Answer

They look fine to me. 🙂

Add Comment

Question from cpack1

Hi Debra,

I have been considering prefinished hardwood nail down floors and have found that the finish contains aluminum oxide. My concern is the dust that will be created while we are installing the floors, is the aluminum oxide dust dangerous? Is it safe for pets?

Thanks

Debra’s Answer

Here is the MSDS for aluminum oxide: https://louisville.edu/research/cleanroom/msds-library/Aluminum%20Oxide.pdf

It says “Hazard is principally that of a nuisance dust.” The problem is not the aluminum oxide, the problem is the dust as a mechanical hazard.

There are no installation dangers or use dangers beyond dust that would be present with the sawing or sanding of any wood floors.

Add Comment

Question from Tycho

In terms of formaldehyde emissions, is CDX plywood a safe choice as a subfloor in a residence? I’ve heard that CDX plywood (also called exterior grade plywood, I believe) only contains phenol-formaldehyde (not the more toxic urea-formaldehyde) and therefore is a good choice for a subfloor underneath a hardwood floor. According to my local lumber yard, regulations here in California have all but eliminated formaldehyde from CDX plywood. I’d be grateful for any relevant information.

Debra’s Answer

My understanding is as you state.

Add Comment

I thought this was an interesting article, relevent to our topic of toxics.

Science Daily: Why Do Smells Make Some People Sick?

It seems that people who do not do well with odors have a different pattern of brain activity and blood flow through the brain that those who can smell the same odor and have no reaction.

Regardless, I say if it’s toxic, we shouldn’t be smelling it.

Add Comment

Question from Angelique

What do you think of AFM 3-1 adhesive for floor tiles? In an earlier post, you said that tiles in showers (and I presume kitchens) should be only set with a thinset mortar, but is there a brand you prefer?

Debra’s Answer

I just use the thinset mortar sold at Home Depot. It used to not have any additives but now does. But I have not found it to be a problem once dry.

I have not used AFM 3-1 adhesive, so can’t comment. Readers?

Add Comment

Question from Lora

I recently acquired a couch that smells like it was sprayed with Febreeze or cleaned with a toxic chemical. The chemical smell is unbearable. Does any one know how to clean the fabric of the chemical odor/residue or should I just get rid of it?

Thanks,

Lora

Debra’s Answer

Personally, I would just get rid of it. Fragrance of any kind is very toxic and very difficult to remove.

Add Comment

Question from Craig D.

Hi, Debra. I found a website for belts, bags, wallets and sandals. For the men and women, there are organic belts made up of certified USDA Organic Angus beef cattle, vegetable extracts, tree bark, and bees wax. Also made in the USA.

http://www.thomasbates.com/

http://www.thomasbates.com/pc/Men-s-Leather-Belts-c100.htm

http://www.thomasbates.com/pc/Highwood-Organic-Leather-Women-s-Belt-67p153.htm

Debra’s Answer

Great find! Thanks!

Add Comment

Question from petercsantoro@yahoo.com

I am trying to find a natural material tablecloth. Can I assume that if it is linen or 100% cotton (which isn’t easy to find), that it isn’t treated with any coating/ chemicals? Most do not state if their is any coating or not on the fabric… Do you have any recommendations for where to purchase? Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

You can’t assume it’s not treated, but usually if it is treated it will say “permanent press” “easy care” or “Scotchguard”. Look for items that say “100% cotton” but don’t say “easy care” or anything else that might indicate a finish.

I have purchased cotton and linen table linens at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and even Ross Dress for Less. Pier One has a lot of untreated cotton table linens.

Here are some natural fiber table linens on amazon.com:

Hemstitch Dinner Napkins

Hemstitch Table Cloth

Lots of cotton placemats

Add Comment

Question from petercsantoro@yahoo.com

I am trying to organize my children’s playroom as well as the whole house. I have many plastic storage bins which I use to store clothes, Christmas decor, etc. Some of these bins are labeled “5” plastic, which I assume is safer than other types. Are these bins okay or do all plastics outgassing, and would you recommend something else? I did find some rattan baskets and dyed canvas storage containers which have metal frames (Pottery Barn). It does not state what finish is on the rattan, but I assume it is a polyurethane protective coating. Can I assume these bins are non-toxic and safe for a playroom? Do you have any other recommendations or tips? Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

Number 5 plastic is polypropylene, which is slightly toxic, but not horrible.

Personally, I always try to find containers other than plastic to use. I’m looking around my house and see wire letter baskets, wooden letter baskets, cardboard boxes, baskets made of various natural materials, wooden crates from Michael’s…

Add Comment