Question from cymering

Hi Debra!

I need some advice. We need to repaint the windows in our house (original wood windows) because the old paint is stanting to peel. It is an old house, and the person that is doing the job explain to me about the process, how they have to isolate the area and use a special vaccum, so I think I am in good shape there.

Now my problem is that we have to paint both inside and outside, the frame between the window and the storm window too.

That means using exterior paint. The I handyman suggested DURATION (Sherwim Williams).

For the interior he said that we can use Harmony, that is no-VOC. At first I was going to tell him to do the exterior first, wait a while and then do the interior, but to do the outside they have to open the windows anyway, so now I do not know what would be best.

I could not find any reviews that tell if the natural paints can cover old paint with lead.

Debra’s Answer

I think you will have little problem with this, especially because it is summer. You shouldn’t need to wait more than a day for the Harmony paint to outgas. I’ve used this paint and the odor dissipates quickly.

I haven’t used their exterior paint, but you could do a test first and see how long it takes to dry and outgas.

About the lead, first, these paints you have mentioned are NOT natural. They are 100% petrochemical, just less toxic than most other paints. Second, any paint will protect from lead exposure because it’s the mechanical action of the coating that encapsulates the lead. So any paint will do for that purpose.

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Question from Peter in CT

Hi! I need to replace a leaking bathroom faucet. I searched Green Living Q&A for entries on bathroom faucets and came up with some good entries regarding locating a faucet that is low-lead or no-lead, which is helpful.

Going one step further, can anyone recommend a particular faucet brand and/or model that is not only safe from a lead standpoint but also from the standpoint of chemicals, e.g., solvents used in the manufacture of the valve within the faucet?

In other words, is there anyone brand and model that is less likely to have chemical residues inside the faucet that might cause a very sensitive person (my wife) trouble?

Thanks very much for any info you might have! Peter

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know of one offhand.

Readers, any suggestions?

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Question from ksutherland

I am trying to decide if it is healthier and/or worth the expense to change the flexible plastic (PVC?) hose connectors that connect the piped water supply to the faucets for each sink for the flexible stainless steel ones. It appears as if the “rubber” lining of these stainless connectors is EPDM rubber. Is that really a superior choice in terms of health? Thank you for your analysis/advice.

Debra’s Answer

First of all, the flexible hose could be PVC, polyurethane, or polyethylene, each of which has a different degree of toxicity. So I can’t evaluate this without knowing which plastic it is.

EPDM rubber is ethylene propylene diene Monomer (M-class) rubber. Ethylene and propylene are both low toxicity plastics. However, I looked at the MSDS for EPDM rubber and it lists some other ingredients. It warns that there could be a cancer hazard if the rubber is heated.

So I’m not sure there’s much difference if both are in contact with hot water. But, hot water rushing through is unlikely to release emissions.

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Question from Kimberly78

I’m having a hard time choosing a crib mattress then choosing something to cover it and make it water proof. I live in Canada and I was looking into Simmons® ”Nature’s Best” Crib Mattress. Then I need something safe to protect it. Then I was told about the BabySafe New Zealand SIDS overs. I really need some help making a decision. Thanks so much, Kim

Debra’s Answer

If you want a natural fiber mattress with a waterproof cover, just get a Naturepedic. It’s made from organic cotton and has a nontoxic food-grade polyethylene cover built right in.

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Question from RedondoSun

Hello Debra! Since having our daughters, I am regularly on here and have found so much useful information! Thank you! I have a concern:

I bought a futon crib mattress thinking it was a better alternative to the other mattresses on the market. Supposedly it has a ‘light’ coating of boric acid as a flame retardant, which I was told was natural. After purchasing it and having it shipped to us, I grew wary of the boric acid. It is now wrapped up and taking precious space in the closet. I was curious if there was a way to ‘wear out’ the boric acid or if breaks down after time. I need to do something with it. Should I just get rid of it?

Thank you for any information you can send my way 🙂

Debra’s Answer

Boric acid has been used for many years as a filame retardant on natural mattresses, but it is also used as a pesticide.

It’s unlikely that the boric acid would “wear out” because that would make the mattress no longer flameproof and it would no longer meet regulatory requirements.

If you don’t feel comfortable having your daughter sleep on this futon (I wouldn’t). there’s no point in keeping it.

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Question from elw22

I am a mom of 2 – 1 and 4 – and we use the Corelle Livingware plain white (winter frost white). There are no decorations or color dyes on these MADE IN THE USA dinnerware. Are these safe, non-toxic dinnerware? Are they 100%-lead and cadium free? Or do they at least meet the Cali’s Prop 65 standards? I’m concerned based on a recent article I read…. If they are no good, do you know of any clear glass dinnerware that are safe (100% free of toxins!) and microwaveable? Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

You can search the past posts on Corelle and dishware here.

You can read more updated information here:

Is There Lead in Glassware?

Question from petercsantoro@yahoo.com

We plan to buy a swing set/jungle gym for our backyard for our children. Do you have any tips, recommendations, or suggestions? I think I read to be careful of arsenic in older Wooden sets, but are there other concerns? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Readers? Any suggestions? I’ve never looked at swing sets and jungle gyms.

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Question from HEG

This is not a question, but rather an answer to anyone who may be searching for a glass sippy cup for toddlers (as I have been for two years). I just learned that the company Lifefactory makes glass sippy cups/toddler bottles with silicone sleeves to protect them. They also make similar water bottles for adults.

Another option is the Bornfree brand, but for this you have to be a bit more creative. Bornfree makes glass baby bottles and plastic toddler sippy cups and recently added silicone sleeves for their glass bottles. The parts are interchangeable so you can take the glass baby bottle with silicone sleeve and simply put the top/spout from the otherwise plastic toddler sippy cup on the glass bottle (and just get rid of the bottom part of the plastic sippy cup).

Hope this information may be helpful for other moms of toddlers out there!

Debra’s Answer

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A friend of mine sent me an email with no source that commented on Diane Sawyer’s special report “Made in America,” which aired last fall. It’s an interesting piece of investigative work.

They removed ALL items from a typical, middle class family’s home that were not made in the USA. There was hardly anything left besides the kitchen sink; literally. During the special they showed truckloads of items – USA made – being brought in to replace everything and talked about how to find these items and the difference in price etc.

It was interesting that Diane said if every American spent just $64 more than normal on USA made items this year, it would create something like 200,000 new jobs!

The email I received was asking that we all look on the bottom of every product for “Made in China” or “PRC” and choose products made in the USA instead.

There’s an interesting map on the “Made in America” website that lists companies making products in each state. There are not many listed in comparison to how many there are. Many of my Debra’s List websites make products in America and I’ve noted them with an icon.

For more products Made in the USA, check out these websites. The products are not necessarily nontoxic, but there is a great reduction in shipping pollution and buying American supports our own economy at home,

Made in USA certified

American Made

Made-in-US.com

AmericansWorking.com