Question from Alison Denning

I used to order”Right On” Crystal Aire, Pace Industries from Jim Nigra (as suggested in Nontoxic and Natural, 1984). I can no longer locate it. Is it still made? If not, what alternative is there?

Debra’s Answer

I haven’t heard of it in a while and can’t find it on the Internet.

The wood finishes I currently recommend are at Debra’s List: Interior Decorating: Wood Finishes.

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Question from Violet56

I collect found white feathers, from seagulls. I am hesitant to use them for my creative projects as I would like to know how to disinfect them. I worry that they may contain microscopic parasites, insects etc……Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from JackieStonberg

My son is six months old and he has been given some plastic toys. I am trying to figure out which to keep and which to remove. I understand that any plastics marked with “PC,” “#7,” and “3” are unsafe. I think that I may trust those that are labelled “phthalate free,” “no BPA,” and “no PVC.” But many plastic toys are unmarked. For those toys, I have kept them if they are old used ones because I am thinking that if they were once harmful, then over time they have done most of their off-gassing. Is this thinking correct? Or does dangerous plastic get even more dangerous over time? Along these lines, is it sufficient to buy new plastic toys and let then air outside for a few months? Thank you for you help.

Debra’s Answer

If I had a baby, I would not allow ANY plastic toys. I know that is an extreme position, but there are a lot of moms who agree with me, thus the availability of many natural toys. These are not usually sold in toy stores, but are easily available in on internet. See Debra’s List: Toys.

The reason I say this is that all plastics have some harm to them to one degree or another. And a baby’s body does not yet have a fully developed defense system to handle incoming toxic chemicals. The early months are the most important time to create an environment that is as nontoxic as possible.

That said, if you must keep your plastic toys, you’re on the right track.

Toys marked with “PC,” “#7,” and “3” are clearly unsafe. Toys labelled “phthalate free,” “no BPA,” and “no PVC” are safer. Don’t use plastic toys are unmarked. You are correct in thinking that if they were once harmful, then over time they have done most of their off-gassing. Dangerous plastic does not get even more dangerous over time. But the question is, how long does it take for the plastic to become “safe”?

I would not buy new plastic toys and let them air outside for a few months. Better to buy or make natural toys.

There is a whole different philosophy of natural play. I wrote an article about it on my old site, which I will put below because I’m not sure what is going to happen to it when the new site comes down.

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Question from 2Green

Hi Debra,

First time post.

My family, every year ferments peppers to make a pepper paste to add to our food as we cook. Because we add salt to the peppers, we use these peppers instead of salt during cooking.

The amount of salt is 1kg per bushel (like the ones you see for sale during the tomatoe season) keep in mind that much of this salt is discarded during the first week as the peppers dry out and water is released. We need to ferment these for 3-4 weeks.

My aunt and uncle always use those buckets you buy at Home Depot (they resemble the buckets used for making wine or for paint). They are new and not used.

I was a little concerned with plastic leaking during fermentation and wanted to know what you recommend for fermenting my peppers. Some have said clay is best (non-lead glaze) or wood barrels. I’ve also found the following research that discuss this subject but I’m still uncertain: http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-07122005-142543/unrestricted/Koh_thesis.pdf

Debra’s Answer

Well, first, I didn’t read the entire 78-page report you linked to, so I can’t comment on factors beyond the toxicity of the materials of the various containers you mention.

We have a few of those white 5-gallon buckets around the house because my husband uses them for construction. I’ve also been around commercial food production enough to know that they are commonly used for food preparation and storage.

I looked on the bottom of the bucket and found that these buckets are made from HDPE, which is High Density Polyethylene. This is one of the safest plastics and is considered food-safe. There is a whole discussion about using plastic buckets for brewing beer at http://www.tastybrew.com/forum/thread/52137, in which it says that the buckets sold at Home Depot ARE food grade HDPE. So from a toxicity viewpoint, there would be little, if any, leaching of plastic into your peppers, and if there was, it would be of minimal toxicity.

That said, I have found as a cook that the materials with which food comes in contact during preparation does affect the quality of the food. I soak beans, for example, before cooking, and I always use glass or ceramic bowls. I just keep all my food as far away from plastic as possible, particularly if it is going to sit in the container for any length of time. I know that’s difficult to do 100% if you are buying things like yogurt in plastic containers, but I’m gradually weeding out the plastic wherever I can.

Fermented foods are very traditional, and I think you will find the flavor to be different if you ferment your peppers in wood or crockery. Those would be my best recommendation. I believe Tabasco sauce is aged in wood.

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Question from Mary Beth

Hi Debra,

I have learned so much from your website , especially your insight about toxins in ourworld and how they can affect us. I need some advice about a question I have concerning a house my husband are thinking of renting. We are trying to avoid conditions that would bother my severe chemical sensitivities.

I found a house that has a heat pump but also has a gas fireplace that is connected to an outside propane gas tank. I need to know if it is OK to have a gas fireplace if it is never used (I would rather not have it at all). Or is there a possibility that there could be a leak or some other problem and we should avoid it to be safe?

I ‘d appreciate any advice from you or your readers. Thanks, Mary Beth

Debra’s Answer

The general rule of thumb for MCS is no gas lines coming into the house at all.

I think whether you tolerate it or not depends on your level of sensitivity. As to whether or not it would make your MCS worse, it pretty much depends on whether or not there are any gas leaks.

I personally have a gas stove that is well adjusted and vented. I probably would not be concerned about a gas fireplace that is not being used. But I’m sure some of my readers will have different advice for you.

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Question from guspvt

Hi Debra!

I go to the gym frequently and I’m not allowed to take a glass bottle with me. In this case, should I go with plastic or stainless steel (like Klean Kanteen)? I know they can leach chemicals and metal, respectively, into the water, but which one is better? If plastic is better than stainless steel, which type of gym bottle plastic would be the safest: one made with plastic number 2 (HDPE), number 4 (LDPE) or number 5 (PP)?

Thanks!! And keep up the excellent work! 🙂

Best Regards,

Gustavo

Debra’s Answer

Of the choices you’ve given me, I would choose the #2 HDPE, as it is food grade and high density.

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Question from Ana Skarsten

Is Levcoware cookware safe to use? It was made in Japan and very old.

Debra’s Answer

It looks like this is just regular enamelware. In general, enameled cookware is not toxic. I just don’t recommend it because it tends to chip, and then whatever metal is underneath can leach into the food.

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I just think this watch is too cute, in addition to having environmental benefits. I haven’t worn a wristwatch for years because the metal gives my wrist a rash. This watch features a corn resin case, bezel and buckle attached to a certified organic cotton green strap with gray contrast stitching. The bamboo dial has fun and funky Arabic numerals marking each hour position. Mercury-free battery and mineral crystal. Only $24. You can find this watch at a lot of big box stores, or order online:

Sprout Unisex Eco-Friendly Corn Resin and Green Organic Cotton Strap Watch