Submitted questions will be posted with my response by the following Tuesday or before.
Submitted comments will be moderated and approved within 24 hours.
RV’s for Chemically Sensitive
Question from Cathy C
As one with allergies and moderate chemical sensitivities, I have always been leery of RV’s. However, we are getting closer to retirement and enjoy visiting state and national parks….and finding hotel/motels can be problematic and limited. We found a dealer in our region who carries AIRSTREAM, as we have always wanted to look at them and have basically ruled out other small/medium trailers we have viewed. We found very interesting in several that they had the aluminum skin on the inside, too, as a wall covering. That was intriguing as it would be one less man made covering to outgas formaldehyde and such, and would provide more of a seal. There still was, of course some cabinetry and such of man made components. Also, the dealership owner is one of the few we have found who understood thoroughly about the formaldehyde issue (although there was a lot of press about the sick folks in FEMA trailers). They carried a few other brands, and he was talking about last summer when he was out working/tidying in the trailers in high heat that he got sick in one of the other ones, from the outgassing of the fumes. After stepping into a Denali at the dealership, we were able to tell the great difference in air between it and the Airstream. We have learned in our home to have as much solid wood as possible and no particle board, plus no chemical cleaners, fragrance, etc.
We are nearly scared to make an investment, but…..Any information, suggestions, experiences, etc. would be greatly appreciated!
I have bought several of your books over the years and always enjoy the blog.
Thanks,
Cathy
Debra’s Answer
Readers? Your experience?
Convection Oven Safety
Question from tj
I am getting ready to remodel my kitchen. They are wanting me to put a Convection oven in. Does anyone know the safety of a convection oven with a microwave (which I would never use, but they want me to put it in for re-sale value). I am concerned about the microwave as well.
Is it OK to use this as a regular oven even thought it doubles as a microwave and are convection ovens healthy to use in and of themselves?
Debra’s Answer
Personally, I stay away from the microwave, but I have no experience with convection ovens.
Readers?
More on Metals Leaching
I ran across a very interesting website called Corrosion Doctors at www.corrosion-doctors.org/.
“The mission of this popular Web site is to improve the general awareness of what corrosion is all about, from complicated processes that are at play even behind the simplest corrosion reactions to the impact corrosion may have on systems (pipelines, cars, boats, …) and human health (implants, allergies, toxic metals …).
“Many are surprised when they learn that there are many ways to prevent and control this natural force. The Corrosion Doctors’ visitors are also surprised when they learn that these corrosion processes may also be happening inside their own body!! However, the topics covered in the many pages of the Web site go much beyond metallic corrosion because Corrosion Doctors also discuss the degradation of our lives due to toxic elements and the basic degradation of the planet because of pollution, global warming, and global dimming! With more than 1,600 pages and thousands of external links, the Corrosion Doctors site is a good example of what lean information systems are about.”
This is an amazing research site. One page has a graphic of the Periodic Table of Elements that shows which are toxic and which are not. The toxic ones are: Arsenic, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Fluorine, Lead, Mercury, Nickel, Thallium.
I’ve bookmarked this site so I can study it more. It’s the best place I’ve found to go for information on metals toxicity.
Burnt pots
Question from Denise
Is it harmful to use pots that have been burned (but cleaned thoroughly afterward)? Many of the pots we use in our home have been burned a number of times. My mother often attempts to steam veggies and ends up letting all the water evaporate so that the bottom of the pot is dry and black. I’m thinking this must produce some toxic effect of some sort. But she is adamant about the fact that it is perfectly fine to just clean the pot and use it again.
Also, I realize your list has a wealth of information on non-toxic cookware but I cannot really afford to buy an entire set. I was hoping you could recommend a good non-toxic, small size pot that I can use for making single serving meals for my dog (and myself). Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Debra’s Answer
I don’t know about how burning a pot affects the toxicity or leaching of the metal.
For one inexpensive pot, I’d probably get an old Visions pot at a flea market.
Argan Oil
Question from RM
Hi Debra,
I’ve been reading/hearing a lot about how amazing this product is for hair but the ones I’ve seen in stores are mixed with synthetic ingredients. I was wondering if you or your readers know of or have tried a brand of Argan Oil that is 100% pure and Natural.
Thank You!
Debra’s Answer
Here are some useful links about argan oil that include information on what it is and it’s uses as well as sources for pure organic argan oil.
www.care2.com/greenliving/is-argan-oil-miraculous.html
www.zamourispices.com/zarganoil.html?gclid=CJu2_9nUnZ8CFRmfnAodqlyu_w
www.arganoils.com/arganoil.html
www.josiemarancosmetics.com/product.html?pid=1070
ABS Food Grade Plastic Water Pitcher
Question from Ethel
Hello Debra,
I am looking to purchase a pitcher with a water filter. Brita’s and Pur’s pitcher is made out of styrene. Zerowater’s pitcher is made out ABS food grade plastic. It sounds safer than styrene but I’m not exactly sure what ABS plastic is and was hoping you would be able to help me out with this.
Thanks so much!
Debra’s Answer
ABS is the abbreviation for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It is a higher grade styrene that is harder and more stable. The other pitchers may also be ABS, but not labeled as such.
I can’t really recommend the water filters you are considering. They don’t work as well as even an undersink filter, which can be purchased for about the same amount of money.
Mold problem
Question from sonja
i live in a co-op in yonkers new york. how do i or who do i contact to test my water? the woman below me has a washer and we are not supposed to. the management knows i have been sick and really hasn’t d,one anything. i am concerned that there is back up in the water. sometimes when i shower my body tingles. it freaks me out!! I also get exttremely dizzy, nautious,s and tired. I did three mold tests in my bedroom and it was positive for black mold. the management office and board president didn’t care even though i wanted them to see. The building inspector came out and didn’t see mold in my house but said that it could be in walls. but how do i test for that and other odorless fumes that this washer can be causing.
any help thank you!
sonja
Debra’s Answer
It sounds like you have several problems here:
I’m not sure that all of these problems are due to the illegal washer in the unit below.
I would start with a professional mold inspector, if you’ve tested your bedroom and it is positive for black mold. You need professional mold remediation and your manager needs to pay attention to this.
Glue
Question from Joy
Hi Debra
I understand wood glue is safe. So do I just get anything labeled wood glue or is there anything else I need to watch for? Is it a particular type or brand? I seem to remember reading that white glue/school glue is OK for us too. Is that true and do I need to watch out for anything with that?
Thank you. I appreciate having a place where I can ask these questions and get a knowledgeable answer.
Debra’s Answer
Both white glue and yellow woodworking glue are safe. I’ve tried a number of different brands and they were all pretty much the same. If you want a tried-and-true for-sure brand, buy Elmer’s.
removing fragrance from car
Question from bebe
Hi,
I have MCS and so bought a used car; however, there is a lingering smell from scented hand lotion in the car. how do i remove it?
thanks,
bebe
Debra’s Answer
Readers. what is your experience?
musical instruments for sensitive people
Question from Ruth R
I recently rented a cello from a music store, planning to take lessons. I quickly discovered that I could not tolerate the cello itself…either the rosen or the cleaning fluid that was used to clean it after the last student used it for many months.
When I handled it, both the palms of my hands and my face got very reddened and burning feeling. I had no choice but to take it back to the store. They suggested that I try one of the new ones, direct from the factory (China) that they were ordering as rentals…they said they would not clean it up with anything before I would get it. Meantime, I will try to figure out if I’m reactive to the rosen itself, and the other thing is that I suspect that the new finish on the wood will be off-gassing.
My question is, has anyone faced a similar problem of intolerance to their stringed instruments, and if so, what did you do to eliminate the problem. I hate to give up my dream of playing the cello. Thanks for any suggestions you may have.
Debra’s Answer
Readers?
