Question from ACC

I am expecting a new baby in 6 weeks and concerned about the baby nursing and sleeping on my mattress. From past experience, I anticipate that the baby will likely not sleep in his crib and will want to be with me. My current mattress is a king-sized mattress that I inherited from my mother. It is about 3 years old. I cannot afford to buy a new, king-size organic cotton/wool mattress. (My older son has a latex allergy, so NRL in a mattress is not an option.)

What are my options?

1. “Wrap” my mattress? I have heard that mattress works to contain VOCs, and yet I’ve heard other opinions, as well. The wrap is made of polyethelene — is that right? Is it safe?

2. Put an organic wool/cotton mattress cover on my bed to at least create a barrier (theoretically) between the mattress and the baby?

3. Do a combination of the above?

How long do mattresses outgas for? Do they outgas more or less as they get older?

Debra’s Answer

Mattresses outgas less over time.

Polyethylene wrap will help and outgasses less than the mattress itself.

A cotton/wool mattress cover will not block outgassing fumes.

Probably a combination of both would be your best bet. The polyethylene would block more emissions, and the mattress cover on top would give more comfort.

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Question from val

We had some water damage in our laundry room and today, the walls were repaired and painted. Unfortunately, they painted with Cloverdale Premium Eggshell – not VOC free. It does say on the can “VOC’s – less than 150 grams/litre”. I have 2 questions: 1. I don’t know if that is a worrying concentration. 2. Is there a way of correcting this, for example, if I paint over it with low VOC paint, will the VOC paint underneath continue to off gas. The painted area is roughly 10ftX10ft. Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

California’s standard for VOCs–the toughest indoor air quality standard in the United States–is 250 g/L, so your 150 g/L could be considered “low VOC.”

Are you having problems with odors? I’m not sure you need to do anything. VOCs are very volatile and outgas quickly. If anything, I would heat the room to speed outgassing rather than putting another paint over it.

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Question from Judith

Is it safe to cook in chipped Visions Cookware? A few of my pots became chipped from vigorous cleaning on the inside when I cleaned off burned food. As much as I like this cookware, it does require vigilant survelliance.

Debra’s Answer

Visions is the same material through and through, so chipped Visions would be the same as unchipped Visions.

I should mention, though, that many people have reported safety issues with Visions shattering during use, though I have been using this cookware with no problems for more than twenty years.

My personal opinion on this is that risks and benefits need to be considered. Most people drive cars, for example, and walk across streets, even though people are killed in car accidents regularly.

I consider that the likelihood of my old Visions cookware shattering is less than the health danger of using cookware made from more toxic materials.

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Question from Dana

Hi all,

I’m wondering if any of you have tried the Nikken magnetic products for air and water purification (as well as general health). I’m wondering (A) if the “magnetics” theory holds any water at all, and (B) if it does, are the products so far superior to traditional air and water systems that they’re worth the hefty price?

Thanks for any feedback you have!

Dana

Debra’s Answer

I haven’t studied all their products in-depth (and their online catalog is very difficult to read), but specifically, magnets alone do not remove air or water pollutants.

My father was very interested in magnets for health and used to carry a couple magnets around in his pocket, but I think the question of magnets for health is entirely separate from Nikken products.

Readers, any comments on either Nikken products or magnets?

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Question from Julie Burns

I am interested in purchasing a tagine for Moroccan cooking, and am wondering if anyone has purchased any brands they recommend and have tested them for lead?

Thanks!

Julie

Debra’s Answer

Ah…I love tangines. I have one I purchased many years ago in Germany that was handmade, so I don’t know any brands to recommend.

Readers?

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Question from fwm

I have discovered that I am sensative to Formaldehyde and probably other indoor irritants. This was verified when I bought a dining table and found that it was manufactured in Viet Nam and was made with MDF. It is currently in the son’s studio with the chairs I bought degassing. (He doesn’t live at home anymore so it’s storage now.)

My husband works for an Industrial HVAC company and has ordered a Genesis Air Photocatalysis unit from his parts department. It was recommended by his in-house new equipment salesman.

Does anyone have experience with this unit for Formaldehyde removal? It’s $ 1,000.00 so I hope it works.

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Texas Cook

I have tried to rid my kitchen of as much stainless steel as possible. I am learning patience when it comes to boiling my water with a Visionware glass pot and I have just now learned the secret to great non-sticking eggs in the cast iron skillet. My next big hurdle is the fact that I have always wanted a KitchenAid mixer. We now have the money to splurge on one and I find myself not wanting the metal mixing bowl. Is there such a thing as a KitchenAid with a different type of bowl? Is it okay to mix in this bowl as long as you do not leave the food in it after mixing? What about the metal wisk and dough hooks?

Thank you, Debra, for your Q and A blog. I continue to learn so much from it!

Debra’s Answer

Well, aren’t you lucky. KitchenAid 90th Anniversary Limited-Edition 5-Quart Stand Mixer comes with a glass bowl with a handle.

For those of us who want to replace our stainless steel bowls, the glass bowl will be available as a replacement bowl in 2010. I’ll be getting one for my KitchenAid.

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Question from Cheryl

Hi all,

I have a tough time battling weeds here in sunny, moist Florida and mulch with tons of compost, but the weeds still poke through eventually. I was wondering if a product sold by Gardeners’ Supply Co. would be helpful. It is Coco Fiber Edging which is recycled coconut fibers bonded with natural latex rubber. Is this non toxic? Thanks for any info or advice.

Debra’s Answer

I’ve not used this product, but it seems fine to me.

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Question from Laura

I am a MCS sufferer and for reasons beyond my control I live in a small town with alot of woodsmoke fumes, exhaust from the street we live on, and also formeldehyde fumes from the house itself. I want to find a good air purifier to get me through this until we can move.

I am looking at the Series 400 E.L.Foust

I think from what I’ve heard it has helped many.

I also saw some mention Aller Air . They have a dizzying array of models at hight costs. I would like to know if anyone with MCS has found Aller Air to be better than others or worse and if it compares with the Foust?

I also saw the Aireox purifiers but they are more for rooms and autos and I need a more extensive air purifier. I would like one of these for the car someday. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Debra’s Answer

Personally, I used the EL Foust 400 many years ago and it worked for me. Had one for my car too that plugged into the cigarette lighter.

Readers, what is your experience?

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Question from Elizabeth

Does anyone know of a safe play gym? I have been searching and can’t find a real nice organic or safe one (or at least that I think might be safe. My daughter just had a baby girl this past summer and is no expecting on the baby’s birthday. Any help would be appreciated.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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