Question from Lisa

Hi, Im looking for a safe, lead free mortar and pestle. American Masala of Wade Ceramics, England makes one that is porcelain. I can not find anywhere if the product is lead free or not and wonder if you may know. Thank you for your help

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know about this particular brand, but I have seen mortars and pestals made from stone, which would be lead-free because there is no glaze.

For info on specific products, contact the manufacturer.

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Question from Debbie

I am planning to write an article for our neighborhood newsletter to inform and educate people about fabric softeners and dryer sheets. I have MCS and when I go outside I can smell the fabric softener sometimes, so am hoping that this will be a way that will make people think about their use of these products.

I want to provide reliable and believable information about these as well as alternatives to use. I use white vinegar. So I would also like to know of safe alternatives to fabric softeners and dryer sheets in addition to vinegar.

Perhaps there is already a sample article/ letter that I could use.

I think that I might even make a door hanger for close neighbors.

Thank you for any information, articles, or help you can give me to acurately compose this for our newsletter.

Debra’s Answer

What a wonderful idea! When you finish it, please post it here for others to use as well.

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Question from Linda

Hi, Debra I have a sofa question.

Can a conventional sofa be made safer by stripping it down and washing it?

Lets say you remove all covers and soak them, maybe in some vinegar, do a double rinse cycle, remove the back cushions and literally wash the whole cushion as long as it fits in washing machine. Take the seat cushions, soak and wash covers and then put seat cushions in drier to bake off the chemicals. Would this help remove some of the chemicals and make it safer?

The rest of the sofa where the fabric can not be removed, could it be wiped down with an organic vinegar and water solution? Would this help? I absolutely know that an organic or natural sofa would be the best, but for us who can not afford this, would what I described help?

We have one organic futon already, but it really hurts our bums. My husband hates it. My kids complain. I have be out numbered, and we purchased new sofas. One stipulation was that all the covers be removable and back cushion could fit in my washing machine. I know that most people would think i was cooky for stripping a new couch and washing the cushions but i am going to. So please tell me what else i can do. One more thing can i put the seat cushions in drier to bake off the chemicals? Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

This doesn’t sound like something I would recommend. It would be better to purchase a used sofa, I think, one that doesn’t have cigarette smoke or perfume, than to attempt to remove or outgass chemicals from a new synthetic sofa. It might be an expensive experiment if it fails, or shrinks the fabric so it doesn’t look the same.

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Question from Mary Nagelmann

I was recently given a bottle of Avanage Citrus Cleaning solution, with recommendation that it is the best on the market. The bottle advertises that it is non-toxic, biodegradable, and eco friendly. What concerns me, is that the ingredients are not listed.

I went to the company’s website. They will not provide the list of ingredients.

Does any one know about this product?

Debra’s Answer

I always look at the ingredients or MSDS to confirm the claims being made.

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Question from Lucy Hemmendinger

I am in the process of replacing my old gas dryer with an electric. After much searching on line and in stores, I have not found a safe, reliable dryer with a stainless steel drum that I had hoped.

Consumer Reports recommends models with terrible repair histories so I am not trusting them. I have decided to go with a Whirlpool because all the repair guys recommend it, but Whirlpool does not make stainless steel drums. Does anyone know any reason why the enamel or powdercoated could be a problem, providing they pass the initial sniff test? Could they off-gas when heated?

Alternatively, has anyone purchased an electric dryer that they recommend? I don’t needs bells and whistles but am willing to pay for a reliable and safe model. I almost bought an LG with a stainless steel drum, then discovered they have terrible repair and customer relations records. I live in a rural area where repairs can be problematic and, of course I don’t want the headache of repairs.

Any other cautions or concerns about a new dryer would be appreciated as well as happy ending stories.

thank you

Lucy with wet clothes

Debra’s Answer

I have no objection to dryers with enamel or powdercoated drums from a health viewpoint. They do not outgas.

Readers, what are your recommendations?

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Question from Gigi

I will be removing wallpaper. I have been told that if there is ANY adhesive left, a water-based primer nor paint will not take to it very well. I am told cracking or some such mess will occur. If I remove the wallpaper and there is a a little adhesive left that I can’t see, how long after the priming will I know that there is still adhesive left? What about after painting?

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from bebe

I purchased a new flat-screen tv for my bedroom, but the smell is bothering me. I am deciding between returning it altogether or putting it in the garage to outgas (and maybe put it in my son’s room later). I know people have different sensitivities, but how about how long would it take for the tv to stop giving off an odor?

Thanks,

Debra’s Answer

Depends on the tv. The more you run it, the faster it will outgas, as the heat speeds outgassing.

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Question from Gigi

I would like to use AFM Safecoat Primer and Paint for my walls. However, I believe that the paint that is currently on the walls is an oil-based paint and I have been told by someone at AFM to use an oil-based primer, THEN use a water based paint. I am leary of the oil-based primer. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so, what was your solution? I would really like to use a water-based primer, if possible.

Debra’s Answer

My husband is stumped on this one. Readers, any experience with this?

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Question from ac

I plan to move long distance from NYC to north carolina into a house. I need fresher air and a change of pace My question is the house is 10 years old. Should I be concerned that the drywall, cabinets etc are still outgassing? There hasn’t been anything recent done to it. BTW I have moderate MCS.

Debra’s Answer

After ten years, the original building materials are not outgassing, however, if you have MCS, I wouldn’t commit to a house sight unseen.

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Question from Linda

Hi debra, i was wondering if you could tell me the difference between organic cotton and kapok? If i were to make a bed pillow or a sofa pillow what product ( organic cotton,kapok)would be more comfortable and healthier to be around? We are going to be purchasing brand new bed pillow for the whole family around the beginning of the year and i am confused,i want the healthiest pillows available. We are going to be buying about 8 so i have one shot to get it right. Please any advice would be great. Thanks, linda.

Debra’s Answer

Organic cotton comes from the cotton plant and kapok is a fiber taken from the seed pod of the tropical kapok tree, also called the silk-cotton tree.

There’s a really good explanation and comparison of most of the natural fiber pillow filling materials on the GoodNight Naturals website at http://www.goodnightnaturals.com/wool-organic-cotton-pillows.html (even though the headline mentions only wool, cotton, and buckwheat hulls, scroll down and click on organic cotton pillows and kapok pillows. The characteristics of each are described to help you make a decision).