Question from Bonnie

My husband told me this morning that he used my pumice stone on his feet. I’m not crazy about sharing personal items, like toiletries. Is a pumice stone one of those things that habor germs? And is there a way to clean a pumice stone or should I buy a new one?

PS I am new to this website and I LOVE it!

Debra’s Answer

Readers? Any info on this?

Add Comment

Question from heather

Hi Debra,

We recently purchased a new home that has Closet Maid vinyl-coated shelving in the closets. The home is about a year old. Oddly enough, two of the closets have a strong odor whenever I open them (I am not sure why the others do not). I read that Closet Maid vinyl-coated shelving is actually made to be less toxic than the others and do not off-gas as much. However, with one of the offensive closets being in my son’s play room, I am concerned that he is breathing in phthalates and other toxins whenever he opens the closet to get his toys. Should these still be off-gassing after a year? (I still don’t know why I only smell this certain smell in only two closets.)

Debra’s Answer

Vinyl-coated shelving could still be releasing phthalates after a year. I would remove them.

Add Comment

Question from Bonnie Johnson

Hi Debra and Friends,

I am going to have a pre finished hardwood floor installed this winter in my small kitchen. My contractor just gave me a pamplet on something called Sound Solutions that is used under the flooring for noise control. He is always searching for things I can use during my remodel.

Debra I am really afraid of some wierd smelling thing.

Has anyone heard of this product or know if it is toxic? It mentions some kind of hypoallergy treatment that is supposed to be safe but after my reaction to Macrobid stuff I don’t want to make myself sick.

I tried to download the MSDS sheet but could not get to the part about toxins.

Thanks,

Debra’s Answer

I looked at the Sound Solution product literature.

It says the product is made from polyester fibre, manufactured from a high percentage of previously recycled polyester fibre (from PET plastic). Polyester itself has very low toxicity. “100% polyester fibre without the need for any chemical binding agents or adhesives. QuietStuf® does not contain, release or use any restricted ozone depleting substances in its composition or manufacture. There are no known hazards with the use or handling of Autex polyester insulation materials. QuietStuf® is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and non-irritant.” They also exceed GREENGUARD VOC limit requirements.

I don’t see where it mentions a hypoallergy treatment.

Add Comment

Question from Krissy Hughes

Does anyone know if swiffer dusters are safe, I just saw the posts dicussing the liquid solution in the swiffer liquid jet product and it made me concerned over the swiffer dusters I have. I’m wondering if thet contain anything toxic? I have the unscented disposables.

Debra’s Answer

I have no personal experience with these, but the product description online looks like it is some kind of synthetic microfiber that does a super job at picking up dust. Usually these fibers are not treated with anything toxic, but the synthetic fibers are not biodegradable.

Anyone have any experience with these?

Add Comment

Question from Krissy

I just purchased two Paula Dean Enamel on Stainless, a 12 quart stock pot and a oven roaster. I used Lead Check testers and they tested negative for lead. I contacted the company to see if they test for cadmium and lead, they have not gotten back to me with any answers yet. Are enameled on stainless steel a safe option for cookware?

Debra’s Answer

Enamel on stainless steel is fine. I just don’t usually recommend it because enamel chips easily.

Add Comment

Question from beebes

I have a 2 year old and we have had a bad year with respect to illnesses — we’ve had norovirus and flu twice (once with very high fevers lasting over two weeks). I try to keep toxic chemicals out of our house, particularly in cleaning supplies. So I’ve been looking for a cleaner that can disinfect and kill norovirus, H1N1, etc. Vital-Oxide was recommended and is on the EPA approved list. Any thoughts, either on Vital-Oxide or other disinfectants?

Debra’s Answer

Vital-Oxide looks fine to me in terms of toxic exposure. It does not contain toxic chemicals, but rather uses oxygen to oxide bacteria and mold.

My only concern is that the website says it is in the form of nanoparticles. Still, I think this would be a better choice that toxic chemicals if you must use a disinfectant.

Add Comment

Question from Cathy DeVoe

Hello Everyone,

Does anyone know if a propane furnace will affect a person with MCS? It will have a whole house electonic air cleaner attached. We would use carbon monoxide sensors in the home. Thanks for your input.

Cathy

Debra’s Answer

I don’t recommend gas heaters of any kind because they product toxic combustion by-products.

Add Comment

Question from klh

How long does it take wallpaper to outgas and become nontoxic?

Debra’s Answer

It depends on the wallpaper. If it is vinyl wallpaper, quite a while. Years.

Add Comment

Question from Heather Hill

I recently purchased used silverware (silver plated) and would like to clean them up. Could you recommend an Earth Friendly/natural silver polish ?

Thank you,

Heather

Debra’s Answer

In my book Home Safe Home, I recommend removing tarnish from silver by magnetizing it away.

You just use aluminum and salt in any form–like a crumpled piece of aluminum foil and table salt–and put it in a pot of water. Add the silver and let it sit. The tarnish will come right off. I demonstrated this on TV once, years ago.

Add Comment

Question from L.A.

I’ve just purchased a used Room and Board sofa. The fabric is a kind of micro-suede,and the tag reads “resin-treated polyester.” I tried calling R and B, but they had no further details. I’m concerned that this may be the toxic PTFE Resin that the EPA has issued reports on. Any ideas?

Debra’s Answer

I have not a clue as to what this sofa might have been treated with some time in the past.

Your best bet is to call Room and Board and ask them. They will need some kind of model number, which should be on a tag somewhere on the sofa.

It’s probably not PTFE, but is probably a stain-resistant resin containing formaldehyde.

Add Comment