Question from TE

Dear Debra,

We are renting an apartment with a large cupboard made out of particle board and wood veneer. I suspect it is pretty old (probably 10 years or more) but after reading about particle board and formaldehyde I am concerned that it may still be off-gassing.

I live in Israel so there is very little awareness of these issues and no products such as vapor barriers etc. or no VOC paints are available. I thought I could wrap the shelves with simple nylon sheets (the kind used to wrap school books) to minimize offgassing. Do you think that would work?

Thank you!

TE

Debra’s Answer

The thing that absolutely will work is heavy duty aluminum foil. Put it up with aluminum foil tape, which you can buy at a hardware store.

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Question from Jennifer Herman

Dear Readers,

I’d like to have new slipcovers made for a wood day bed but want to avoid filling them with foam since it contains toxic fire retardants. Any ideas?

Jen

Debra’s Answer

You could fill them with almost anything. I’ve used organic cotton and organic wool in the past to stufff cushions, but you could even use rolled up towels or blankets, or whatever you want.

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Question from Louise

Hello Debra.

My husband & I love your web site, thank you for all the info and “words of wisdom”.

I have two questions.

1. Do you know of a permanent hair dye that is free of perfumes and harsh chemicals, safe for MCS people ?

2. Do you have any information in reguards to the safety of tattoo dyes on people with MCS ?

Many thanks Debra!!!!

Debra’s Answer

Readers, what are your recommendations?

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Question from Emily

Hello Debra,

In a few weeks I will be installing some new windows in my home. The contractor has recommenced using expanding foam around the windows to seal openings that would let air infiltrate into the house. The product he wants to use is “Great Stuff: Window and Door”.

This product does not appear to be a wise choice for someone with chemical sensitivities. The MSDS sheet says it may cause allergic respiratory reactions, pulmonary edema and central nervous system depression.

Do you know of an alternative non toxic product for filling cavities around newly installed windows?

Thank you for your wonderfully helpful website!

Debra’s Answer

I have no experience with this. Readers? 10/2/09 As I’ve been reading all the comments, I realized that when I said I have no experience with this, I was referring to the expanding insulating foam. But I DO have lots of experience with installing windows. I went and asked my husband about this because I didn’t remember that he had ever used it. He said he doesn’t use it. He just BUILDS TIGHT and then caulks it. We’ve never had any problems with the windows he has installed. The funny thing was, he’s been installing a window this week…We so don’t use expanding foam that I didn’t even make the connection…

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Question from Debbie

Does anyone know of a good substitute for KY jelly. I have MCS and it makes me itch after intercourse. With vaginal dryness I need to use something, but don’t know what to do. I tried olive oil and it absorbed so fast that we could not keep reapplying that fast. Both my husband and I take antihistamines, so we are both dry.

Any sugesstions would be appreciated.
Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Melissa

Hi. Has anyone tried Skoy cloths (www.skoycloth.com)? They’re made from cotton and cellulose pulp, are biodegradable and are supposed to be a green alternative to paper towels. Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

Looks fine to me.

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Question from Stephanie

I know the topic of thyroid health has been a hot topic on this site and many members are users of natural thyroid supplements.

I ran across this article this morning and was deeply concerned.

The article was posted in Dr. Mercola’s weekly newsletter.

Here is the article I am referring to:

articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/19/Is-the-FDA-Poised-to-Ban-a-Century-Old-Natural-Remedy.aspx

In this article there are pointers to some grass roots efforts to save natural thyroid products:

Debra’s Answer

Thank you Stephanie. I myself have been having difficulty getting my prescription filled. We need to keep these natural hormones on the market.

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Question from R

Hi Debra,

I recently went into an Origins store and the sales agent told me that they don’t use any chemicals in their products so they are all 100% natural. I bought a couple of items that didn’t have any chemicals listed in the ingredient list, but do you or your readers know if this is in fact true? I would appreciate any advice…

Thank you very much.

Debra’s Answer

Unfortunately, their website does not list any ingredients, so I can’t look at all the ingredients lists. I know when they first came out, they weren’t 100% natural, but I know they changed their formulas.

A lot of beauty product websites list their ingredients, so consumers can check out the products before they buy.

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Question from Annette Tweedel

Hi,

I am looking for a 100% Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Pad.

We have been looking and so far we have only found one. It’s called Organic Mattress Protector Pad (Waterproof & Non-Waterproof) by Naturepedic for $139.

I also just found this one on the internet through Debra’s listings. And it is 100% Organic Cotton Mattress Pad by The Natural Sleep Store. It says the pads are “expertly machine quilted and will protect mattress from spills and accidents.” And this is $185.

Would any one of these be healthy for a person suffering with MCS? I need this for a queen size bed. We were hoping to find cheaper.

Would you know of any that do not contain any synthetic materials? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Debra’s Answer

There are several different types of moisture protection for mattresses.

The Naturepedic waterproof mattress pad is waterproof. It contains a layer of food grade polyethylene that does not outgas. I have personally “sniffed” this polyethylene and there is no odor. It is certified by GREENGUARD. This is waterproof. It completely protects the mattress from liquids and is washable, so it is hygenic.

The Natural Sleep mattress pad that you mentioned might be moisture resistant, but I don’t see from the description that it is waterproof. The fibers may be so tightly woven that it is difficult for water to penetrate. It wouldn’t block moisture as well as the Naturepedic pad, but it is made from all natural materials.

There are also wool pads that are moisture resistant, again all natural, but not as waterproof as Naturepedic.

You really need to decide if you want a pad that is less effective and all natural or more effective and less natural. I think it depends on your needs. If you really need something to be waterproof, using a less effective pad will only result in an unclean mattress. But if you just need some moisture resistance for occasional spills, the natural fibers should be fine.

As long as we’re talking about polyethylene, I want to clear up a confusion I’ve observed.

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Question from AnneT

Debra,

Our next door neighbor is planning to have polyurethane foam blown on as a roofing material. As a person with MCS I am concerned about the toxicity of the material as it is being applied, and the issue of off-gassing after application. I am not comfortable being in the vicinity of the material as it is applied but I wonder if I’m over reacting. I have done some research on the internet and the articles I read state that polyurethane is safe after it is cured, or dry. Do I need to go elsewhere while the foam is being applied? I understand the whole process will take 2 or 3 days. I realize that the fresh air will alleviate some of the problems but I still have doubts. Please comment on polyurethane as a roofing material.Readers experiences are welcome too.

Just FYI, the neighbor is being very cooperative and that is helpful. But he may decide on the foam roof anyway.

Thank you,

Debra’s Answer

I would leave the area while it is being applied for sure, and stay away at least a few days while it is curing.

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