Question from JRW

There is plenty to be concerned about when purchasing products from China. Contaminated foods and goods are known to have been produced there and then exported to many countries. I recently found “ovenware”(similar to Pyrex) that was made in China and wondered if it was safe to use! I purchased it at a Target store about 1-2 years ago. It is a white ceramic, glazed on the inside, outside and handles with the underside an unglazed finish. There is a black label indicating it is “dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and oven safe and made in China”. It sets in a light weight silver metallic carrier/tray. Your opinion is appreciated.

Debra’s Answer

First, we can’t assume BROADLY that all products or even a specific type of product made in China or anywhere else is safe.

Certainly we have all heard reports of atrocious bad practices in China, but that doesn’t mean that ALL products made there are unsafe.

Like any other ceramicware, I would test it using a LeadCheck test kit, which you can buy for about $5 in the paint department of Home Depot.

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Question from Lisa

Hi Debra,

I am wondering what you think about screen printing on clothing items.

Avoid it? Or is it ok?

Specifically, I have seen that it fades over time with washing and drying. I’m wondering if this leaves any residues, etc in the washer or dryer, or additional pollution to the laundry waste water.

Is there anything you’ve read about screen printing and issues related to contact with the skin?

I read your blog often, and I find it very useful. I’ve also purchased all your books. Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I don’t have any personal experience with doing screen printing, however, I did look up the MSDS sheets of some printing inks. Apparently, there is quite a wide variety, ranging from inks conaining no hazardous ingredients to inks that are made from PVC.

I remember purchasing a set of cotton flannel sheets some years ago that had a pattern I liked. When I opened the package at home, it had a strong odor of plastic. Instead of the pattern being dyed into the fabric, it was screened on top with a plastic ink. Not only did it smell, but the areas with the pattern felt like plastic–not at all soft like the flannel sheet.

I washed these sheets half a dozen times and the smell did not go away. I finally just threw them in the garbage can.

I know too that a screened-on design does not last through many washings. It will peel off.

Some inks do have metals in them, particularly the “metallic” inks.

I personally tend to not purchase clothing or other items that have been screen printed. If you want to, check with the printer and obtain the MSDS for the ink first.

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Question from Johanna

Does anyone know if the below information about organic mattresses is really true?

www.safecribbeds.com/faqs.asp

Debra’s Answer

I believe that this is incorrect. I personally know some manufacturers of organic mattress and they put no chemical flame retardants in their mattresses. Wool needs no chemicals to be naturally flame retardant.

I think they don’t understand. Not only are no chemical flame retardants used in organic mattresses, but cotton is not used as a flame barrier, as they say.

Now, I haven’t looked at every organic mattress on the market, I’m sure, but the ones I am familiar with do not have flame retardant chemicals.

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Question from R. Rhodes

Hi Debra –

I’m researching new counter tops for my kitchen and bathroom. You mention in “Home Safe Home” about high-quality stone for counter tops.

What about man made stone like Caesarstone? They say on their website that there is low VOC, but when you look at the MSDS it says “Chronic Exposure: The adverse health effects from crystalline silica exposure – silicosis, cancer,

scleroderma, tuberculosis, and nephrotoxicity – are chronic effects.” I’m assuming this would be the dust from the Caesarstone.

I’ve also read on your site that you have no problems with Silestone which is also man made.

Would you suggest natural stone over man made?

Debra’s Answer

In general, I like natural materials over manmade, but I see nothing wrong with Ceasarstone. Their website lists many environmental benefits and they are certified and recommended by multiple green organizations.

I’m not concerned about the silica warning. This is for silica DUST, as in when the material is being cut. There is no more danger to using this countertop than being exposed to sand on the beach, which is also silica.

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Question from YH

I plan to buy a heat lamp and put under the table where I usually seat (imitating the Japanese’s Kotatsu). Heat lamps emit infrared light. Is the light safe?

I was scared of the hydrogen lamp that I have been using for 4 years because it may emit radiation (even though the piece of glass is supposed to stop all the radiation). Is hydrogen lamp safe?

How about flourescent and incandescent light? I heard that fluorescent light also emits radiation, but I am not sure. Also it cannot be recycled…

Is incandescent light totally safe? I know that it uses 4 times more energy than flourescent lightbulbs… Thanks

Debra’s Answer

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Question from jag

Some of my son’s cotton, nylon and otherwise washable clothing was mistakenly dry-cleaned, although I was advised it was a “green dry-cleaner” whatever that means. It usually means they use regular cleaning fluid but dispose of it properly and keep the fumes to a minimum. The city where this was done has no CO2 cleaners listed, which I’m told is least toxic. If I re-wash these items at home, won’t the dry cleaning fluid or “perc” come out in the wash, create fumes and otherwise contaminate subsequent loads? I recall this happening to me decades ago so I am wary about trying it again. If there is any doubt, I’d rather toss the clothes. I have a front loading machine and some brands advise against this.

Debra’s Answer

I don’t have any experience with this.

Readers?

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Milk has come up in some of the blog comments this week, and I have been learning more about milk recently, so I wanted to pass along a bit of what I am learning.

First, the milk we think of as milk is not “real milk” as it comes from the cow. It is processed to kill bacteria (pasturized), remove fat (low fat and skin milk), and incorporate fat (homogenized). Real milk separates (sold as “cream top” where the cream is floating on the top), contains all it’s fat, and is loaded with enzymes and nutrients that are destroyed by heat during pasturization.

In times past, milk fresh from cows fed on pasture grass was used as a cure for many diseases. Today’s milk doesn’t have that healing quality.

Unfortunately, it is illegal to purchase raw milk for human consumption in most states. However, we can buy cheese made from raw or “fresh” milk (cheese made from pasturized milk says “pasturized milk” on the ingredient list).

For more information on raw and pasturized milk and their health effects, go to the Real Milk website. They are campaigning to have real milk widely available in the US.

Raw milk cheeses are sold in most natural food stores. For mail order sources, see Debra’s List: Food: Cheese.