Question from chris

We live in a traditional colonial – 2 stories with a basement. We live in Maryland which means we generally use central Air Conditioning in the summer (so the humidity in the house is not a problem during this season). However, from September through early November and in the early spring, we are often not using Air Conditioning or heating. I run two dehumidifiers in the basement in an effort to keep the relative humidity at about 40 percent. I have noticed that the humidity in our bedroom (2nd floor) is between 55-65 percent. Is this level considered too high?

I am concerned as my son has asthma and I want to make sure that he is living in a healthy environment. Running another dehumidifier on the second floor seems to be excessive.

What are your recommendations on safe indoor humidity levels? Thanks, Chris

Debra’s Answer

From my book Home Safe Home…

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Question from Beverly

Hi Debra and Readers,

What is nylon made from, and is it toxic?

It is in a few clothing items I have.

Some people have windbreakers made of nylon, and nylon leggings.

There are bags for making nut milk that are made from nylon.

Any information would be great.

Debra’s Answer

Nylon is a plastic, made from petroleum. However, it is one of the least toxic plastics and outgasses little, if at all. I have a raincoat made from nylon, but only choose it as a material when it is the best material for the use, and there are no workable natural materials. I also wear nylon swimsuits.

The downside is that they are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource, and they will not biodegrade.

Also, some nylon is treated to make it more waterproof.  Look for untreated nylon.

Question from mclark

My husband and I need to replace our mattress. I am planning on purchasing an organic mattress, but wanted to know what the best recommendation would be for a person with dust allergies. I do not want to buy an organic mattress and then turn around and buy a synthetic cover to avoid dust mites getting into the mattress. Are their organic mattress covers or is there a type of mattress material that is less likely to support dust mites?

Debra’s Answer

Wool and latex do not harbor dust mites.

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Question from Daniel

Is it safe for a preganant woman to be exposed to a nursery where the paint job was completed 2 months ago?

Debra’s Answer

Probably. But it depends on the type of paint used. If oil-based, maybe not. If water-based probably fine.

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Question from ME

I need to replace the caulk around my bathroom and kitchen sinks and am trying to find the least toxic choice. Any experience with or thoughts about AFM Safecoat caulking compound?

www.afmsafecoat.com/downloads/
xvjtbc7130%20Caulking%20Compund%20msds.pdf

Debra’s Answer

I personally have no experience with this product. Readers?

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Question from Eric Foster

Debra,

My family and I have been experiencing low grade fevers, headaches, sore throats, red eys, and sinus colds since last winter (2007)anytime we ran our gas furnace. Upon inspection of our furnace, we noticed there were several small cracks in the exchange. We replaced the furnace, as well as added an electric filter and humidifier. Approximately $8k out the door.

Not even 1 week later, the symptoms started again. I am not sure they ever really went away. However, the heater tech did notice problems with our gas line and fixed the outside where it connected to the meter. My wife said she is sure he said he also tested the pipes in the crawl space. All was fine.

I am very concerned for my family’s health. This has been going on for 2 winters now. Anytime we cut the furnace on, these symptoms start. As soon as we turn the heater off and open windows, everyhting goes away to include the low grade fever. Your help would be so appreciated!!

Debra’s Answer

I would say it is the gas furnace, too, but given everything you’ve said, the only thing I can think of is that there may still be residues of gas in the vents that are being released when the heater is on. I don’t even know if this is possible.

Readers, any similar experiences?

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Question from Kelly

I’m looking for something to take off calcium deposits in the tub and around the sink faucents. I’m wondering if using CLR poses many hazards? It’s touted as “natural”, but I’m always cautious. I chemical sensitive, but could have my cleaning lady use and I stay out. I’ve tried some of the lime sprays and pumice stone without luck. Any advice would be welcome.

Debra’s Answer

The CLR MSDS states that it contains Propylene Glycol Normal Butyl Ether, which is a pretty toxic chemical.

Potential Health Effects

Routes Of Exposure: Eyes. Skin. Inhalation. Ingestion.

Target Organs: No data.

Eye Contact: Severe irritation and blurred vision. Effects may vary depending on length of exposure, solution concentration, and first aid measures. Prolonged contact may cause permanent damage.

Skin Contact: Causes skin irritation. Prolonged contact may cause dermatitis, and itching.

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Question from RN

I only dress my baby in 100% cotton clothing, and can’t afford organic cotton. I’ve read on your website that cotton clothing can be considered as safe as organic clothing as far as pesticides go. However, I’m concerned about this year’s news that children’s clothing imported from China had many times the safe levels of formaldehyde. Can I assume that the formaldehyde was used on non-cotton clothing or poly/cotton blends only, and that all 100% cotton clothes are safe?

Thank you. I love your site!

Debra’s Answer

As far as I can determine, anything coming from China could be a wild card in terms of what is in it, unless you can contact the manufacturer and find out how careful they are about manufacturing. I think I should say that there seem to be wild variables about what you might get from China, but don’t assume everything from China is bad.

Regarding formaldehyde, the standard practice is that formaldehyde is used on cotton if it is permanent press, and on all polyester/cotton woven fabrics. They may add formaldehyde on 100% cotton for some reason unbeknownst to me, but if it is not a permanent press resin finish, it should wash right out as it is very volatile.

I read an article on this at WorldNetDaily: Poison PJs from China, but it didn’t mention if the garments were permanent press or not. It sounded like garments labeled “100% cotton” were found to be contaminated.

I would be wary of products from China unless you can contact the manufacturer and find out about their safety. I don’t want to make assumptions about all products manufactured in China based on bad practices of a few.

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Question from f. Lyle

My daughter has asked for an electric blanket for Christmas. I have never used one because I was told that they were not healthy. Is it possible that they make one that is not harmful. I would appreciate any information that anyone has about this subject.

Thanks

Debra’s Answer

I don’t think there is one, but I may be wrong. The problem is excessive electromagnetic fields and the synthetic material.

My husband and I sleep under a wool comforter in the winter and love it. Perhaps your daughter would be willing to sleep under something more healthy if she knew the dangers and alternatives.

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Question from Ms. S.

I am looking for green cleaning products for my preschool. After hours and days of research, I think I’m more confused than ever. Do you have any recommendations of green commercial products. I am leaning toward a product called HydrOxiPro? I found it on a website called www.cleaningPro.com. I originally thought that as long as I choose a green seal product I would be good, but from what I have read there are different degrees of green. I was sorta suprised that some green seal approvd products have Petrochemicals(If I understand correctly, watered down is O.K.?). I just want to provide the best environment for my students, and want to make the best informed choice. Any advice would be great. 🙂

Thanks

Debra’s Answer

You bring up several important points here.

First, there are several commercial cleaning product lines on the Cleaning page of Debra’s List.

Yes, there are different degrees of green. So if you are choosing a product that is certified to meet a standard, you need to know what that standard is. As you found out, not all “green” standards are natural.

I coudn’t find HydrOxiPro on the website URL you gave, so I can’t comment on it.

Readers, do you have experience with cleaning products in this setting?

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