Question from Julie Larson

Scientific American

September 30, 2008

European Chemical Clampdown Reaches Across Atlantic

Many chemicals manufactured in the U.S. have been pronounced “dangerous” by the European Union

By David Biello

This came to me from Lawrence Plumlee via Dr Paula Davey.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from CJStewart

We recently replaced our old dishes with white Fiesta Ware. We really like them, but our forks and spoons leave those black (gray) marks on them. Is there a green way to remove those marks? I have tried Bon Ami without success.

Debra’s Answer

I don’t have an answer to this one, but I will share an observation.

I don’t get black marks on my dishware. I use silverplate flatware.

But I do get those grey marks on the inside of mixing bowls that I have used with my hand mixer, which has stainless steel beaters. I think it’s the stainless steel.

Readers, any success removing these marks?

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Question from Jennifer L.

Hello Debra,

My husband and I bought the “Trued and True” varnish and danish oil to finish our hardwood floor, due to concerns over our baby’s health while crawling. We hired a “professional” to do the work and unfortunately he did not follow the directions, and left it puddling on the floor for days! The floor has taken weeks to dry after wiping it clean.

Although it is now dry, there is a lingering odor that smells like the linseed oil. My question is, do you believe the smell/fumes to be harmful to little lungs even though it has been described as one of the least toxic floor finish by several sources? It is a no VOC product but the smell is so strong!

I should also mention that we are not moved into the house yet and we are turning the heat on 80 degrees at night with the windows closed and opening up the house during the day. I am afraid to turn the heat up too high for a bake out. Is this temperature OK?

Thanks very much for any help and advise you can give us!

–Jennifer

Debra’s Answer

This looks like a wonderful wood finish from the description on the Tried & True Wood Finishes website. All renewable resources, no VOCs, even meets the FDA food safe standards.

There’s nothing toxic here that I can see.

However, I have had experience in the past using other all-natural paints and wood finishes made from natural oils and resins as these are, and I find the odors from the natural resins themselves can be very strong. And they can take a long time to completely cure.

The instructions say to use a very small amount, so if instructions were not followed, there may be more resin offgassing than intended.

You’re going in the right direction with the heat.

I have no personal experience with this product. You can always contact the manufacturer with this kind of question. They should be able to tell you exactly what to do.

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Question from APril

Hi Debra,

My 2 yr old niece has pneumonia. She and her brother actually get sick about every 2-3 months. What are some natural health ways to prevent sickness besides taking probiotics. I know my sister cleans with safe cleaners. Any helpful tips on treating pneumonia too?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Pneumonia is one of those illnesses that requires having a strong immune system to recover from. There are many toxic chemicals classified as “immunotoxicants” (see the link to the list on my Toxic Chemicals Contribute to Catching Colds and Flu page). Most of the toxic chemicals discussed in my book Home Safe Home harm the immune system, and you can find out how to eliminate them from your home in this book. Children do not yet have developed immune systems so it is even more difficult for them to fight pneumonia.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, so it is particularly important to eliminate the toxic chemicals that are air pollutants, as these irritate the lungs and make it harder to breathe.

There is a good article about how to take a natural approach to healing pneumonia at Pneumonia–How To Help Heal It Without Drugs, Surgery Nor Treatments. Suggested are fasting, breathing fresh air, and other simple steps that support the body’s own ability to heal.

I would suggest that you get a good natural-oriented doctor to help with an supervise treatment. Pneumonia is a serious illness and can be fatal. Not a time to experiment.

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Question from Diana

I just recently purchased a “non-toxic” caulk from a site listed on “Debra’s List.” However, after I read the back of the bottle it lists the following items: “Contains TALC, 2,2,4-TRIMETHYL-1, 3-pentanediol MONO-SOBUTYRATE, VINYL ACETATE AND ACETALDEHYDE. MAY ALSO CONTAIN CARBON BLACK OR TITANIUM DIOXIDE.” OK this concerns me because I don’t really know what any of the above exactly means. Is this safe enough to use? Meaning, will it be safe after it dries? Or should I send it back? I was unable to download the MSDS from their website.

Also, I saw another reader to this blog tried the DAP Painters Acrylic Latex Caulk. Did it work for you? Any help would be much appreciated. We are trying to start our child’s bedroom and we want it as safe as possible for him.

Diana

Debra’s Answer

To answer your specific question first, these are all hazardous substances. That’s why they are listed–as a warning. Is it safe enough to use? You may not find a safer one. Yes, it will be safe after it dries. You can also use heat to make it dry faster.

It’s important for us to find the least toxic caulks available, because caulk is widely used throughout homes to block out air and water and fill gaps between building materials.

Unfortunately, I have yet to find what I would consider a nontoxic caulk. There was one we liked made by DAP, but I can’t seem to find it any more.

A lot of things are changing in the world of caulk. Not so long ago there were only three basic ingredients used to make caulk: acrylic, latex, and silicone. Now there are also synthetic rubber caulks and modified silicone caulks…

But the one thing we are most interested in is toxicity. And with regard to that, caulks fall into two categories: water-based and solvent-based.

Water-based caulks are made from latex (which includes acrylic and vinyl, both of which are toxic). They clean up with water and have less odor, but they are still toxic (I’ve heard and read that they are “nontoxic,” but this simply isn’t so).

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Question from Shelly

Hello,

I am interested in reading about anyone’s experience with a Tersano Lotus LBU100 Sanitizing System? It is supposed to disinfect surfaces as well as remove pesticides and kill germs on food.

According to what I have read about the Lotus, cold tap water has an extra oxygen atom added to it in order to create ozone. Ozone is not something I want in an air purifier due to respiratory reasons however this is not supposed to be an issue with this technology since the ozone is in the water. Yet, I still wonder about the safety. Does anyone know about the safety issue of the ozone in the water? I would love to hear your view Debra.

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

According to the Lotus website, what their product does is infuse tap water with ozone.

I know a lot about ozone in water because my late father actually received a patent for using ozone to disinfect water.

Ozone in water is safe and will kill bacteria and germs of all kinds on household surfaces, so it can be used in place of more toxic disinfectants.

However, this product also claims to significantly reduce pesticide residues on the produce. I just want you to note that they say on the surface of produce. And then they go on to say, “With the lotus system, expensive “organic” isn’t the only way to enjoy food with less pesticides!”

My issue here has to do with their creating an impression that eating foods cleaned with ozonated water is the same as eating organic produce. It’s not. It’s not even close. What ozonated water will do is remove some pesticides from the surface of the produce. But pesticides are sprayed repeatedly throughout the growing of produce and so it is systemic within the entire fruit or vegetable. It’s not just sprayed on top. In addition, organic produce is grown in soil that is full of nutrients, so organic food actually contains more nutrients and comes from healthy plants. And in the bigger picture, organic foods don’t put pesticides into the air, soil, and water, from which they come to us indirectly.

Also, they talk about using plain tap water, which is full of toxic pollutants that you don’t want to put on your food.

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Question from natalia

Dear Debora,

We bought a new birch closet from Ikea 1 wk ago. I have windows open for a week but it still gives off a strong odor. The closet is in the nursery and I am concirned about the toxic effect of this odor. Also is there a way to eliminate the smell?

Debra’s Answer

It’s hard to answer your question without having more information. Like, is it solid birch, or birch veneer over plywood?

The way to eliminate outgassing in general is to apply heat. Remove it from the nursery and put it in a room that can be closed up with a space heater. Let it “bake” for a few days and a lot of the smell will be released.

It’s difficult to determine from your post if the odor is from the wood itself or if it is some manufactured wood that contains chemicals. Either way, heat will help.

Opening the windows is good for removing the odor from the room, but it won’t do anything to reduce whatever is outgassing from the wood.

Question from RBES

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a natural eye makeup remover?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I personally don’t wear eye makeup except when I’m speaking or on television, and then I just wash it off in the shower.

Readers, your recommendations?

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Question from Jill

We need to use foam in our new construction for a few issues

– to fill in gaps in ICFs (insulated concrete forms)

– to seal around windows

– to seal penetrations

I know that some foams like Great Stuff say things like “no formaldehyde” but there are other components, like isocyanate, which is a sensitizer. I know the odor dissipates over time, but not the toxicity.

I’m seeking suggestions for the least toxic foams. Thanks

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Sunnyside

I’m looking for a non-toxic, low(or no) VOC sealer that can be used to cover our newly installed deck floor. The deck floor is a hardwood (maple)from Brazil light in color. It is a very dense wood and pre-drilling was necessary. If possible, I would like to seal this yet this fall before the Michigan winter sets in.

I did check with Vermont Natural Coatings but they do not have a product for the outside at this time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Readers? I don’t have experience with this as I don’t have a deck.

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