Question from Clara

I recently purchased a Gold N Hot ceramic flat iron straightening iron. When I opened it there was a tag reading Warning: The power cord on this product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

This really scared me,,,Is it harmful, and why are they still selling something like this. Should I take it back, or do all cords on irons have lead in them?

Debra’s Answer

We covered this at length a couple of years ago (how time flies!) but I thought it was important enough to mention it again. See Q&A: Lead on Power Cords.

Question from TC

I bought some Dr. Woods black Castille soap with shea butter. It says it is all natural, but “fragrance” (not essential oil or natural fragrance) is listed in the ingredients. It doesn’t smell like a natural fragrance, and 2 emails to the company have gone unanswered. Does anyone know if it is a 100% natural product?

Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

“Fragrance” on a label typically means it is synthetic (made from petroleum). If the scent is natural, the label will list the essential oils used (i.e. essential oil of lavender).

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Question from SBP

I was given a set of china dishes. Several of them are “brown with age”, but in good condition otherwise. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of this brown shadow across the dishes?

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from sophia

Hello,

Dear Debra,

Do you know of a natual alternative to the commercial pesticide sprays used to control gypsy moths in the north east, ie western NJ. I am asking for a residence w/a large plot of land that runs into the woods.

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Right at the top of the Pest Control page of Debra’s List, under “General”, there is a list of organizations that have lots of info on natural pest controls. Try one of those websites.

Readers, any experience with this? What worked for you?

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Question from KRB

I have recently found out that some bra companies are using polyurethane foam in the padding. I was shocked to see it on the label. The specific brand is Hanes and Barely There. I am wondering about the use of it in bras. How can this be safe? Are there safe alternatives? Some companies don’t list what is in the padding. Thanks for your input.

Debra’s Answer

Polyurethane foam is a plastic, and so is the polyester fabric used to made padded bras. I can’t help but think that it could be absorbed through the skin.

There are bras made from natural fibers. One website that specializes in natural fiber undergarments is Decent Exposures.

Depending on how much support you need, you might consider not even wearing a bra. I gave mine up years ago.

Question from Sue McWilliams

I read an article explaining to dip cotton in peppermint oil and place in areas likely to attract rodent traffic. Cleaned up my laundry room and placed several in the room. I used pieces of a cotton t-shirt tied in a small bundle and saturated with the peppermint oil. My laundry room smells nice, but since this is the first time I have tried this, I was wondering how often I would have to do this. Will these last me throughout the winter months? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I’ve never tried this, but I would imagine that you would need to periodically refresh the peppermint oil. Probably every month or two.

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Question from Nell

Hi Debra,

I am hoping you or some of the experts who read this site can help me with this problem: The insulation IN THE WALLS of our 37 yr old house has settled about a foot or so below the roof line, so that a lot of heat escapes at the top of the walls during the winter. (House was tested with a special camera.)

Does anyone have a suggestion as to how we could fill this space INEXPENSIVELY? I thought about the spray-in type insulation. Would this work? Any ideas? Someday, we hope to re-insulate the whole house when having the siding replaced, but that will not be in the budget for a while.

Appreciate the help,

Nell

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Gayle Ellias

We just pulled up carpet from a house that was built in the 1950’s. Underneath is a beautiful Oak hardwood floor. We need to apply a finish to it. We have a chemically sensitive son, and three big dogs. What finish would you recommend that is nontoxic, yet very strong to resist nail scratches from dogs?!

Thanks so much,

Gayle

Debra’s Answer

Again, I think the finish from Vermont Natural Coatings may be the one for you, too. They are sending me samples this week. Contact them and ask them about durability.

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Question from Edy

Hi,

I have a Rival crock pot (slow cooker) model # 3100/2. I bought it used from an elderly woman in the late 80s. I got some of the lead test swabs and am happy to say it is clear of lead. It’s green with a burnt seinna glaze inside. I don’t know if these can be found anymore. Maybe on Ebay. This makes me very happy as I use it frequently to make bone broth ala “Nourishing Traditions” cookbook and since I’m so reactive to even vitamins this is how I get my minerals. I slow cook them for 3 days all cut up so am glad I’m not adding lead into the broth!

Best, Edy

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Betty L.

Hi,

We own a lightweight fiberglass camper trailer, 17′. Economical to pull, & all the comforts. Great, but the problem is the electrical converter box came in under the bed. So we re-routed that to the other end in the closet. Thought the problem of electro-magnetic exposure was greatly lessened. It did seem to be on checking w/ a guass meter. But now there still seems to be a problem, albeit greatly reduced, with the bed area. Right where you absolutely DON’T want it.

Does anyone have any ideas on another brand, or have they ever checked this out? We are considering trading, but might we just not have the same problem? My bathroom is a must,(frequency issues), & in the heat of summer AC is just needed. We discovered the problem on our last trip,& just unplugged everything to sleep. Great for fall, & the little furnace worked. But AC is needed at times.

Any helpful thoughts?

Thanks

Betty L.

Debra’s Answer

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