Submitted questions will be posted with my response by the following Tuesday or before.
Submitted comments will be moderated and approved within 24 hours.
Non-Stick Cookware
Question from Nancy
Is there a truly “non-stick” safe skillet? Even with Xtrema cookware they suggest using some type of oil and their skillets are on backorder.
Lisa’s Answer
Crumbling Polyurethane Coating
Question from JoAnneh
I am a Pilates fusion teacher and yoga teacher. In many of the corporate group exercise rooms I teach in, we use weights coated with polyurethane or neoprene. In many cases these coatings are cracked, chipped or falling off in pieces. I have read that these disintegrating materials are quite dangerous to 1) touch, re: skin toxicity, 2) to hold (as they continue to fall apart with use and expose the student to bits of toxic chemicals both on the skin and in the air), and 3) to breath near, as the materials send small bits of inhaling-friendly chemicals into the lungs. I did a study for our town on leaf blowers and found that even the smallest microns of particulate matter blown into the air from them enters the lungs, passes the blood brain barrier, and causes all sorts of disorders, including contributing to heart disease, high blood, ADD like symptoms, and even–long term–Alzheimer’s symptoms. I’m wondering if the materials on these falling-apart weights are just as dangerous? The management has been slow to address this.
Lisa’s Answer
Is Marble Toxic?
Question from Anonymous
Is marble non-toxic or does marble cause cancer?
I have a black marble mortar and pestle from IKEA and I’m wondering if black marble is safe and non-toxic or should I be concerned about using a black marble mortar and pestle?
Lisa’s Answer
Choosing a Safe Steam Iron
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Many of you have asked for help finding a non-toxic steam iron. The main concern with steam irons is that several models have non-stick coatings such as Teflon, the best-known brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). When PTFEs are heated to high temperatures they break down and release toxic chemicals. Some non-stick coatings may be free of PTFEs, but it is very difficult to find out which chemicals the coatings do contain. Fortunately, there is an easy way to find a safer iron. Most irons have one of three types of soleplates. The soleplate is the bottom of the iron that comes into contact with your clothes. The most common types of soleplates are stainless steel, ceramic, and titanium. Stainless steel soleplates are the preferred type because they do not have non-stick coatings. Many top-rated steam irons have stainless steel plates but there are pros and cons of using them. The advantages are durability, good heat conduction, even heat distributions and ease of maintenance. The main complaint with stainless steel soleplates is that they can cause sticking of glue or decals on their surface. Additionally, they can melt silk or other lightweight fabrics when used on a high setting. The following stainless steel irons are highly rated on Amazon. Don’t be confused if some manufacturers refer to their stainless steel soleplates as non-stick. This does not mean that it has a chemical coating. It simply refers to the inherent non-stick property of the metal surface. I confirmed with each of the manufacturers below that they do not use non-stick coatings on their stainless steel models. Rowenta DW5080 1700-Watt Micro Steam Iron Ironing board covers can also be treated with PTFEs. Here is an untreated, 100% cotton cover. Unfortunately, none of these options will make ironing more fun…just healthier! Sources: |
DriCore Subfloor Panels
Question from Llya
I’m currently finishing my basement and planning to use DriCore subfloor panels.
It is almost impossible to find health effects of this product.
Would you know if the product emits formaldehyde or other chemicals dangerous for health?
Lisa’s Answer
Latex-Free Condoms
Question from Anonymous
Do you know of any latex-free condoms that are safe?
Lisa’s Answer
Does Stainless Steel Leach into Water?
Photo by Ruijia Wang on Unsplash
A recent post on stainless steel cookware revealed when to avoid cooking with stainless steel and when it might be acceptable for some people. The post was based on studies that showed that stainless steel cookware leached nickel and chromium into acidic food that was cooked for a long period of time. But what about stainless steel water bottles? Are they safe to use or do they leach heavy metals into water and other beverages that are not highly acidic?
Stainless Steel Does Not Leach into Plain Water
One study looked at a number of beverages with different PH levels and found that chromium and nickel did leach into beverages with high acidity such as fruit juice. It also leached into a solution with high alkalinity. However, there was no detected leaching into distilled water, which has a PH of 7 and is considered neutral because it is neither acidic nor alkaline. It also did not leach into beverages with low acidity such as tea (PH of 6.65), coffee (PH of 6.50) and milk (PH of 6.88). Tap water was not tested in this study but the EPA recommends that municipal drinking water have a PH level from 6.5 to 8.5. Based on the result of this study, it is unlikely that tap water would cause leaching.
Does This Mean I Can Keep My Stainless Steel Water Bottles?
The choice to drink out of stainless steel is a personal one. Individuals with nickel sensitivity may choose to avoid any contact with stainless steel. Also, this is the only study found that looks specifically at water and other low-acid beverages. Further studies would be beneficial.
Glass bottles are a safe alternative however, they are prone to breaking and are often heavy. If you do choose to keep your stainless steel bottles make sure they do not have the following features:
Sealing dot or painted markings
Read more about how one blogger detected lead from the sealing dot, which is a dimple at the bottom of some bottles, and from paint or painted markings on the bottles.
Plastic lids that are not BPA or BPS free
In my opinion, plastic lids are of greater concern than the stainless steel bottles because hormone disrupting chemicals can leach from all types of plastics depending on the additives used. Unfortunately, there are no safer alternatives that provide the functionality and convenience of a plastic lid, particularly if used for sports or other outdoor activities.
Low-grade stainless steel
Look for #304 or 18/8 food-grade stainless steel.
Is Nylon Toxic
Question from T
Is nylon toxic?
Lisa’s Answer
Lead in Corelle Dishes
Question from Becka
Yes wondering also if the color in the
Corelle dishware actually is lead free
And if it is not if it leaches into say a Corelle
Bowl if the color /paint is only on the outside of the bowl ?
Appreciate ur help ,,
Also if Anchor Hocking blue glass made today is also lead / toxic free or not?
Lisa’s Answer
Glass Water Bottle with Non-Plastic Lid
Question from George
I am looking for a water bottle (glass preferably), to have the alternative to stainless steel.
Since I use reverse osmosis water, it can be 6.5-7pH with no minerals left in it (rain water).
Apparently this type of water due to being ‘demineralised’ can react with stainless and make the stainless leach into the water (chromium nickel etc) to balance the water out.
This would result in using a stainless steel bottle 7 days a week for 2 litres of water a day (14 litres of water in a week) a very unpleasant metal flavoured health hazard.
So I look for glass… (alternatives like you said you look for alternatives).
Problem is, every glass bottle has either plastic, aluminium, or stainless still lids.
The ones with silicon lids that I found are narrow mouth and a pain to drink from.
Where on earth can one get minimum of 1L water bottle without the metal/aluminium?
Lisa’s Answer
