Question from LH

I have a question about enamel coated cast iron cookware (a la Le Creuset).

My husband and I adore our simple cast iron cookware, but have recently read that it is not advised for those with Hepatis C, which he has.

We both love to cook are always looking for safe and effective cookware.

I am intrigued by the new Mario Batali line of “Italian kitchen” cookware, a low priced knock off of Le Creuset. I would like to know more about the current safety of both Le Creuset, made in France and Mario Batali, made in China.

At one time the lead and cadmium levels in enamel coated ware was controversial. The info I have found says that has been corrected, but being skeptical about the USA standards and enforcement, I wonder if you have any other source of info or advice.

Also, I am wary of anything made in China. I would love to try this Mario Batali cookware but wonder if it is worth the health risk. Is Le Creuset?

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know the answer about lead and cadmium.

With regards to Le Cruset vs Mario Batali, as much as I love Mario Batali as a chef, I would go with the Le Creuset. Here’s why. Le Creuset is a long established French company, who makes a high quality product for the discriminating French, to whom cooking is paramount. Manufacturers in China just don’t have the same level of care. I’d get “the real thing.” And if anyone has corrected the heavy metal problem, it would be Le Creuset.

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Question from jab

I recently bought a new gas grill…I currently use tin foil to bake/grill. ie wrap foil around potatoes….I assume the aluminum is very toxic and should be avoided. I have never used parchment paper, but am wondering if this is a good alternative. I read on one site to put a pc of parchment paper on top of the tin foil , put fish on top of the paper and then roll up the tin foil to seal. Is this still not healthly for me? Are there products out there such as parchment bags that seal like tin foil does. Can I put a pc of parchment paper on the gill and lay food on it to grill (for easy clean up)? will it burn? Is using tin foil really bad for you!?

Debra’s Answer

Let me explain what parchment paper is. It’s paper coated with silicone (for more on this, see Q&A: Silicone baking mats vs parchment paper). It doesn’t burn when you bake on it in the oven, but it would burn exposed to an open flame on a grill.

Aluminum is something you want to avoid. I don’t recommend aluminum cookware. However, the worst foods for aluminum are acid foods like tomatoes. You probably wouldn’t get much exposure by wrapping a potato in aluminum foil. If this is a concern for you, bake your potatoes in the oven.

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Question from Ruth Ruddock

With all the toy recalls going on, I wonder what is safe for a little 9 month old guy to chew on?

Any thoughts?

Ruth in Wisconsin

Debra’s Answer

Moms, what do you recommend?

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Question from Sweet Pea

I’m aware of the dangers of inhaling Nitrous Oxide itself. I know it is used to charge whipped cream dispensers. But I can’t seem to find an answer to my question on any of the websites.

Does it harmfully affect the whipped cream itself or does it just dissipate when discharged? Are there traces of the drug in the whipped cream?

A friend wanted one of those dispensers for Xmas.

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know how much nitrous oxide remains in the cream after it is dispensed, but it does mix with the cream. It is a very small amount.

I’d just like to say that whether there is any residual nitrous oxide in the cream or not, why not just use a mixer to whip cream? This kitchen gadget is just another specific-use thing that is using resources to manufacture. You can even whip cream in about two minutes with a manual egg beater. If you whip the cream yourself with a mixer, you KNOW there’s no nitrous oxide.

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Question from darfalfa

My husband and I are making a harvest plank table for our kitchen from pine planks. I really want a rustic, hand scrubbed look, but I also need to darken or stain the wood, ideally to match our kitchen cabinets. I’ve been reading a lot about a product called “DuraStain” for the actual staining, then perhaps using a “Salad Bowl Finish” product to seal the wood. However, many of these products claim to be non-toxic once cured and food safe, however, they cannot be sold in California. Please keep in mind that I have a 2 1/2 year old son, which is why I’m looking for a “safe” product and in turn the reason I’d like to protect our table from spills, and accompanying mischief. Any help would be appreciated in navigating my way through these products. Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

Hmmm…if they are nontoxic and food safe, they should be able to be sold in California.

Readers, what are your suggestions?

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Question from Karen

I would like to know if bathtub resurfacing is safe. The contractor said there would be an odor only when it is wet. It takes 3 days for it to dry completely. Staying out of the houdse for that long is not a problem, but does anyone know if it continues to outgas after that time?

Thank you,

Karen

Debra’s Answer

It makes sense to me that it would be fine once cured, however, I have no actual experience with this.

Readers, has anyone actually done this?

Question from Stephanie

Hi. My partner and I are in the process of buying a house in Pittsburgh. We are about to hire a home inspector to check out the house for any structural damages, etc. I have chemical sensitivity and want to hire someone, as well, to check out the house for environmental issues — I think these include mold and radon, but I’m not sure what else I should have the house checked for and who I should hire to do these things, as I’ve never been through this process before. Are there special environmental inspectors? How might I find them? What else should I be aware of? Thanks!!!

Debra’s Answer

Well, you could hire me. I do that kind of inspection and can travel anywhere to do it. My specialty is toxics, so you’ll get a good toxics inspection, but there are other factors, too.

You could also hire a Bau-Biologist, who is trained to check for molds and moisture conditions, emfs, radiation, and more. You can read about a Bau-Biology inspection I had at my house at AT HOME WITH DEBRA: My Bau-Biologie Home Inspection. Visit the International Institute for Bau-Biologie and Ecology to find a Bau-Biologist near you.

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Question from stacy devivo

Hello,

I recently bought a bookcase from Big Lots for my 2 year old daughters room. It said that it was made from nontoxic paint, but it smells terrible. Even putting it together made me nauseous– I am chemically sensitive. It is made from pressed wood so I’m not sure if it is from the fermeldahyde or from the plastic that it was wrapped in. After assembling the bookcase, I immediately moved it to another room, hoping that the smell would offgas. I would like to know if there is another way that I can speed up the process or if I should try something else. I obviously don’t want to risk my daughter’s health and the bookcase will be placed right next to her bed. PLease give me some opinions or suggestions. Thank you!!

Debra’s Answer

My suggestion would be to dump this bookcase entirely. If it’s going right next to your daughter’s bed, you want a bookcase that is as safe as possible.

You could try using heat to outgass the chemicals or apply a vapor barrier sealant, but the best choice would be to use a solid wood bookcase or a metal one.

Readers, any other suggestions?

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Question from jason

Thought some of you might be interested in a list of the numerous chemicals found in mattresses glues, polyurethane memory foams and industrial perfumes that we have compiled.

http://www.essentiadirect.com/research/glues-toxic-components

Debra’s Answer

This is a comprehensive list. Thanks for posting it.

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Question from Leah

Although we have a lid on our sump pump, there is an odor coming from it, especially when it is dry outside and the water sits for a period of time. It comes in through the heat vents in our crawl space and our entire house smells. We were told to put chlorine tablets in it to help the smell. I am looking for something more natural that might work. Does anyone have experience with this or have any ideas? The water travels into a ditch in front of our house. Not only do I not want to be breathing chlorine in our house, I also don’t want to pollute our yard. Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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