Question from wt

Hello,

We were thinking of using formica as backing for a built in cabinet to cover drywall. We wanted to check if this material was considered toxic, and if you might recommend a non-toxic construction adhesive.

Thank you kindly.

Debra’s Answer

Formica itself isn’t toxic (it is a very hard plastic), but it is usually mounted on a particleboard backing, and particleboard emits a lot of formaldehyde. I haven’t ever seen Formica uninstalled, so I don’t know if that is standard installation procedure or if it comes mounted on particleboard from the factory, but I have no health concern about Formica itself.

For a nontoxic adhesive, check the websites listed on the Building page of Debra’s List.

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Question from john

We moved to a 30 yr old home last fall and due to lack of proper chimney maintenance over the past years the chimmney had developed a build-up of creosote, which my wife is very sensitive to due to her MCS problems. The chimney was cleaned and then sealed at the top and front of the fireplace box.

We just had some heavy rains in our area and discovered that there was a leak (crack in the mortar at the top) and now we have a musty smell inside of the fireplace. It is possible that this leak has been going of for some time and now we may have the start of a mold build-up. It has been suggested that we remove the seals and start a hot, long-lasting fire. However, my wife is sensitive to wood smoke.

Do you have any ideas or suggestions to resolve this situation.

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Mary

We are re-doing our downstairs office space. We are removing all carpet. The floor underneath is concrete. I have read that concrete flooring is a healthy choice….just paint it or seal it with a non-toxic product. It would certainly help the budget to do this ( we can then use that money toward our new UPSTAIRs flooring ..hardwood 🙂

Would you share your thoughts on this?

thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I have no objection to this. I have seen some very attractive concrete floors.

One thing you might consider instead of paint is to put a “skim coat” of new concrete on the surface. This would cover any cracks or imperfections on the existing floor very inexpensively. This skim coat can also be colored with powdered pigments to any color you want. You could even lay squares or other shapes of different colors to make a pattern, then top it all with a nontoxic clear sealer.

Here are a couple of websites with instructions for skim coats and ideas for decorative concrete floor finishes:
http://www.decorative-concrete.net/overlays_how.php

www.stainedbydesign.com

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Question from Susan

A bit personal to ask this, I know, but I am looking for an extremely gentle cleanser for the genital area. Everything I have used burns so badly! We only use “natural” soaps without the harmful chemicals. Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

It’s been my understanding that only rinsing with water in the shower is needed.

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Question from Diana

Hello all who have given great suggestions on my outdoor mosquito control question. THANK YOU!

My goal is to decrease the mosquito population without chemicals before they decide they want to feed on me. I’ve used the natural essential oil products, but they don’t always work well, and I’m rather sensitive.

The question that I really want answered is about CO2 machines. Do they really work in luring the mosquitos and then trapping them. I have taken into account decreasing any breeding grounds by controling water puddles, etc.., but there is a ditch close to the property that I have no control of even if I try using the bt larvacide. The ditch is sometimes moving and other times not. I need to know whether it is worth buying one of those CO2 machines and which one might be the best?

The mosquito problem is not just a few bugs flying around, it is many swarming the humans, which makes going outside very unenjoyable and worrisome due to West Nile problem in the area.

I am aware that bats and swallows are great mosquito eaters too. I need something more.

Thanks in advance, D

Debra’s Answer

I don’t have any experience with this.

Readers?

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Question from Bill

Debra,

My wife has severe MCS and has been wearing organic cotton clothes for some time now. However the clothes seem to develop a strong odor if they are not washed or used frequently. Sometimes the ones we do wash frequently also develop this odor with age.

We have tried soaking them in distilled white vinegar, rinsing and washing in baking soda several times. We have even tried soaking them in powdered milk, boiling them in milk, or baking soda or just plain water but nothing seems to help.

It is a little frustrating to finally get them to the point that she can wear them only to have them develop this odor a short time later and not be able to wear them. Clothes she can tolerate are in short supply (as anyone with MCS knows I am sure).

Any ideas as to what is causing this and how to resolve it?

Debra’s Answer

I’ve never heard of this.

Readers, any ideas?

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Question from Janet

I’m looking for a stainless steel ice-cube tray. Do they exist? I am concerned about the plastic trays, I hear that freezing water in plastic can chemically change the water – is this true? How about the silicone rubber ice-cube trays. I’ve read your blog on using them for cooking, but what about for freezing? Thanks

Debra’s Answer

Metal ice cube trays ARE available online, but they are not made from stainless steel. They are, and have always been, made from aluminum. Just type “aluminum ice cube trays” into your favorite search engine and many online sources will come up. Check the price comparison sites that come up too.

Elsewhere I have noted that plastic outgasses LESS when frozen, and ice cube trays are made from a fairly hard plastic, so I’m not real concerned about ice cubes being contaminated with plastic in the freezer. And I think silicone ice cube trays are fine too.

Metal trays last longer and don’t crack or leak.

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Question from SH

Debra, thanks for all the helpful information!

Do you know of a non-abrasive cleaner that would work on a marble surface, as well as a porcelain tub and sink? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Linda

Anyone know of an ice cream / sorbet maker that does not use an aluminum (or plastic) dish for making the ice cream? I have not been able to find one made of stainless steel.

Any opinions as to whether it’s ok to make the ice cream in aluminum (about 20 minutes) and then transfer it to something else afterwards? Maybe the fact that it is COLD, not hot, isn’t so bad for leaching toxic materials into food.

Thanks a lot,

Linda – California

Debra’s Answer

The one I use is aluminum and I’m not concerned about it. Aluminum leaches more when acidic foods are cooked in it, and longer cooking times (worst, for example, would be slow-cooked spaghetti sauce).

Here’s one with a stainless steel bowl, but not cheap ($600.00!): Musso Stainless Steel Lussino Ice Cream Maker.

I seem to recall many years ago I had an ice cream maker that also had a stainless steel bowl.

I think you need to look for a unit that has a built-in bowl and a freezer in the unit. These seem to have stainless steel bowls.

The less expensive type where you pre-freeze a removable bowl in the freezer seem to be made of aluminum. Perhaps there is a reason for using aluminum that helps with the freezing, so there may not be one of this type that has a stainless steel bowl.

Question from Diane

Hi,

I was tested for food allergies and cane sugar was a food that was listed as one I am allergic to.

Is cane syrup different than cane sugar?

Thanks,

Diane

Debra’s Answer

No. They are both made from the same sugar cane.

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