Question from Marilyn

Dear Debra, Are there any toxic factors or warnings of any kindwith baking soda? Thank you,

Debra’s Answer

As far as I know, baking soda is completely safe to use.

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Question from TB

How do we find a contractor who will use non-toxic materials and decoration to finish our basement in the Naperville, IL area? We have children on the autism spectrum and want to convert our basement into a play area, a sensory gym area, and a therapy area…we need a kitchen, a bathroom, and a workout room as well.

Debra’s Answer

I’m lucky. I have my own personal green contractor—my husband. He and I have been remodeling houses to be healthy and eco-friendly for almost twenty years now. But if I didn’t have Larry, I would need to find a contractor who could build to my health and environmental specifications. Sometimes I do need to hire subcontractors.

Green building is a large field that encompasses everything from healthy indoor air quality to using resources efficiently and choosing building products made from ecologically sound growing and manufacturing practices. Most contractors don’t have training, experience, or even awareness of these issues, but more and more contractors are learning about the subject and offering their services.

In some areas of the country there has been enough interest in green building that there are now quite a few contractors and other building professionals who have some kind of experience and training in building green. In areas where there are no experienced or trained contractors, look for someone who has done at least something that shows they have some interest and willingness to learn about and use green products. Stay away from contractors who express doubt or uncertainty about green products.

Nearly 250 general contractors across America have completed the requirements for LEED Professional Accreditation. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the leading organization that is establishing standards for green building in the U.S. and certifies building projects according to these standards. Accreditation identifies individuals who have demonstrated detailed knowledge of LEED project certification requirements and processes and a command of integrated design principles by passing a comprehensive exam. (To access their database of accredited general contractors, go to http://www.usgbc.org/, then click on “Education”, then “LEED AP Directory” in the navigation bar.)

If you don’t need (and don’t want to spend money on) a contractor who can help you pass the LEED requirements for certification. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is gearing up a green contractor program to serve the average homeowner. NARI is working on a national program to train general contractors to add green options to their projects—things like Energy Star appliances, low-e windows, FSC-certified hardwood floors, and cabinets that don’t outgas formaldehyde. They want their contractors to be familiar with green building products and offer them to their clients. NARI has local chapters so contact your local chapter to find out about green contractors in your area.

Some areas already have their own local education and certification programs for contractors. Ask around at places like local natural food stores, hardware stores, or a green building materials store, if you have one in your community. GreenHomeGuide is now building a directory of green building professionals across the country, so that is a place to look too.

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Question from CVD

Dear Debra,

What do you know about the Finally Free Permanent Hair Removal System? It uses radio frequency waves to kill the hair at the roots. Do you think it would be a safe way to get rid of unwanted facial hair?

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know anything about this particular product, but..readers, how do you (women) safely remove unwanted facial hair? The best method I’ve found is the Finishing Touch Personal Hair Remover. Yes, it’s one of those cheap infomercial gadgets, but it really does work very well! And it is inexpensive, easy to use, nontoxic, painless, and hair actually grows back lighter and softer.

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Question from Kat

I liked having a non-slip bath mat in the bathtub so when my toddler moves around in the bathtub, he is less likely to slip and bonk his head. But now that I’ve been reading about plastics, I am horrified at the thought of taking a warm bath with the plastic or rubber non-slip mats that are out there.

Does anyone know where I could get a a non-slip bath mat for the bathtub that isn’t plastic and AFFORDABLE?

I saw a teak one that was really expensive, but it also said it was treated to be waterproof. One has to wonder what it was treated with and if THAT stuff is safe to take many long baths with…

sigh..

Debra’s Answer

Readers, your suggestions?

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Question from Susan

Hi,

We are looking to purchase a new laptop for working at home and would like to purchase an eco friendly one, if possible. I have read somewhere there are better machines out there now with less emissions etc. but can’t seem to find much info now that we are looking for one. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Susan in MA

Debra’s Answer

Well, there’s a whole website devoted just to answering this question. It’s called Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)–Green Electronics Made Easy. The system helps purchasers compare and select desktop computers, notebooks and monitors based on their environmental attributes.

Compared to traditional computer equipment, all EPEAT-registered computers have reduced levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury to better protect human health and the environment. They are more energy efficient, which reduces emissions of climate changing greenhouse gases. They are also easier to upgrade and recycle. In fact, manufacturers must offer safe recycling options for the products when they are no longer useable.

EPEAT products are identified as EPEAT-Bronze, EPEAT-Silver, or EPEAT-Gold depending on the number of environmental features incorporated in the product.

EPEAT was developed over a three year period in an extensive consensus-based, EPA-funded process that included more than 100 representatives from environmental groups, government officials, large volume computer purchasers, subject matter experts, electronics recyclers, and manufacturers. When developing the standard, the group integrated a wide variety of existing environmental standards and requirements into the EPEAT “umbrella” standard, including the most recent U.S. Energy Star energy efficiency requirements, EPA’s Plug-In Guidelines for Materials Management, Rechargeable Battery Recycling Coalition recommendations, Coalition of North Eastern Governors Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation, European Union (EU) restriction on hazardous substances (RoHS), EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment requirements (WEEE), EU battery directives, and various global environmental labeling standards.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, using very conservative assumptions, estimates that over the next five years, purchases of EPEAT registered computers will result in reductions of more than 13 million pounds of hazardous waste, more than 3 million pounds of non-hazardous waste, and more than 600,000 MWh of energy – enough to power 6 million homes.

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Question from Shannon Rice

Hi,

I am a mother who desperately needs information on the safety of synthetic turf. We have a very small (150 sq.ft) patch of grass that we are considering replacing with synthetic turf for our kids to play on. I’ve done quite a bit of research but can’t seem to find a bottom line answer about its safety for humans. Most synthetic turf is considered to be an environmentally friendly product since it eliminates the need for watering, fertilizing, chemical use and gas pollutants from lawn mowers. But, does that mean its safe for humans to be in contact with? Do you have any concise information on this topic?

Thanks for your time!

Debra’s Answer

OK, I’m going to get on my soapbox now because you’ve just hit one of my pet peeves. And that is when people claim products to be green without looking at the whole picture.

I did a little research and found that Astroturf brand synthetic turf is made from polyethylene plastic. According to the Synthetic Turf Council, in North America, infill synthetic turf systems used for sportsfields use polypropylene or polyethylene. Non-infill systems, ( golf and landscape), also use nylon.

Yes, you don’t have to water or maintain it, but it is also made from a nonrenewable resource that will not biodegrade. To me, the most important environmental consideration is how does the material cycle through the ecosystem? A substance that is not renewable or biodegradable cannot be green to me because ultimately it doesn’t work at all in the natural ecosystem.

Grass, on the other hand, is renewable and biodegradable and a part of nature. And it can be maintained organically.

Synthetic turf may offer a short term partial solution, but real grass is what Mother Nature designed, and I’m going to stick with that.

As to whether or not polyethylene is safe to touch, it’s one of the least toxic plastics, and if it’s outdoors where any outgassing would dissipate…I’m not concerned about health effects as much as I’m concerned about how long this patch of synthetic turf is going to sit in the landfill when you are done with it.

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Question from R Zamastil

What cookware is it still ok to use? Aluminum is bad, cast iron is bad, teflon/nonstick is bad, and now I read in a blog on this site that stainless steel is bad. (I was planning on getting stainless)Is it only certain types of stainless? What kind do you use? Thanks.

Hi Debra,

I’m following up on your blog Thermalon Nonstick Cookware. There was discussion on Cuisinart’s Green Gourmet and on Thermolon.

I was wondering if your impression on Thermolon feeling more plastic may be isolated to one brand of products.

I too purchased the green gourmet pans and have had them for a while now with no problem. Then I noticed their Greenware Line came out with a 10 piece pots and pan set. I was thrilled! Well I bring the set home and with the slightest use two of the pieces have chips in them, with a quick review search online I noticed that there were other people experiencing the same issue. Although they’re supposed to be non-toxic I cant imagine how safe it is to be swallowing. ( And cuisinart customer service was no help at all!)

On my search I came across Todd English GreenPan by Thermolon and wanted your opionion as stated above that the other comment might be isolated to only that brand of products. I can only find them on HSN and would like to see what you have to say on the matter before I spend wasted money on Shipping and Handling not to mention returning the product.

Also do you think that these products both Cuisinart and Thermolon are safe now but in the future they will find something toxic with these also. I am under the impression that they are both of a new technology that doesnot have much research backing it.

Debra’s Answer

See all my cookware links for everything I have written about cookware. Scroll down to the head AT HOME WITH DEBRA and see the “My New Cookware” article for what I use. “Cookware & Bakeware” under ABOUT gives an overview of all the different types of cookware and my opinion about them.

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Question from Jill Sverdlove

I wanted to share an article I just wrote for Alternative Medicine magazine (April issue) about the hidden dangers of synthetic scents, safe alternatives, and the chemicals in fragrances. I’m hoping it will help educate people. The magazine is available nationwide, and also feel free to share these links:

Stop Making Scents

tinyurl.com/2vnnef

Sidebars at the below links:

Avoid These Fragrance Chemicals

tinyurl.com/yvsyfo

Debra’s Answer

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Question from mimi

I live on a narrow lane where distribution power lines are very close to homes. One side of my house is located only 5 feet from such power lines (that run parallel to the back of the house); & a corner of my carport is just 5 ft from a transformer mounted on a power pole. All members of my family are at least 22 years old. Our sleeping areas are on the opposite side of the home from the power lines. The carport is attached to the residence. If we physically separated the car port from the residence, & removed all electric wiring from the now-freestanding carport, would that reduce ELF exposure inside the house?

Debra’s Answer

Info about safe distances from power lines is at Q&A: Safe Distance From Electrical Transformer. Since you’re only 5 feet away–I think that’s too close–I suggest hiring an EMF professional to work this out with you.

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Question from Fran

My husband and I are looking for rainbarrels. We notice that very few of the good-looking ones are “food-grade plastic.” Two sites do (& both seem decently priced): sites for the grey-black “Urban” rain barrel (www.urbangardencenter.com) about $80 each, $100 counting shipping; and also some sold by “Midwest sales” on a few sites including www.rainbarrelsandmore.com – a dark green, 60-gallon, on sale for about $100 free shipping.

I am not sure if “teflon tape” is involved for the first one, although “plastic” is mentioned; but “Teflon tape” is definitely installed on the threads of the second (the green) one, much to my disappointment. My husband was sure it was not the same Teflon, but online sources cited that it is PTFE. Is the amount in this case negligable, and also do you know if any alternative exists to ensure a tighter fit on threads at connections? (There is one more choice I liked from the gardening sites you list – a terra cotta that seems very orange-red; but the color is wrong for us.)

By the way, a woman in a city near me is going to try painting her rainbarrels with ivy designs (they are selling for $60 so far unpainted). I emailed her that I worry about the UV paints and hope she uses non-toxic. What are your thought on this, if any opinion? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I’m not concerned about Teflon tape used on the connections leaching into the water into the barrel. If you want to, you can check the connections to make sure no tape is entering the barrel, or you could remove it entirely. We have Teflon tape on the fittings in our bathroom. It’s pretty standard now to prevent drips. Does anyone know of an alternative?

Regarding the painted rain barrels…I don’t think the paint would permeate the rain barrel and infiltrate the water. It would be best to use a nontoxic paint, but I don’t know if any are available that will adhere to plastic and stand up to weather. Cute idea though.

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