Question from Anu

Lisa’s Answer

The Amish futon frame looks to be a good, non-toxic choice.  I would just confirm that the linseed oil is 100% linseed with no added ingredients.  Some very sensitive people do react to linseed oil.  It is not toxic but it can be a problem for some.

I’m not sure if you are looking for mattresses specifically at the futonshop or are asking a vernal question about mattresses.  Here is a good link to an article that Debra wrote about Naturepedic.  In her explanation about why Naturpedic is the best non-toxic mattress it tells you what to consider when buying a mattress.

Question from Roya

Lisa’s Answer

I can’t tell you exactly what made you feel ill because everyone is different, though people with hypersensitive have reported reacting to this unit as well as other air purifiers.  The housing is metal though the wheels are made of plastic and some off gassing will occur.  Some people have found that allowing it to run at full power outside or in a garage for a few days helps.

This is a very good unit.  There are a few others that I think are better but you can read more about that in my Portable Air Purifier Buying Guide.  You can read other people’s comments at the end where some reader’s indicate which air purifiers they have reacted to.

Question from Pia

Lisa’s Answer

I assume you are referring to the carbon in the filter.  Carbon is safe.  Just make sure you are replacing it as directed.  When the carbon becomes saturated it can re-release impurities back into the water.  I recommend avoiding plastic coffee makers as discussed in prior posts.

Question from Bonnie

Lisa’s Answer

I’m not a doctor and can’t tell you the exact health impact of a one-time bleach exposure for someone with a thyroid condition.  I don’t recommend using bleach.  Most bleach products contain several ingredients so I can’t give you specifics about how harmful the product is without knowing the ingredients.  In general, sodium hypochlorite, a common bleach ingredient has been shown to cause skin and respiratory sensitization, eye irritation, and neurotoxicity.  It is also very toxic to the aquatic environment.  Cotton used for fabric is washed and processed to remove impurities.  I am not aware of any reports of negative health effects from organic cotton due to manure.

I’ve written recently about the possible presence of lead in ceramic dishes and cookware.  The FDA recommends using lead test kits as a way to determine if it’s safe to eat or drink from your ceramic ware.  This type of test is helpful but limited.  It’s important to understand what you can learn from it and what you can’t.

Lead test kits became popular after the EPA established the 2008 Lead Renovating, Repair and Painting rule (RRP) that allows certified contractors to use certain lead test kits to determine if regulated lead-based paint is present in housing and other facilities where children are present.  Because the tests were designed to test paint some brands , such as Scitus, specifically state that they are not intended for ceramics.  It’s important to make sure the test you buy is appropriate for this purpose.

3M LeadCheck is the Best Brand for Testing Ceramics.

3M LeadCheck is an easy-to-use swab that is rubbed on the surface of the item you are testing.  If it turns red it indicates the presence of lead.  The directions on the package state that it takes just 30 seconds to determine the presence of lead but it’s worth noting that a Consumer Reports review found that it can take up to 2 hours if there are low levels of lead!  Make sure to wait this long to see if the swab turns red.

This Test Can Tell You if Lead Is Present but Not if It’s Free of Lead

The limitation of the 3M LeadCheck test is that it only detects lead down to 600ppm.  That means that a product could contain over 500ppm of lead and still test negative. For perspective, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) limits the amount of lead in children’s products to 100ppm.  Because no level of lead is safe, this is simply not a sensitive enough test to determine that a product’s safety.  If you get a positive result on your dishes or cookware, stop using them.  If you get a negative result it does not necessarily mean that no lead is present.

Lead test kits can be helpful for identifying lead in children’s toys, ceramic tiles, older porcelain enameled bathtubs, sinks and toilets.  Just remember that a negative reading doesn’t necessarily mean the item is free of lead.

Question from Audrey

Lisa’s Answer

I understand that your question is about getting rid of the smell but I’d also like to address the question of is the chair free of toxins.

First, regarding the smell, musty odor is due to mold or mildew.  To get mold or mildew there must be a source of moisture.  Is the humidity high in your home?  If so, you may want to look into a dehumidifier.  If not and you do not live in a humid climate, opening your windows and using a fan can help.  You could also try leaving the chairs in the sun for a period of time.  You can try to apply the vinegar which may help neutralize the odor.  I can’t tell you whether or not that will damage your fabric.

Regarding the potential toxicity, I am concerned about two things.  First, there could be mold in the cushions.  You could open them up to check.  If you cannot confirm that there is not any mold, I would not keep them.  Also, if the cushion is made with foam it could be a source of many chemicals of concern such as formaldehyde and fire retardants.  As foam gets older it breaks down and gets into household dust.  Even if it doesn’t smell it can still be exposing you to chemicals.  I don’t recommend upholstered furniture unless it is made with non-toxic fillers such as natural latex, wool or cotton.

Question from Bonnie

Lisa’s Answer

Thanks for sharing this information.  It’s frustrating that there is not better disclosure from manufacturers.  I am not surprised that the product specialist was also not aware of this.

Question from Diana

Lisa’s Answer

Shellac is typically lower in VOCS than lacquers but not all are the same.  It’s possible that you could be trading one problem for another.  Also, I’m not aware of any shellac product that provides independent testing that it blocks VOC off gassing.

Question from Elizabeth

Lisa’s Answer

My favorite brand is Medley (formerly called Stem).  You would need to select natural latex as an option.  I have a couch by this company and find it to be fairly firm and it holds up well over time.  You can find other options on Debra’s List.

Question from Janet

Lisa’s Answer

I haven’t looked into this category.  That will be an extensive research project so beyond the scope of the Q&A.  I’ll keep it on my list of future products to investigate.