Submitted questions will be posted with my response by the following Tuesday or before.
Submitted comments will be moderated and approved within 24 hours.
Dining Chair Emergency
Question from Jordan
Congrats and thank you on being a non-toxic expert! I could really use your help. We are in dire straits trying to find dining chairs. We have been looking for several months and still have nothing. We are looking for vegan, organic/non-toxic, sustainable, fairly made chairs that are soft and comfortable. We also need the seat height a little higher than a lot out there. Aye Aye Aye!! If you have any resources to direct us to, you would be saving our lives. This chair search is giving me a stroke LOL
Lisa’s Answer
Sheets
Question from Barbara
Looking for some no iron safe sheets. What is your recommendation? Thank You
Lisa’s Answer
Dental Office Scented
Question from Bonnie
Last year my dentist office had very strong smelling “natural” air freshner. They were using a small pulg in tabletop machine in each room that had a mist coming out of it. I think they said it was one of the eseential oils. I told them even the essential oils were harmful as I read it somewhere. The dentist said he would remove it if I could prove it was bad for chemical sensitivity, to send what I read. Do you have info I could send him? I have been going there about 20 years.
Lisa’s Answer
Matchbox and Hot Wheels Cars
Question from Miriam
Lisa’s Answer
Air Fryers
Question from Catherine
Hello, I recently came across your site and so happy that I did !I would like to purchase a air fryer and would like to know your opinion . I had my eye on a air fryer that QVC is selling but I saw that it had a California warning label. Are air fryers safe ? I know that they are a healthy way to cook, but are they toxic ?
Lisa’s Answer
I haven’t researched air fryers yet but I, too, am curious. The California warning label is often due to lead in the cord of small appliances. I am not concerned about this as an exposure unless you you have small children who might have access to the cord. What I do want to look into is the coatings used on the inside of the appliance and the type of energy used to cook the food. Check back soon and hopefully I’ll have some answers.
Sofa
Question from Shelly
Do you onow anything about the daniel sofa from four seasons? My daughter is toxic week from aldehyde and we moved and I haven’t really found the source of it but now it might be our bedroom furniture so I can paint that will save seal but I’m wondering if I need to cancel my new sofa order. My bedroom furniture is from Ashlea and it says made in Vietnam. We’ve had it for three years. And my daughters sofa says that it’s phase 2 California formaldehyde compliant. So her issues might be from my furniture. It might be really bad because I’ve really suffered with constant UTIs and pain. Now I’m wondering if it’s some chemical in the furniture or maybe it’s the formaldehyde anything that you know that you can share is much appreciated.
Lisa’s Answer
There are several chemicals of concern that could be found in a traditional sofa. The most concerning are flame retardants. You could call the company and ask if they contain any. Here is an article that references other concerns. Most traditional sofas, including the one you mention, is made with polyurethane foam, which can have many chemicals of concern. California Phase 2 (CARB Phase 2) only measures the content from the wood components. It does not tell you about the foam and fabrics. You can check out Debra’s List of safe furniture makers.
Electric Glass Kettle
Question from Kate
I have metal allergies, including to nickel and chromium. I REALLY miss my electric kettle. There are electric kettles w foodgrade 304 stainless steel (which i understand contains nickel and chromium) bottom and lid and borosilicate glass sides and lip (eg ASCOT). Q: Does boiling water leach nickel and chromium from stainless steel? I know acidic food would.
Lisa’s Answer
I wrote an article about leaching from stainless steel into water. One study showed that stainless steel did not leach into water in any tested scenario. Most studies test stainless steel using acid solutions so more research is needed to provide a more definitive assessment of leaching into water. One factor that determines the amount of leaching is surface area and given that only part that comes in contact with the water is the bottom, leaching would be further limited. If you did not have allergies, I would say it’s a good choice. But given that you have allergies to metal I suggest you check with your doctor. I know some people with metal allergies avoid all stainless steel.
Bathtub
Question from Tracie
Sorry to bother you but i have looked for info and have had no luck on what tub to get because i cant afford to much. i was wondering if i got one that is plastic with a acrylic coat if it would work because a full acrylic tub just cost to much. if you have any idea i would be very grateful. i am very sensitive and can only eat 15 foods.
Lisa’s Answer
I’m sorry you are having a challenging time. If you are very sensitive, I can’t tell you what you will or will not react to because everyone is different. I can give you some general advice about the relative toxicity of different options. I usually recommend porcelain enameled steel or porcelain enameled cast iron but I know those can be pricey. Have you consider buying a used one? I’m not sure where you live but stores like Restore sell used building products. Just be careful not to buy one built before 1996 because the glazing could contain lead.
I don’t recommend acrylic tubs because they are made with petrochemicals and offgas. I don’t know what type of plastic is in the core of an acrylic coated tub so I can’t really speak to its toxicity.
Toxic-Free Desk and Chairs
Question from Elizabeth
Thank you so much for your awesome work and resources!! I’m wondering if there are any specific brands that you would recommend for a toxic free chair and desk?
Lisa’s Answer
It’s hard for me to answer that without a better understanding of your budget and just how “toxic -free” you want the items to be. You can look at the companies listed in the furniture section of Debra’s List for some good options.
Pottery Barn Whitney Desk
Question from KHedden
Does the Pottery Barn Whitney Corner Desk contain VOCs? I am trying to “de-tox” my bedroom and I was told that Pottery Barn Furniture is toxic!!
Lisa’s Answer
I can’t tell you the level of VOCs but there are some clues about the relative toxicity of the item. The good news is it’s made of solid hardwood with solid wood drawers. Engineered woods, which this doesn’t seem to use, tend to be significant sources of VOCs. The source of VOCs will come from adhesives used for the veneers and the paint/stain and finishes. You can call the company and ask if they can send you a safety data sheet (SDS) on the adhesives, paints and finishes but it is unlikely they will have that available. You can ask if they use low VOC materials, but again, that is unlikely. Finishes tend to offgas for a few months and then taper off, so the worst may be behind you.
While odor doesn’t tell you anything definitive about the toxicity of an item, it can be an indicator. If there is no odor coming from the desk that is a good sign.
If you are trying to detox your bedroom, I would start with your bed. If you have a traditional mattress made with polyurethane foam, I would be more concerned about that than the desk.
