Question from Michelle W

Hi Debra,

I recently contacted a small furniture company to ask about the toxicity of the materials they use. Here’s part of their reply:

“The inner liner is made of a Polyester (92%) / Spandex (8%) blend. Likewise, they contain no known latex content. However, they are treated with a flame retardant called Pyrovatex SVC. This material is not known to cause allergic reactions or contain latex derivatives and is non toxic.”

I tried to look up the MSDS for the Pyrovatex flame retardant, but the website seems to be down (and has been for at least a week.) Do you know anything about this flame retardant or how they can claim it is nontoxic?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Pyrovatex is a trade name for Phosphonic acid, (2-((hydroxymethyl)carbamoyl)ethyl)-, dimethyl ester

Phosphonic acid is an organophosphorus compound. There are many types of phosphorates, including Gyphosate (“Roundup”).

Here is an MSDS for Phosphoric Acid

It says it’s 98% phosphorous acid.

There is no toxicity information given, however, it is hazardous by burning the skin and is harmful if swallowed. Inhalation can cause chemical burns to the respiratory tract.

That’s how they can say it’s nontoxic.

It doesn’t appear to be volatile, so if you are not inhaling it as a powder, it would be not toxic.

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Question from Dawn Magstadt

Hi Debra,

Thank you for all you do. Hey, I was wondering, I’ve come upon yet another seemingly simple thing with huge implications, lighting.

I’ve been avoiding the light bulb situation and I won’t buy the curly ones (mercury is mercury–bad enough. I have some in my mouth and the fish I eat, and like who’s gonna really toss the bulbs not in the trash can? please.

Then the Dollar Store, my refuge from Walmart confusion, let me down in that
they burned out within a month this time. So I resigned myself to go to Menards (like Home Depot etc) and saw LED.

Then there’s some kinds (can’t recall–from another excursion) that say they can get hot(I’m thinkin’ that’s Halogen). I had 3 Halogen tall pole lamps in the 90s and I never bought a replacement bulb in 10 years! I take that back, maybe once for one. Then I divorced and who knows, they probably still burned after that. So a few years ago I merely bought a desk Halogen and it burned out in a week! I’m like what gives in a decade? Now they burn out? Made no sense.

I don’t want any bulbs to start a fire in my cheapy Goodwill lamps, my god. Might as well burn beeswax candles; at least it would be healthy and cost about the same as those expensive bulbs. I don’t mind expensive if it lasts, but then I read LED is directional and may keep melatonine from happening. I love the light they give but not on people’s cars (which seems like I’ve seen–too bright, albeit clear, must be hunting snipes, lol). I thought those for melatonine were the UV watcha ma call it clear bulbs. It’s nice they all are in light bulb form now but it was easier to know what was what when their shapes were different. I mean Halogen were little bity, not a bulb.

And then they (the god makers of light) claim regular florescent works for plants when in fact, I read before you’d have to have them no further away than 4″, now they act like any old bulb will do. How can that have changed in only 7 yrs?

Would they just organize it, make up their minds so I can just grab a pack of bulbs and feel comfortable that I won’t burn my apt building down and lose everything and that I won’t get depressed
or end up with a sleep disorder. I mean come on people.

So I’m saying…have you done any research?

It just seems odd, does it not, that when it’s all about light, it’s in the dark. And of course it’s complicated and of course it’s polluted.

Debra’s Answer

I’ve done a lot of research about this over the years and could organize it, and will, but can’t in this blog post today. Lighting is changing so quickly it’s hard to keep up with it.

I’ll just give you a quick answer by telling you what I use.

First, I’ve done things to have more natural light in my home, like install skylights. I have a big skylight over my shower, so I rarely turn on a light when I go in the bathroom. Even at night I have a little nightlight, so there’s no need to turn on the overhead light.

Then, I’ve purchased light fixtures that take incandescent type bulbs. And I use Philips EcoVantage bulbs, which are halogens inside of a bulb that is the same size and shape as an incandescent. I’ve never had a problem with overheating.

I also have a fixture over my kitchen sink that takes small halogens. It’s all metal and glass, so no problem with overheating. The fixture is designed for halogens.

As a rule, I don’t use overhead lights, except in the hallway. I much prefer task lighting, which also saves energy.

Simple.

Hope this helps your dilemma!

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This week there has been a an article going around with the sensational headline:
 

There Are ‘Fracking’ Chemicals In Your Toothpaste,
Detergents and Ice cream.”

Well, I wanted to know what horribly toxic fracking chemicals were in toothpaste, so I started reading the article. But it just didn’t make sense.

So I searched for a different article on the subject and found the original press release about the study, which said no such thing.

In fact, the study tested samples of fracking fluid collected in five states, and found that the chemicals contained in fracking fluid were “no more toxic than substances commonly found in homes.”

The pollutants were various forms of ethylene oxide.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) , ethylene glycol can have a variety of health effects.

In addition to eye pain and sore throat, exposure to EtO can cause difficult breathing and blurred vision. Exposure can also cause dizziness, nausea, headache, convulsions, blisters and can result in vomiting and coughing. Both human and animal studies show that EtO is a carcinogen that may cause leukemia and other cancers. EtO is also linked to spontaneous abortion, genetic damage, nerve damage, peripheral paralysis, muscle weakness, as well as impaired thinking and memory. In liquid form, EtO can cause severe skin irritation upon prolonged or confined contact.

It is used in the production of many consumer products, and may not appear on the label.

My point here is that information on toxics in consumer products should be presented in a factual way and not in a way that is misleading. Fracking chemicals were NOT found in toothpaste, detergents and ice cream. They were found in fracking fluid.

I take issue with both the article and the press release. One made it sound more toxic than it is, the other lessened the concern by comparing it to innocent household products.

I prefer facts.

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Two weeks ago Campbell’s announced their support for mandatory national GMO labeling.

See their statement at Why We Support Mandatory National GMO Labeling

Also see Campbell’s website www.whatsinmyfood.com, an excellent model for transparency in disclosing ingredients.

Here’s an example:

While the ingredients aren’t the best, in my opinion, they are taking a step in the right direction by telling us what they are.

Then this week there was an announcement that my own state of Florida has launched three bills for Mandatory GMO labeling. Yay!

Natural Society: Florida Laundhes 3 Bills for Mandatory GMO Labeling

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Question from Tania

Hi Debra,

I wanted to ask what are your thoughts about reclaimed wood. I like this dresser for my young son’s bedroom (he doesn’t have any strong sensitivities) but obviously I wouldn’t want to put something toxic in his bedroom.

Many thanks!!!

www.westelm.com/products/emmerson-3-drawer-dresser-g720/?cm_src=rel

Debra’s Answer

I think reclaimed wood is a wonderful idea for the environment, however, many reclaimed woods are toxic.

Often they don’t reveal the source of the wood, but this one does: “The reclaimed pine comes from a variety of sources, including shipping pallets and packing crates.”

Now shipping pallets and packing crates have various toxic chemicals applied, including pesticides and wood preservatives. So I wouldn’t recommend using a reclaimed wood product with these wood sources.

Good you asked about this.

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Question from Marie

Hi Debra,

I currently have an internet and phone bundle through our local cable company. It is completely wired. Our internet is connected via an Ethernet cable and modem. Our phone is connected to a wired telephone modem as well.

Are Voice Over IP connections ok as long as they are connected with a wired modem? I don’t think we have landlines available where I live; most companies only offer phone plans that use the internet connection.

Thank you for your time!

Debra’s Answer

Here’s an article that explains what VoIP is and how it works: How Stuff Works Tech: How VoIP Works

To the best of my knowledge, it’s operating computer-to-computer.

If the modem is wired, and not wireless, it should be no different from using your computer.

If anyone knows any more about this, please comment.

I’m not an EMF expert. There’s a lot I don’t know.

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Question from Stacey

Hi Debra,

My 5 year old daughter loves to dress up, however, I wonder how safe some of children’s clothing is…

She loves the “frilly” skirts made of synthetic materials which I try to avoid. If I do buy her something synthetic, would an item made with a nylon tulle over cotton be okay? What about sequin? I can find a few cute clothing items made with 100% cotton fabric with sequin overlay? Would these be okay?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Well, sequins are made from a variety of plastics, from PVC to PET.

The exposure is so small in comparison to other exposures that are much more toxic, that I am not particularly worried about this. I would rather you put attention on reducing pesticide exposures, for example.

But I do understand the need for the joy of pretty clothes. So if it’s important to wear sequins, any exposure to toxics from the plastic would be minimal.

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A blog post caught my eye as it passed through my inbox.

A new study at the University of La Plata in Argentina found that about 85% of cotton products such as gauze, cotton balls, feminine products like pads and tampons, baby wipes, etc. tested positive for glyphosate. Another even more staggering finding is that 62% of the tested products had traces of AMPA, a environmental metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid that is a derivative of glyphosate and is potentially one thousand times more toxic than glyphosate.

“The results of this research are very serious. When you use cotton or gauze to heal wounds or for personal hygiene, you do this thinking that the products are sterilized, but in fact you are using products contaminated with a carcinogenic substance,” said pediatrician Vazquez Medardo Avila, part of the Network of Medical Professions of Fumigated Towns in Argentina.

It was particularly of interest to me because I’ve been told by reliable sources that by the time cotton is processed into fabric, it no longer contains residues of pesticides. It’s the raw unprocessed cotton that we need to watch out for regarding pesticide residues. Yet here researchers are finding glyphosate in processed cotton products.

When I first started wearing cotton by choice in 1978, it was just cotton and pesticides. Today almost 100% of the non-organic cotton grown in the United States is GMO cotton sprayed with glyphosate. It’s apparently still in the fabric. Furthermore, it’s not labeled GMO.

This is another reason to choose organic cotton.

Monsanto’s Chemicals Make Their Way Into 85% of Personal Hygiene Cotton Products

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Question from Lynn

Hi Debra,

I am a mother of three young children attempting to furnish a new home (yikes). My eyes were opened to the toxic chemicals in consumer products when trying to chose a bottle for my first son years ago. I relentlessly read and research the safest/healthiest choices for my family and upon doing so I found your gem of a website!!

I’m having trouble locating any information on chemicals in leather couches. IE: what am i exposing my family to? My question…which would be a safer choice for my family: a leather couch or a fabric couch? Seems simple, but I know there is a lot to consider. Any insight you may have would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!

Debra’s Answer

All the information you are looking for regarding both leather and fabric sofas can be found at oecotextiles.wordpress.com

Here are their posts about leather: oecotextiles.wordpress.com/category/leather.

Other materials and related issues can be found in their very detailed menu on the right side of every page.

These articles are pretty long and detailed, and a lot of the information has to do with environmental effects in addition to direct health effects.

The simplified story is that tanning leather involves about 250 chemicals, including formaldehyde. You can easily smell these chemicals in a new sofa and they outgas for a long time.

A fabric sofa usually is made of synthetic fabric, polyurethane foam, and may have fire retardants and stan repellants (which outgas formaldehyde).

You can purchase all-natural sofas from the sellers on the Furniture page of Debra’s List.

If you can’t afford this, another alternative is to get a futon and put it in a sofa converter frame, such as this one from White Lotus Home.

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Question from Marie

Hi Debra,

Hi. I looked on Q&A first, but didn’t see anything.

How do I tell a friend that her fragranced Dawn dish detergent is toxic? (It smelled up her kitchen and contaminated my clothes and hair.) Is there a list somewhere of its chemicals that I can email her?

Thank you very much

Debra’s Answer

You can find all the ingredients for all Dawn products here: www.pg.com/productsafety/search_results.php?searchtext=Dawn&category=ingredients&submit=Search

There are fifteen Dawn products, so choose the one that matches your friend’s.

Choose “ingredients” (pdf) under the product name and you will get something that looks like this: www.pg.com/productsafety/ingredients/household_care/dish_washing/Dawn/Ultra_Dawn_Original_Lemon_Dishwashing_Ingredient_Disclosure.pdf

After the Fragrance ingredient, there is another link that says “For more information, follow this link”. And it goes here: www.pgproductsafety.com/productsafety/ingredients/Perfume_and_Scents.pdf

Everyone take a look at this. They tell you all the chemicals that may be present in their fragrance. But no data on toxicity. This is the list of chemicals you are looking for.

I need to start a new project of looking up all these chemicals.

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