Last week, senior US health officials stopped a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposal that would have told dentists they should not use mercury fillings in cavities in pregnant women, nursing moms, children under 6 and people with mercury allergies, kidney diseases or neurological problems. It also urged dentists to avoid using fillings that contain mercury compounds in any patient, where possible.

The good news about this is that the FDA has shifted their position about mercury fillings. The “safety communication” was drafted in response to citizens petitions and an FDA advisory panel of outside experts. The FDA has defended the safety of mercury fillings since the agency’s inception in 1930 and especially during an ongoing, 23-year legal battle with consumer groups. See, we citizens CAN make change!

The bad new is that higher officials blocked the FDA from protecting the health of citizens.

Tampa Bay Times: Health officials kill FDA proposal to curb mercury dental fIlling

Question from Ghita Harris-Newton

Hi Debra,

I would like attractive built in closets. Real wood seems cost-prohibitive. California Closets say they have a low-VOC solution. What do you think of the California Closets solutions?

Debra’s Answer

I called California Closets and nobody had ever heard of a low-VOC solution. Where did you hear this?

Just in general, any time I see something that says “low-VOC” that’s a red flag for me. Because it’s saying it contains VOCs.

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Question from Stacey Santoro

Hi Debra,

I found a table made of wood with a limestone top that I love. However, I am concerned about radon/uranium levels in the limestone. Would you recommend avoiding limestone because of this?

Thanks so much!

Debra’s Answer

No, I’ve never heard of a problem with radioactivity in limestore, but if you are concerned you can test it with a geiger counter.

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Question from Stacey Santoro

Hi Debra,

I am looking for an outdoor patio set and trying to purchase the safest/least toxic one.

I saw one that is made of powder coated steel at Lowe’s, and it is made in China.

I found another set that is made of wrought-iron, made in the USA, but is also almost triple the price of the steel set made at Lowe’s.

Do I need to worry about the set that is made in China?

I’m sure that the wrought iron set is a little heavier, sturdier, but in terms of toxicity/safety, would you recommend one over the other?

Thanks again!

Debra’s Answer

Powder coating is a system for applying paint to a surface using dry paint. The dry paint is in the form of a powder, which is sprayed on the surface. The two major types of powder for powder coating are thermoplastic and thermoset.

There are some toxic substances in the powder, including lead and other carcinogens. This is mostly a concern if you are applying the powder coat to the steel at home. There are many different formulas, however. One MSDS I checked contain no lead, but did contain aluminum. You’re just not going to know because the retailer probably doesn’t know and the manufacturer probably doesn’t know. They just buy “powder coat” and usually are not concerned about the toxic exposures.

It would be unlikely for you to have much, if any, exposure to these toxic substances when using a powder-coated product. It would not release these substances into the air, as they are particles bound into the paint. You may have some of these substances transfer through your skin if you touched a powder-coated item.

So I would say I do recommend one over the other. The safest without question would be the wrought iron. It would also last longer.

SOURCE: eHow: Health Hazards in the Powder Coating Process

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Why it’s important to know where your organic food comes from?

Organic food has reached the mainstream—you can even buy an organic version of Heinz Ketchup (I wouldn’t—still contains sugar)—but where is all this organic food coming from?

Some, at least, is coming from China, particularly organic food sold at low prices in big stores.

Here’s a article that outlines 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Trust “Organic” From China

In addition I would add, who wants food shipped all the way from China?

I’d rather eat organic food from my own backyard or a nearby family farm.

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I just want to post this for any of you who are having financial challenges as a result of chemical injuries and need some help…or if you know anyone who needs help.

This is a crowdfunding site that focuses on “compassionate crowdfunding” to support humanitarian causes and bring kindness and community to those in need.

The organization does not charge anything for this service. 100% of the funds received are transferred to the person or organization in need as soon as they are received (the donation processor for funds transfer does take a fee, however).

The categories are: medical expenses, memorials and funerals, emergencies and disasters, adoption, education and schools, team fundraisers, pets and animals, volunteer and service projects, nonprofits, missionary work, and veterans.

Click on “Support a Fundraiser” and choose a subject to see the fundraisers that need support. You can also create a fundraiser on that category page.

www.youcaring.com

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Question from Mira

Hi Debra,

I’m wondering what brand of smoke alarms are safest, both wired and not wired. I need some new wired ones for my condo.

In this article I was surprised to see a radiation risk associated with one type of smoke alarm. Evolving Wellness: Alarming Toxic Safety Risks Associated with Your Smoke Alarm

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

I’ve been writing about this for many years. I just looked it up and I first mentioned this in my book The Nontoxic Home in 1986.

You should definitely get a photoelectric alarm, as the author of your cited article recommends. She did a great job of outlining this whole issue.

In years past these were difficult to find, but now they are common.

Here’s a list of photoelectric smoke detectors you can order from online or find these brands at your local hardware store.

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Question from Jan Harris

Hi Debra,

We get a LOT of dust coming through our air-co. Is there something we can put over the air vents or any other thing to help have less dust? (Our air-co ducts are metal. Could that be a factor?)

Debra’s Answer

I’m not an air conditioning engineer so I can’t answer your question, but am posting it here so someone else can answer it.

The only solution I know of would be to use a freestanding air purifier to reduce the amount of dust in your home.

You may want to have someone check your unit to see if it is pulling in dust from somewhere other than your home living space.

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A new study published July 14, 2015 in the peer-reviewed journal AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES discovered the accumulation of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, in GMO soy, and a dramatic depletion of glutathione, an anti-oxidant necessary for cellular detoxification.

Formaldehyde in soy? Now isn’t this interesting, because there are many soy-based substance such as resins and adhesives that claim to be formaldehyde-free. Now since 93 percent of soy is genetically modified, anything made with soy is probably GMO soy. So does that mean it contains formaldehyde? I don’t have enough information for a definitive statement, but I would say this is another reason to stay away from soy.

Systems Biology Group, International Center for Integrative Systems: GMO Soy Accumulates Formaldehyde & Disrupts Plant Metabolism, Suggests Peer-Reviewed Study, Calling For 21st Century Safety Standards

New York City’s ban on Styrofoam products in food service establishments, stores and manufacturers went into effect July 1.

Products such as trays, cups, plates, clamshell containers and even packing peanuts cannot be used within the five boroughs.

Yay New York City! May others follow.

Styrofoam food service ware leaches toxic styrene into foods and beverages. Studies have determined that all humans have styrene in their blood.