Question from Melissa Mazer

Hi Debra,

I am having a hard time finding cotton window shades (I would prefer not to have anything made custom for a child’s room). I have found cotton roman shades with a polyester backing. These are not a cotton/polyester blend, but, rather two separate layers of fabric. Would you be comfortable with something like this, or will I still have off-gassing from the polyester layer?

Thank you very much for your help!

Debra’s Answer

The problem with polyester is not the polyester itself, but rather the finishes that are commonly applied to them.

Find out if any finishes are used. If not, there shouldn’t be any significant outgassing. Personally though, I would be more comfortable with a 100% cotton shade.

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Question from Melissa Mazer

Hi Debra,

Thank you for your wonderful site! I am in the process of decorating my daughter’s bedroom.

What do you think of this mattress? (the Sleeptek Classic 1000). www.sleeptek.ca/products/classic-1000

I have seen others at the same price-point that are Greenguard certified (this one is not), but those others contain latex, which I am trying to avoid. I was wondering if you were familiar with sleeptek and would be comfortable with this mattress.

Debra’s Answer

This mattress looks good to me. I haven’t listed it on Debra’s List Beds Page because it’s in Canada and my policy is to list only USA websites, unless there is a site where the products are so unique they are not available in the USA.

I would be comfortable with this mattress.

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Question from Susan Quigley

Hi Debra,

What do you think about these “breathable” crib mattresses?

Is this something I really need to be concerned about?

Debra’s Answer

The thinking behind “breathable” mattresses is concern about risk of suffocation when the baby is lying face down. Years ago there were baby mattresses constructed in ways that were so flimsy that perhaps a baby could sink into the mattress face down and potentially suffocate. But today that’s not an issue, and certainly not with the better mattresses. The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises that all baby mattresses be firm and flat. When a mattress is firm and flat, it’s impossible for a baby to go head down into the mattress.

But there is certainly nothing wrong with providing extra air surrounding a baby, provided it’s done in a safe and responsible manner.

The problem I have with “breathable” mattresses is they allow the baby to breathe through the mattress cover and into the interior of the mattress, forcing the baby to breathe stale air that has been sitting inside the mattress. If baby has had an accident or milk has been spilled, and, for example, urine vapor has entered the interior of the mattress, then bacteria and mold would be inside the mattress, and the baby would breathe it.

One breathable mattress is constructed so you can wash it. However, this takes up to 6 hours to properly wash and dry the mattress completely, and meanwhile baby is without a mattress. Yes, it’s washable, but if I were a busy mom, I’m not sure I would want to be repeatedly taking the mattress apart and washing it and reassembling it. I’m just not willing to do that kind of maintenance.

And if any toxic chemicals were used in the construction of the mattress, baby would be breathing these as well.

Lullaby Earth (and Naturepedic) have a different solution. They offer a separate “air flow” pad that can be placed on top of a mattress, just like you would use a typical mattress pad. This pad provides fresh air from the room for baby to breathe. The baby doesn’t have to breathe into the inside of the mattress. The parents don’t have to disassemble the mattress and wash it by hand. Instead, the airflow layer can be removed at any time to be washed and dried in a washing machine, while baby still has his mattress available. This pad can be added to any crib mattress for an extra layer of breatheability. You can order the air-flow cover separately or on their lightweight crib mattress in white and four different colors at Lullaby Earth Breeze Crib Mattress.

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Question from Susan Lander

Hi Debra,

Thank you for all you do.

I’m planning to move from NYC to Florida (West Palm Beach) and will need to put my belongings in storage for 6 months. I’m really apprehensive about how to protect my new White Lotus bed, part-soy sofa and all of my pristine books and other belongings if I put them in a storage unit. I have severe MCS and mold allergies, not to mention I’m sure they spray pesticides in these places. Or am I better off selling everything and starting over (very expensive and new item issues)?? What would you do?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I have some experience with this.

1. if they spray pesticides
2. what the pesticide is
3. how frequently they spray
4. where they spray (some spray only around the outside of the units and not inside them)

When I put my things in storage, I put everything in big polyethylene bags, not garbage bags, but like big sandwich bags with ziplocks and handles. This is more airtight than putting things in cardboard boxes. And you can easily see what is in the bag. I had no problems with this. All my blankets and towels and everything came out perfectly after storage.

For the bed, I suggest wrapping it in Reflectix, which is aluminum foil sandwiched between layers of polyethylene plastic. Seal it with aluminum foil tape to be air tight. Nothing will get through this.

Be sure to tape the wrap with aluminum tape to make it airtight.

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Question from Rebecca David

Hi Debra,

I recently painted my daughter’s room using “Old Fashioned Milk Paint. Later I heard that they add “radioactive Kaolin clay” to their paint as a filler. Do you think this is harmful?

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

First of all, I’ve been recommending Old Fashions Milk Paint for so many years I can’t remember when I started. I have this paint on the walls of my house because it is completely natural and contains no VOCs or plastics, as most paints do. I love this paint.

I contacted the President, Anne Thibeau and asked her about this. She said, no, their paint is not radioactive.

“We use a blend of a few different clays that are proprietary,” said Anne, “And have actually had them tested for radioactivity (zero).”

“Our paint does not have, nor has it ever had, any radioactive or otherwise harmful materials in it. That goes against everything we stand for. Even our paint palette is limited because we have found many pigments are questionable as far as toxicity goes. But the colors we do make are easily blended to create hundreds of other beautiful colors, which many of our customers do on a regular basis. We are proud to have developed what we feel is one of the safest paints on the planet for the past 41 years.”

I did some additional research because the phrase “radioactive kaolin clay” just did not make sense to me. Here’s what I found.

Natural radioactive materials are present in all geological rocks in varying amounts, including clay. And also any other rocks. It is easily released into the environment.

A study was done on clay specifically to “measure the natural radioactivity due to the presence of radionuclides in clay and kaolin, used widely as raw materials in ceramics, bricks and cement industries, and to assess the possible radiological hazards associated with these raw materials.” The study concluded that while some natural radionuclides do exist in clays, “the calculated alpha index values for all samples are below the recommended upper level.”

Clays have been used since the beginning of humankind to make ceramic items of all kinds. Some clays may be more radioactive than others, or contain other naturally-ocurring metals or minerals.

But in general, clay is widely considered to be a safe ingredient. So much so that clay is recommended to be applied to the skin and taken internally as a means of removing radioactive materials from the body.

Radiation is present throughout the environment. You cannot escape it. Our bodies can accommodate the levels of radioactivity in the natural environment. The problem comes when we are exposed to levels beyond the natural ambient levels from human activities.

The bottom line is, clay is unlikely to contain more than natural levels of radionuclides, and Old Fashioned Milk Paint has had the clays they used tested for radioactivity, and none was found.

I don’t see a toxic danger here.

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Question from John Landau

Hi Debra,

I order clothing, sheets, etc. from so-called organic companies, and without fail, I’m always left disappointed. Organic clothing has arrived reeking of toxic perfumes and chemicals. Sheets are a nightmare!

I’ve ordered organic sheets from West Elm that came in a ‘duffle bag’. They smelled like perfume. I assumed it was because they were in the store exposed to God knows what. I sent a complaint to their headquarters, and alas, no response.

Fast forward. Someone gave me a gift card from there recently. I ordered (2) sets of organic sheets. These arrived in plastic. However, I’ve washed them a zillion times, and they still reek of some awful chemical smell.

I recently ordered organic t-shirts from a company out west. When they arrived they, too, had to be washed a zillion times. I finally just threw them away. The chemicals would not come out..

I’m going crazy because I have no clothes and sheets left and can’t find a company that is not being deceptive about their product.

I ordered a shower curtain (hemp) from another company. I had a severe reaction (MCS). How could they send something like this to someone and claim its “safe”? Is there such a thing as truly organic?

I’m beginning to wonder if it’s not just easier to order conventional items, pay less for them, and call it a day. I’m in the market for new pillows, but I’m afraid to order them and receive toxic smelling pillows. Any ideas? What to do, what to do? Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

I can understand what you are saying. “Organic” can refer to the raw cotton only, but not necessarily to the process of making the fabric or finishes applied. So it’s possible to get “organic” clothing and bedding that contain chemicals.

You didn’t mention the places you purchased all these items, except for West Elm. So I’m just going to comment on them. On their website, West Elm says, “west elm offers modern furniture and home decor featuring inspiring designs and colors” Hmmm, nothing in that statement suggests to me that their business is about providing safe anything for people with MCS. So even though they might sell something called “organic,” they really don’t know much about choosing a product that’s really organic.

I suggest that you try businesses listed on Debra’s List. And if you have any problem with products from those businesses, come to me. While obviously it’s impossible for me to inspect every product on every website (the idea behind Debra’s List is to POINT you to websites that have an underlying philosophy of having pure products, but you need to evaluate them for yourself if they meet your own needs), it’s more likely you will find what you are looking for on these websites.

And it’s perfectly fine to choose non-organic fabrics. I wear a lot of non-organic clothing because I can’t afford organic. And by the time the fiber is turned into fabric, there are little, if any, pesticide residues. Of course, there are environmental reasons why one should choose organic, but I find that if you choose the right clothing, non-organic fabrics are not toxic.

I stick with cotton or linen fabrics and cotton knits. Things without no-iron finishes that I can toss in the washer.

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Question from Nancy Carew

Hi Debra,

We are considering installing Torlys engineered hardwood flooring in our new house. We are building on a concrete slab and are considering electric in-floor radiant heat. All Torlys floors and underlays are said to be “CARB compliant and meet the Healthy Home requirements set by the European (E1) and California (Section 01350) indoor air quality standards”. I have been concerned about engineered hardwood flooring in the past because of the glues and formaldehyde. These floors do not require glue for installation because these snap together. What do you think about this product? Also, any concerns about radiant in-floor heat?

Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

OK. When you see something that says they are “CARB compliant” etc, that does NOT mean zero emissions. It means it meets a low standard.

If you put this type of flooring over radiant heat floors, the heat will cause them to outgas formaldehyde and other chemicals that may be used in manufacture.

I have no concerns about the toxicity of radiant floor heat, however not sure about EMFs from electrical radiant.

There are three types of radiant heat floors: hot air, electric, and hot water. Air or water would have less of an EMF concern.

Here’s a good article about radiant heat flooring: Energy.gov: Radiant Heating

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Question from Olga Mayers

Hi Debra,

I am looking to purchase a platform tufted bed. I noticed that it has been upholstered with fabric – polyester and linen and padding is made of a foam in the headboard. The frame is made of a solid wood all over including the headboard. Should I be concerned about any toxic off-gasing that could potentially harm me in the long run? I live in CA so this manufacturer does not use any fire retardant as well.

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

I’m still concerned about polyurethane foam, even if it doesn’t have a fire retardant. You should check to see if the fabric has been treated with anything before you make a decision.

Personally, I wouldn’t choose this headboard. While it may be attractive, it may harbor dust and other pollutants. Since this is bext to your bed, where you sleep every night, I would keep the area as simple as possible, so it can be as clean as possible.

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Question from Csöbi-Szabó Orsolya

Hi Debra,

I couldn’t find anything about prenatal vitamins on your website. Could you recommend me a good brand?

What do you think about these?

Realfood Organics Prenatal

Rainbow Light

Vitamin Code

Debra’s Answer

Let’s look at all three.

Realfood Organics is “primarily made from real fruits and vegetables…We source only USDA organic ingredients to share with you” But it also contains maltodextrin (an industrial sweetener) and soy (plus some other ingredients I’m not concerned about.

Rainbow Light has a number of prenatals to choose from. Their Certified Organics Prenatal Multivitamin is made with a “Organic Fruit & Veggie Blend” but also contains nutrients not from whole food sources.

Vitamin Code is basically raw whole foods supplemented with their own

• RAW Food-Created Nutrients that are individually created through microorganism cultivation which typically allows for the natural creation of known and yet to be discovered Code Factors such as live Probiotics, Bioactive Glycoproteins, Bioactive Lipoproteins, Bioactive Enzymes, Glucomannan, SOD, Glutathione, Beta-glucans, Lipoic Acid, Essential Trace Minerals, Glutamine, Polysaccharides and CoQ10
• RAW Food-Chelated Minerals
• AlgaeCal RAW- a raw, certified organic whole food marine algae complex containing 73 naturally occurring minerals and trace elements.

Contains fermented soy.

From my viewpoint, each contains something I wouldn’t take, but may be fine for you. I stay away from maltodextrin, nutrients that are not whole foods, and soy.

Be sure to look at the Supplement Facts to see what it in the supplements.

If I had to choose one of these, I would choose Vitamin Code.

Readers, any suggestions? What prenatal vitamins have you taken?

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In 2013, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) were not longer “generally recognized as safe.”

The FDA is now finalizing that action and feremining that PHOs are not generally recognized as safe for any use in human food.

PHOs are the primary source of industrially produced trans fat, found in many processed foods.
The FDA is providing a three-year compliance period to allow industry to gradually phase out PHOs from their food products.

Of course, fresh whole food ingredients would not contains PHOs.

www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm372915.htm#2

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