Question from Amy Vaughan

Hi Debra,

I have been researching shower filters. I only have chlorine not chloramine at my home. I read somewhere that KDF filters the chlorine, but that if you are chemically sensitive you also need a filter with some carbon to remove the VOC’s, THC, etc. Is that true?

I have also read different opinions on whether KDF works in hot water. Some say you need a filter with Chlorogon because it works better in hot temperatures.

And what is your opinion on Vitamin C shower filters at this point.

Thank you so much!

Debra’s Answer

First, a new shower filter will soon be available. I wish I could tell you about it now.

You can use a vitamin C filter if you want for chlorine removal.

Yes you would need carbon if you want to remove chemicals other than chlorine with KDF.

KDF in hot water…well shower filters are designed to be used with hot water, so why would they use something that doesn’t work? Don’t know the answer to that question.

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Question from Sheryl Fleishmans

Hi Debra,

We just had Cortec Flooring from the company US Floors installed. It is vinyl plank flooring that is “Green Guard Gold” certified.

Apparently “Green Guard Gold” is the strictest level of certification. The company told me that even though the product is made with virgin PVC (as opposed to recycled PVC), it is phthalate-free.

They even sent me their written position statement on phthalates stating that none of their products are manufactured with phthalates or chemicals that are harmful to the health.

What is your opinion of this product?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

It’s hard to tell.

Their website says their are a manufacturer of “Unique and Sustainable Floors”.

I’ve never heard of PVC without phthalates but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.

The website says it’s made from recycled wood and bamboo dust, limestone, and virgin PVC. I know of a very nontoxic floor made from hard vinyl and asbestos: Armnstrong vinyl composite tile (now discontinued).

So this flooring may very well be fine. I haven’t seen a sample.

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A new study has found that drinking just two drinks from a BPA-lined can can significantly raise levels of BPA in your body—enough to immediately raise blood pressure.

Read more at GreenMedInfo: BPA-lined Container Hike Blood Pressure—Immediately

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A new study from the University of Sheffield, in the United Kingdom, has proved conclusively that contaminants can enter pipes through leaks and be transported through the pipe network.

The pressure in mains water pipes usually forces water out through leaks, preventing anything else from getting in. But when there is a significant pressure drop in a damaged section of pipe, water surrounding the pipe can be sucked in through the hole.

It had been assumed that only clean water from the leak would be sucked in, and that even if contaminants were sucked in these would simply be ejected once the pressure returned to normal. The new study has shown, however, that groundwater from around the pipe – which often contains harmful contaminants – can be sucked in, remain in the pipe and travel on through the network.

While most of the time the pressure in the pipes is such that no contaminants enter the water system, when the pressure is reversed, you have no protection from whatever comes in, unless you have a water filter.

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Here is a great video about the toxic flame retardant chlorinated Tris. 13 minutes. Well worth watching.

New York Times: A Flame Retardant That Came With It’s Own Threat to Health

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Question from Cheryl Van Beek

Hi Debra,

I know Polyester is not the best fabric but I’m opting for a wrinkle resistant pair of men’s pants.

I’m trying to get rid of my husband’s slacks that say “wrinkle free” and 2 pair that actually have Teflon in them.

The ones specifying wrinkle free were bought quite awhile ago and I believe they were chemically treated to be resistant because they were all cotton.

Is it at least a step in the right direction to purchase pants that are cotton polyester blend because the manufacturer tells me they are wrinkle resistant but not chemically treated–just resistant because of the polyester?

Some pants need to be replaced because they are worn out and others could last awhile longer.

So, in general, is 60% cotton 40% polyester blend that hasn’t been treated w/wrinkle resistant chemicals a little healthier than Teflon and or the chemical wrinkle treatments?

And, in the case of the pants that have Teflon and or the treatments would they have lost most of their toxicity over years and are therefore safer than the new untreated cotton poly-blend?

Thanks so much!

Debra’s Answer

I’ve never heard of a cotton-poly blend that is not chemically treated. It’s common in the industry to treat poly-cotton with a formaldehyde-based resin to make it wrinkle-free. Who is this manufacturer? Let me talk to them.

To answer your question, yes, 60% cotton 40% polyester blend that hasn’t been treated w/wrinkle resistant chemicals would be a little healthier than Teflon and or the chemical wrinkle treatments.

And, in the case of the pants that have Teflon and or the treatments, yes, they would they have lost most of their toxicity over years and are therefore safer than the new untreated cotton poly-blend.

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Question from Gustavo Alves

Hi Debra,

I know there are devices that can measure Co2 in the air. Do you know any equipment that is able to measure VOCs in the air?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Some years ago Will Spates from Indoor Environmental Technologies, Inc. came and tested my house for VOCs with an instrument that cost something like $10,000. The reading was very very low.

Now I see there are meters on online that measure VOCs in the $200 – $350 range.

I don’t have experience with any of these, but here are some choices.

Supco IAQ50 Wall Mounted Indoor Air Quality Monitor Supco IAQ55 Handheld Indoor Air Quality Monitor, 0 to 2000 ppm, 1 ppm Resolution, +/-75 ppm Accuracy

Honeywell Analytics IAQPoint2 ABS Touchscreen Analog VOC IAQ Monitor, Wall Mount, Relay, Display, 0-100 Measuring Range

You could also search for “VOC meter” and see what else you find.

Here’s another one in the $250 range: Eco Sensor C-21 VOC Detector

Let us know which one you choose.

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Question from Mary Ashmore

Hi Debra,

What is a non toxic way to kill English Ivy ? Everyone keeps telling me to spray it with Round Up. I think Round Up is toxic. Is that correct ? What would be the alternative ? thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Yes Roundup is very toxic.

One product I found for this use is Avenger Weed Killer.  It’s the first EPA registered and approved herbicide for organic gardening and it has the Organic Material Review Institute (OMRI) seal of approval for use by certified organic farmers.

The Avenger website says: “Avenger Weed Killer is a non-selective, post-emergence herbicide that quickly and effectively kills weeds, grasses and broadleaves without causing harm to the environment. The active ingredient d-limonene (citrus oil) naturally strips away the waxy plant cuticle, causing it to dehydrate and die. University and independent testing results prove that Avenger® Weed Killer is as effective, but faster acting when compared against leading synthetic herbicides. Tested against non-organic ‘natural’ herbicides that contain vinegar (acetic acid), citric acid, clove oil or fatty acids (soap), it is more effective with quicker results.”

And here are some instructions for a do-it-yourself formula using vinegar, salt, and Dawn detergent: Garden Guides: How to Kill English Ivy With Dawn Liquid

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A few weeks ago the New Your Times ran an article about how workers in nail salons were being harmed by the toxic chemicals in nail polish and polish remover.

The article lists dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde as the three chemicals associated with the most serious health issues. Among worker advocates, they are known as the “toxic trio.”

Read what the cosmetics industry and other have to say about these chemicals and how workers are being harmed.

These are the same chemicals found in ordinary nail polish purchased by consumers.

The New York Times: Perfect Nails, Poisoned Workers

I did a show about nail polish on Toxic Free Talk Radio, with the creator of one of the least toxic nail polishes available. Still, I concluded it wasn’t toxic free enough.

Toxic Free Talk Radio: Can There Be Such a Thing as Nontoxic Nail Polish?

Question from Stacey Santoro

Hi Debra,

I saw an interesting piece of art consisting of UV ink print on brushed aluminum. It seems safe to me, but would like to hear what you think. I don’t think aluminum outgasses, does it?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Aluminum artwork is totally fine. Aluminum itself doesn’t outgass and any paint or coating is generally heat dried to adhere to the metal.

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