Do Plastics Off-Gas?
I've been wondering if "everyday" household items made from plastic are off-gassing petrochemicals. Some examples would be plastic food storage containers, plastic flowerpots, plastic broomhandles and dustpans, etc. Thanks for any info on this.
Natural Aluminum Bakeware
I own Nordic natural aluminum bakeware. Is it safe? I just replaced all my teflon coated bakeware and am now wondering if the aluminum is safe. If not, what is safe to use as bakeware? I've tried glass from anchor hocking and don't like the way it cooks things like brownies. Also, what is a cookie sheet alternative.
Ways to Neutralize Chlorine in Wash Water
I think we just figured out that my teenager with MCS is very sensitive to the chlorine in our municipal water (used for washing clothes, of course). We are at a temporary location. When we find a place to move to, I planned on getting a whole house filter system which I have not researched yet. I do have a chlorine filter on the shower. Is there something we can do with the wash water for now?
Plastic Seam Reinforcement on Clothing
I have noticed that many clothes I buy these days have a plastic material that is used to reinforce the sewing on the seams. It particularly seems to be used on the inside shoulder seams of garments. Do you know if this is indeed plastic, or perhaps it is latex or some other material?
Kevlar Fibers in Mattresses
I was wondering if you are familiar with Kevlar Fibers being used for flame retardant in Sterns and Foster Mattresses instead of Antimony or PBDE's which are very toxic. Supposedly Kevlar Fibers are what Bullet-proof materials are made from and these are woven into the mattress coverings.
What is Spandex and is it Toxic?
What is spandex from, and is it toxic or offgassing? I'm going through clothes, deciding what to keep and what to do without.
Polyurethane Foam in Bra Padding
I have recently found out that some bra companies are using polyurethane foam in the padding. I was shocked to see it on the label. The specific brand is Hanes and Barely There. I am wondering about the use of it in bras. How can this be safe? Are there safe alternatives? Some companies don't list what is in the padding.
Marvin Fiberglass Windows
I purchased several Marvin Fiberglass windows and had them installed two and one-half weeks ago. Right after installation we smelled a strong acrylic odor throughout the house, which has only abated a little bit. After two weeks of research I discovered that the fiberglass is actually coated with something called "acrylic capstock". I have searched everywhere and cannot find out how harmful this odor is and when it will stop outgassing.
Is Tarnished Jewelry Safe?
Can you tell me if tarnished jewelry is safe to wear? Specifically, I'm wondering about sterling silver earrings that are tarnished and have glints of the copper alloy coming through when once it was a pure silver look. I know that silver polishing can be quite toxic, so I do not want to use any chemical polish.
Is Acrylic Drinkware Safe to Drink From?
I just bought some acrylic plastic drinkware from Crate and Barrel. I am normally against plastic being used in my home, but I needed cheap, durable drinkware for outdoor use and everyday use. I realize these do not biodegrade easily, but I will use these until they fall apart (hopefully I will have many years of use out of these).
How Can I Get Febreeze Out of Clothing
I'm very sensitive to new clothing and have had success using milk to remove chemicals, however, it seems that second hand stores that sell clothing have become dedicated to spraying Febreeze all over them. It has proven very challenging to remove. I have used milk, mustard, soda, borax, vinegar and multiple washings in Biokleen to no avail. Any ideas before I give up altogether?
Are Crocs Shoes Safe?
My kids love these plastic shoes and even Wholefoods is selling them. But the more I think about Crocs the more concerned I get. My daughter wore them a lot last summer and her skin on the soles of her feet starting peeling off. Is there any hazardous connection with wearing crocks, or cheaper similar products?
Cast Iron Skillets Made in China
I recently bought a set of 3 cast iron skillets that had a "Made in China" sticker on them. After washing and using them a few times,the black finish started coming off on the towel I dried them with. The inside of the pans started to look brown where the finish had come off. Does this sound normal for cast iron? I have an old cast iron skillet that I picked up in a thrift store that is not doing this. Do you think it is safe to use the newer skillets?
Is Persil Laundry Detergent Green?
We've been looking all over the web all evening trying to find any kind of review of Persil laundry detergents and their ingredients without luck. We're looking for the best detergent to use with a new Miele front-loading washer, while also minimizing impacts on our own health and on the environment.
Pine Sol
Recently, an office-mate used a large amount of a pine sol/water mixture in a spray bottle in our office in the small kitchen area. I had a severe asthmatic attack after that (burning eyes, throat, coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing), and everytime I spend even 30 minutes in the office, I get a similar though milder reaction - even after three weeks! I have asked the company to clean up the area, but they don't see how a common household disinfectant like pine sol could be causing this and don't know what they should do. They said there is nothing toxic in pine sol and no one else is being affected. (I suspect they think I'm making it up.)
Marmoleum Flooring
I work in a medical office and they have to redo the flooring. Fortunately i am away for 2 weeks while this is being done. I did a little research and found that Marmoleum a type of linoleum is non-toxic. I am a little scared that even after 2 weeks the rooms will still smell like linseed oil and that I will react to it.
Fiberglass Insulation in a New Oven
We just bought a new electric range/oven and were surprised to see that the fiberglass insulation in the back of the unit is not covered where the lightbulb enters the inside of the oven. Is this a hazard? I actually started to pull on the fiberglass, as it looked like packing material to keep the bulb from breaking in transit. Wasn't pleased when I realized what I was handling, and worried that our new stove might put the fiberglass in our cooking.
Unsafe Solid Wood Furniture
I have MCS and know that when I purchase furniture it cannot contain MDF wood or plywoods because of the off-gassing of the glues. What I didn't know was that when I ordered a custom-made solid wood bedframe and work desk that they would be sitting in my garage because they burned my throat turning it bright red and sore, made my eyes burn, plugged-up my nose and made me cough when I got near them.
Allergic Reaction from Swiffer Sweeper
Last week, I experienced sever itching, painful, throbbing blisters all around my toes and heels. The dermatologist said it was from an initial contact dermatitis caused by a chemical reaction. I have no idea where I came in contact with a chemical.