It's just been one of those days! So many interruptions! All good, however.

So today's newsletter is short, but it's got some things I know you'll be interested in.

Debra :-)

HEALTH, HOME & HABITAT #96 ~ 7 August 2007

* GREEN LIVING Q&A BLOG: new Q&As / new comments on previous Q&As
* CLASSIFIED ADS

If the links don't work on this newsletter, you can view it online at http://www.dld123.com/newsletter/newsletterupdateback.html

Health, Home & Habitat Back Issue (tables of contents)
Search the Back Issues
Other newsletters by Debra

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

GREEN LIVING Q&A BLOG

Here are the questions and new comments posted through yesterday. Remember, you are welcome to share your own comments and experience in response to any of these questions, and post questions of your own.

To read and comment on more questions posted previously go to Green Living Q&A blog.

I also am available Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm eastern time to answer your questions immediately and personally with a paid telephone consultation.

NEW COMMENTS ON PAST QUESTIONS:

* laundry soap for high-efficiency washing machines has more on soapnuts (laundry soap that grows on trees), including how to make a liquid cleaner from these amazing nuts

* Natural Sunscreen has a tip on new sunscreen made with organic ingredients

* Mold Problems With Front-Loading Clothes Washers has a suggestion for a product that claims to remove mold odor from washing machines

* contact lens solution has a recipe for making your own

* Safety of ACQ Pressure-Treated Wood
* Types of Wood Flooring
* Is Modal® a natural fiber?
* Nontoxic garden hose
* Using a Clothes Line
* Antimicrobal shoes for children
* Deodorant for Teenage Son?
* mold in bathrooms
* non-slip bath mat for INSIDE the bath
* A 2nd Question About Affodable Laundry Detergent...
* natural thyroid medication
* outdoor mosquito control
* An Environmentally Friendly Driveway
* NAET A Successful Treatment Program for MCS
* Reversing Dementia
* Bamboo bedsheets, treated or not?
* How long does vinyl flooring offgas?
* Brain Tumor- Need Alternatives
* Carpet Mishap
* How to Repel Spiders, Crickets and Grasshoppers
* sound proofing
* Safe lawn care: Cinch bugs; Fertilizer
* Drywall danger?

Help Removing Musty Odor From Fireplace

We moved to a 30 yr old home last fall and due to lack of proper chimney maintenance over the past years the chimmney had developed a build-up of creosote, which my wife is very sensitive to due to her MCS problems. The chimney was cleaned and then sealed at the top and front of the fireplace box.

We just had some heavy rains in our area and discovered that there was a leak (crack in the mortar at the top) and now we have a musty smell inside of the fireplace. It is possible that this leak has been going of for some time and now we may have the start of a mold build-up. It has been suggested that we remove the seals and start a hot, long-lasting fire. However, my wife is sensitive to wood smoke.

Do you have any ideas or suggestions to resolve this situation.

Thank you.

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

Is Formica Toxic?

Hello,

We were thinking of using formica as backing for a built in cabinet to cover drywall. We wanted to check if this material was considered toxic, and if you might recommend a non-toxic construction adhesive.

Thank you kindly.

Read the answer...

Cleaner for Marble and Porcelain?

Debra, thanks for all the helpful information!

Do you know of a non-abrasive cleaner that would work on a marble surface, as well as a porcelain tub and sink? Thanks!

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

Gentle body cleanser?

A bit personal to ask this, I know, but I am looking for an extremely gentle cleanser for the genital area. Everything I have used burns so badly! We only use "natural" soaps without the harmful chemicals. Thanks!

Read the answer...

second try on outdoor mosquito control

Hello all who have given great suggestions on my outdoor mosquito control question. THANK YOU!

My goal is to decrease the mosquito population without chemicals before they decide they want to feed on me. I've used the natural essential oil products, but they don't always work well, and I'm rather sensitive.

The question that I really want answered is about CO2 machines. Do they really work in luring the mosquitos and then trapping them. I have taken into account decreasing any breeding grounds by controling water puddles, etc.., but there is a ditch close to the property that I have no control of even if I try using the bt larvacide. The ditch is sometimes moving and other times not. I need to know whether it is worth buying one of those CO2 machines and which one might be the best?

The mosquito problem is not just a few bugs flying around, it is many swarming the humans, which makes going outside very unenjoyable and worrisome due to West Nile problem in the area.

I am aware that bats and swallows are great mosquito eaters too. I need something more.

Thanks in advance, D

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

Organic Cotton Developing Strong Odor Over Time

Debra,

My wife has severe MCS and has been wearing organic cotton clothes for some time now. However the clothes seem to develop a strong odor if they are not washed or used frequently. Sometimes the ones we do wash frequently also develop this odor with age.

We have tried soaking them in distilled white vinegar, rinsing and washing in baking soda several times. We have even tried soaking them in powdered milk, boiling them in milk, or baking soda or just plain water but nothing seems to help.

It is a little frustrating to finally get them to the point that she can wear them only to have them develop this odor a short time later and not be able to wear them. Clothes she can tolerate are in short supply (as anyone with MCS knows I am sure).

Any ideas as to what is causing this and how to resolve it?

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

Stainless steel ice-cube trays vs. Freezing in plastic

I'm looking for a stainless steel ice-cube tray. Do they exist? I am concerned about the plastic trays, I hear that freezing water in plastic can chemically change the water - is this true? How about the silicone rubber ice-cube trays. I've read your blog on using them for cooking, but what about for freezing? Thanks

Read the answer...

Concrete Flooring

We are re-doing our downstairs office space. We are removing all carpet. The floor underneath is concrete. I have read that concrete flooring is a healthy choice....just paint it or seal it with a non-toxic product. It would certainly help the budget to do this ( we can then use that money toward our new UPSTAIRs flooring ..hardwood :)

Would you share your thoughts on this?

thanks!

Read the answer...

Non-Aluminum Ice Cream Makers

Anyone know of an ice cream / sorbet maker that does not use an aluminum (or plastic) dish for making the ice cream? I have not been able to find one made of stainless steel.

Any opinions as to whether it's ok to make the ice cream in aluminum (about 20 minutes) and then transfer it to something else afterwards? Maybe the fact that it is COLD, not hot, isn't so bad for leaching toxic materials into food.

Thanks a lot,
Linda - California

Read the answer...

How to get rid of mice

Hi Debra,

I've been having a problem with mice ever since some new neighbours moved in. She once told me that they had mice in their old place (which was just up the street, less than 1/2 a block away). I don't know if she moved mice with her accidentally (burrowed in the boxes), but I understand that they will follow their scent.

My question is how do I get rid of them or at least keep them from coming back, once I catch them then release them miles away from my home. I've used the the "sonic" plug ins which are supposed to repel them, but unless I use one in every plug-in in the house, I can't seem to keep them away. I read somewhere that chocolate is a poison, and the article made it sound o.k. to put that in the "live" traps, but I don't want to kill them, I just want to keep them out of my house. I also have a dog, so I have to make sure that whatever I use will not be dangerous or hazardous for her, or for any young children that might come into contact with it.

I live in Canada (Ottawa), so much of the products you mention are not available here.

Any help you (or your readers) can offer, would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

CLASSIFIED ADS

LOTSA BAMBOO. Entire line of Bambu organically grown bamboo products--cutting boards, dinnerware, bowls, utensils, baskets, knives, trays, and more. www.greenfeet.com

GIVE YOUR BODY THE NATURAL SALT IT NEEDS. Revive your energy with natural living salt. Contains 84 minerals essential to human life. Hand-mined to retain original primordial vibration pattern. Delicious taste makes food "come alive". A life-giving, natural, whole food. Email info@himalayanlivingsalt.com for free sample. www.himalayanlivingsalt.com

SUSTAINABILY-HARVESTED WILD SALMON and other wild fish from the pristine waters of Alaska. Flash frozen, smoked, sausage and burgers, cans and pouches, salmon caviar. www.vitalchoice.com

CALL FOR A HEALTHY BED CONSULTATION. 100% wool-filled and wool-encased mattress of heirloom quality, placed on a slatted wood frame for optimal airflow. Our wool fill comes from the EcoDomestic Wool Project and Woolgatherer Carding Mill in Montague, California, home of our production company. Available in U.S. and Canada. www.shepherdsdream.com

SOLUTIONS FOR FLUORIDE HAZARD! Custom made water filters. Removes fluoride, arsenic, chlorine and chloramines without taking out the good minerals that make water wholesome. Whole house systems, under the counter systems, and 100% chlorine-free pool and spa system. Medical grade alkaline water unit. Natural Plus Plus LLC 727-447-2344 www.gobeyondorganic.com

DEBRA'S GUIDE TO CHOOSING NATURAL SUN PROTECTION. Instant download e-book by Debra Lynn Dadd tells how you can enjoy the health benefits of sunshine in balance with natural methods of protection when necessary. Order now.

DEBRA'S GUIDE TO CHOOSING A NATURAL BED. Instant download e-book by Debra Lynn Dadd covers the types of natural mattresses that are available, all about the materials, natural bedding, the history of natural beds. Order now.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Home Safe Home tells what toxic chemicals are generally found in specific household products of all types, and safe solutions you can buy or make at home. It's different from other books on toxic chemicals because the focus really is what you can do to protect yourself and your family and create a healthy home. I bring over twenty years of research and personal real-life experience to this book.

* More information

* 10 Simple, Inexpensive Things You Can Do To Reduce Household Toxics

* How Toxic is Your Home? Quiz (excerpt from the book)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Debra's List ~ 100s of links to 1000s of nontoxic, natural & earthwise products
Free Newsletters ~ website update, natural sweetener recipes, words of wisdom
Debra's Bookstore ~ recommended reading on health and the environment
MCS Recovery ~ resources for recovery from multiple chemical sensitivities
Sweet Savvy ~ how to choose and use natural sweetners (lots of recipes)
Talk With Debra ~ call for a personal consultation

Map of Debra's Websites