Lots of good things in this issue--no foolin'!

New green remodeling guidelines, a great interview with me to listen to, lots of new Q&A.

And this is the last week to enter the drawing for a FREE natural mattress, so if you've been wanting to enter and have been putting it off...do it today!

Debra :-)

HEALTH, HOME & HABITAT #128 ~ 1 April 2008

* REGREEN--NEW GREEN REMODELING GUIDELINES
* 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 Issues (tables of contents)
Search the Back Issues
Other newsletters by Debra

* * * * * * * * * * * * * FREE MATTRESS GIVEAWAY * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Every year, White Lotus Home selects one lucky family to receive FREE natural or organic bedding ($500.00 worth of anything they make: mattresses, pillows, covers, duvets, toppers etc). This year, White Lotus Home will select one of my newsletter subscribers. One of you will be the winner! Yay!

To enter, do one or both of the following:
1) Buy one or more copies of my book Really Green (each copy = 1 entry--all past purchases will be automatically entered)
2) Do something to promote my book Really Green or my Debra's List website (such as get it on a blog or in a newsletter and email the URL to me--each promotion = 1 entry).

All entries must be received by midnight (eastern time) April 7, 2008.

Read more about Really Green and order...

A great interview with Debra about what's really green

"I read Debra's new book, "Really Green," to prepare for my interview with her for Keeper.com's audio interview series. I was blown away by this terrific book; it has changed forever the way I think about "green" products. "Really Green" is a paradigm shift. I loved it!" -- Julia Schopick

Please take a listen to this wonderful hour-long interview with Julia. It's very different from a radio interview--more personal, more in-depth. Julia is a very intelligent interviewer and I think you'll enjoy this.

Listen to the interview...

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REGREEN--NEW GREEN REMODELING GUIDELINES

There is always something to learn about green remodeling, and these new best practice guidelines are a great place to start. Created by a partnership of The American Society of Interior Designers' Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council, the Regreen Guidelines for sustainable residential improvement projects are the result of an intensive process involving the most experienced and knowledgeable green builders in America (I know, I was there). They are not the ideas of one person, but collective wisdom on the subject. They give easy-to-understand tips and 10 case studies, including my own green bathroom remodel. The guidelines are available in a free download ebook.

Download the Regreen Guidelines...

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GREEN LIVING Q&A BLOG

Here are the questions and new comments posted through this morning. 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:

* Chloramine Reducing Shower Filter has a new post that explains the chemistry of vitamin C, chlorine, and chloramine

* Safe Dinnerware has the results of a conversation I had with a VP regarding how Fiesta dinnerware is "lead-free"

* How To Repel Ants So They Don't Come Back
* Mold Problems With Front-Loading Clothes Washers
* laundry soap for high-efficiency washing machines
* fragrance free deodorants
* Melaleuca
* Down vs. Down Alternative: Which is better?
* Bisphenol A Exposure from Plastic Mouth Guards
* Williams-Sonoma Upholstered with Nontoxic Foam???
* It Pays to Shop Around for Organic Food
* How to minimize risk from swimming in chlorinated pool.
* tried and true help for eczema?
* Magnetically-attractive stainless steel cookware
* natural thyroid medication
* Unsafe solid-wood furniture
* Dish detergents
* plastic
* what can i do with the smell of home furniture
* Thermolon nonstick cookware
* Stainless Steel Canteens
* Sensitive Teeth
* Natural Bus Washing Solutions
* How do I seal caulk I'm sensitive to?
* Non-toxic pack 'n' play
* Moving - how safe is the region?

Removing Cigarette Smoke from a Home to be Occupied by People with MCS

Hello Debra,

I would like to ask your readers what their experience has been in attempting to remove cigarette smoke residue from a home, so a person with MCS can live in it. My key questions are as follows:

Can it really be done successfully, so individuals with moderate to severe MCS can live in the home with no negative affects? If yes, how?
What products are effective and non-toxic (or at least will not continue to be toxic for more than a short period of time after application)?

This Ohio home was smoked in from 1977 through 2005 and unoccupied for the last year. Even after a few years of no smoking the nicotine/tar stains are visible on the walls and ceilings.

I realize this is certainly a less-than-ideal home for most people to consider, particularly those with MCS. However, there are special circumstances that warrant investigating what is possible and potentially trying to remediate it. Of course, the funds to do so are limited and must be taken into account.

I have listed below suggestions found on the Internet. However, they do not necessarily take into account the additional MCS concerns.

Any experience you can share on any of these steps would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Karen
___________________________________________________________


1. All surfaces wash, wash, wash
- Walls, ceilings, doors, closets, light fixtures, cabinets, vents, every nook and cranny.

2. Walls and ceilings
- Wash, seal, and paint.
- To wash, apply diluted TSP, ammonia, or Oxyclean (without the blue fragrance crystals) with a soft-bristle scrub brush, rinse, and let dry. Some reported that the TSP crystals just don t rinse off completely. Would ammonia leave a toxic residue? I don t have any experience with Oxyclean, but this seems the safest to me so far. I m not sure how effective it is.
- To seal, many suggested KILZ or some other shellac sealer product before applying paint. I did see an AFM sealing product that could work. However, I wonder if it would work to clean the walls very well and simply apply a good quality primer, such as Benjamin Moore.

3. Cabinets and wood trim
- Use FLAX SOAP. Also some of the products used to clean the walls could be used here. (Oxyclean cannot be used on metal.)

4. Drywall and insulation
- Remove insulation materials from unfinished parts of the home.
- I read one account where the smoke penetrated the dry wall and insulation and was released during very hot or humid weather throughout the home. Does this mean the only option is to remove all dry wall and insulation? I don t know if this experience is the exception or the rule.

5. Grout
- People have experienced the smoke residue being released with steam in bathrooms or even during humid days from tiled areas in the home. Perhaps there is a non-toxic sealant that could be used?

6. Air conditioning coils and ducts
- Some thought it was less expensive to replace rather than clean them.
- The only product suggestion for cleaning ducts was 409. Standard duct cleaning apparently does nothing to remove the waxy residue.
- I wonder if any work in this area is necessary since the central heat may have released the residue over a couple of years.

7. Soft materials
- Must be removed or washed. Interestingly, Coca cola was suggested for washable fabrics (add 1 can per load).
- All soft materials would be removed, including carpet.

8. Wood floors
- Some people stated it was necessary to sand and seal the floors.
- We would put down new wood floors. Any suggestions on products?

9. Industrial ozone machine
- This apparently is something that can be done in addition to, but not as a substitute for the above. Some people stated they were ineffective, but others felt they worked miracles. Many suggested going to the local fire department to rent a machine for a few days. It is unclear how long these machines should be used in the home to ensure good results.
- I heard some concern about these machines causing off-gassing of other toxic building materials in the home that were previously stable. Is that true?

10. What doesn t work
- Vinegar, air purifiers, bowls of baking soda, Fabreeze, candles, etc.

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

Is there safe plywood?

Hi
I have been using pine to make some things but my wood working friends have suggested that I use plywood instead. They say the plywood is stronger and easier to cut. I am very eco conscious and when I voice my concerns about using plywood one of my frind's reply is - "Well you are not going to eat off of it, what's the big deal?" Please share with me any info that you have about safe plywood. Thanks!!!!

Read the answer...

office chair

Hello,

I'm looking for an office chair. Any suggestions for a non-toxic or less toxic one? I specifically need a chair in which the height can be adjusted. Thanks!

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

Glue fo Shoe and Boot repair

I need to repair my boots and shoes and am looking for a low toxic glue so I can still wear the shoes without getting sick. Someone else can repair them and I can probably put them somewhere to outgas for a while.The soles are typical synthetic rubber and the uppers of the boots are sheepskin(UGH) and of the shoes wool felt (Haflinger).

I''s very difficult for me to find footwear that fits and I don't react to so this is important. There's no cobbler in the area and the fumes in cobbler shops are usually quite strong.
I appreciate your help.

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

Formaldehyde in Paper Products

Hello. I know much has been made about chlorine and formaldehyde in paper products such as paper towels. I have seen recommendations for purchasing the brands that are made from recycled materials and chlorine free, but are these ALSO formaldehyde free? I can not find products that say "formadehyde free" on the packaging. Please advise.

Read the answer...

polyester insulation batts

Hi Debra, I'm struggling with finding information on offgassing of polyester insulation batts. I read one site "ecospecifier' saying of one brand 'tontine' that the offgassing is low - do you agree with this? or even if you don't know about insulation batts just with polyester in general.

this is a great site and I am so pleased to find it.

thanks
Jacinta

Read the answer...

Pharmaceuticals in Water

There was a story in the news on March 10, saying that tap water contains pharmaceuticals pollution.

The original story from Environmental Working Group said,

"A wide range of pharmaceuticals that include antibiotics, sex hormones, and drugs used to treat epilepsy and depression, contaminate drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, according to a 5-month investigation by the Associated Press National Investigation Team."

These are "low-level mixtures of pharmaceuticals."

"Environmental Working Group analysis shows that of the top 200 drugs in the U.S., 13 percent list serious side effects at levels less than 100 parts-per-billion (ppb) in human blood, with some causing potential health risks in the parts-per-trillion range."

"Drug residues contaminate drinking water supplies when people take pills. While their bodies absorb some of the medication, the rest of it is flushed down the toilet. Drinking water treatment plants are not designed to remove these residues, and the AP team uncovered data showing these same chemicals in treated tap water and water supplies in 24 major metropolitan areas around the US. EWG's national tap water atlas shows tap water testing results from 40,000 communities around the country."

"All of the pharmaceuticals reported in drinking water supplies are unregulated in treated tap water any level is legal. Not only has the EPA failed to set standards for pharmaceuticals, but also they have failed to require utilities to test for these chemicals."

Are you wondering what to do about this?

Read the answer...

Good bottled waters?

Are there any safe bottled water products on the market? Is the only answer (besides the reusable products you suggest)--glass bottled water? Do you have a preference in brands if you were to purchase one? Thank you.

Read the answer...

Marmoleum Click flooring - toxicity?

Dear Debra,

I'm considering Marmoleum Click flooring for my kitchen and am researching its toxicity. I first saw it at a green building supply who said it was nontoxie. Then I found the ingredients listed on the manufacturer's MSDS:

"Composition/Information on ingredients

Composition: Linoleum floor covering laminated to HDF board on a backing of granulated cork sheet

Ingredients:
Linoleum: Linoleum based on a binder composed of linseed oil and (natural) rosin, mixed with woodflour and limestones pressed on a jute backing.

HDF: Mixed softwood 80-85%
Remainder comprises: polymerised resin, paraffin wax, moisture, free formaldehyde (EN 14041-Class E1)

Cork sheet backing Granulated cork with polymerised resin""

My concerns are:
1. HDF (high density fiberboard) and its contents of polymerised resin, paraffin wax and free formaldehyde - how toxic are these?
2. Cork sheet backing with polymerised resin
3. On website it says ""Marmoleum is provided with a Top Shield Finish."" I'm not sure what Top Shield Finish is, do you know?

I have been trying to contact the company for 2 days with no reply to email or phone.

What do you think of this product based on the above information? We need as nontoxic a product as possible due to health issues. Marmoleum comes in other forms (sheets, tiles) so we may have some other options, but like the Click colors and styles.

Thanks for your help and great website.

Read the answer...

toasters & toaster ovens

My 3-year-old toaster oven has recently died on me. Any suggestions for a good quality toaster oven or toaster that will last? From the research I've done, it seems that toasters these days are pretty much disposable. Any suggestions for a sturdy model so I can reduce waste in this respect? Also, what can I do with the old one?

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

Forced to Use Softened Water for Orchids

Everything that I read says do NOT use softened water (salt) for watering orchids. I realize that I could spend money and change the whole system. However, my question is: Can I draw a large container of water and add a common household liquid, such as vinegar or anything else, that would make it safe to use on orchids?

Read the answer...

Steam-in-bag frozen vegetables

What do you know about the new frozen vegetables that come in a bag that you can microwave to steam? Is this safe?

Read the answer...

spot on carpet

I spilled a little commercial glass cleaner on my beige carpet about the size of a nickel. I tried a 10-1 solution of vinegar to no avail. Any help would be appreciated.

Read the answer...

Can bisphenol A be rinsed off of canned beans, olives, and tuna?

Hello Debra,

Love your site and your book!!

Can bisphenol A (BPA) be rinsed off of canned beans, olives, fruits, tuna and other items where the juice can be discarded?

Please continue the wonderful work and for those of you who can help her financially to keep this site going, please send her a few dollars. We don't want to lose this extremely valuable treasure (the website and Debra) and she is doing it mostly for no pay. So write to her and ask for her address so you can send a check.

Thank you, Kathy Paris

Read the answer...

hardwood floor cleaner

Can you recommend a hardwood floor cleaner that doesn't contain alcohol or citrus?

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

FLOR flooring products - vinyl backing safe?

I'm considering purchasing FLOR modular carpeting for my son's play area. I've been very impressed with the company's commitment to environmental responsibility, but I just realized that the carpet tiles' backing is made out of a composite vinyl called Glas-Bac. It's nice that the backing uses recycled materials, but I've been concerned about purchasing vinyl products for my home for health reasons. Does anyone have any experience with FLOR? Any sensitivities? Any information about how much this product might off-gas? I have some samples of the tiles, and they seem to have very little odor (unlike normal carpeting), but I know a larger area of this floor covering might be a different story.

Read the answer...

Safe way to clean car's heating/cooling system

Dear Debra,
My daughter is highly allergic to mold. We bought a new USED car in October of this past year that had an odd smell in the air vents. We had the air system cleaned at a dealer (I'm sure this was not a great thing to do) before bringing the car home. The smell has started to return despite the fact that we haven't used the AC much at all. I had our car tested for mold and nothing much came up, so I am confused.

Anyway, I wanted to try to clean the heating/cooling ducts myself with something non-toxic to see if this would help. The dealer told me to spray lysol into the air intake above the car hood, but I know I don't want to use lysol! I am wondering if I should try it with hydrogen peroxide or with a borax solution. I have heard that people can become sensitive to borax so am leery of leaving borax residue inside the system. Do you know if it would be safe to use H2O2 and would drugstore grade 3% be enough to kill whatever is causing my smells? Perhaps selling the car is that best bet.

Thanks so much for your amazing work!

Read the answer...

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CLASSIFIED ADS

to place a classified ad in this newsletter...

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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

E-BOOKS BY DEBRA

DEBRA'S GUIDE TO CREATING A GREEN BATHROOM. Instant download e-book by Debra Lynn Dadd explains all the details of her do-it-yourself remodel. Learn how to choose green building products and materials for bathroom construction, save money on materials costs, and how to install a water-tight bathroom that will last for years. A complete directory of all the green products used on the project is included. Full color photos. Order now.

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.

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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)

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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