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All of our spring trees are starting to bloom here in Florida and they are a beautiful site! I'm going to go take a walk today and admire them...

Debra :-)


HEALTH, HOME & HABITAT #81 ~ 24 April 2007

* FDA PROPOSES CLASSIFICATION OF VITAMINS AS DRUGS
* NEW LINKS ON DEBRA'S LIST
* 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

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FDA PROPOSES CLASSIFICATION OF VITAMINS AS DRUGS

Several months ago, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a "Draft Guidance" called "Guidance for Industry on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Products and Their Regulation by the Food and Drug Administration". While this is only in draft form now, if it becomes law, it could mean the end of buying supplements freely without a prescription, and functional foods, homeopathy and and other natural therapies could be outlawed. Even raw vegetable juice may be considered a drug and be regulated as such.

The period for public commentary is coming to a close on April 30th. If you would like to tell the FDA what you think about this, go to the FDA comment posting page.

More information is at Health freedom action alert: FDA attempting to regulate supplements, herbs and juices as "drugs" and elsewhere on the internet.

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NEW LINKS ON DEBRA'S LIST

Here are some of the links I posted to Debra's List this week.

The Alchemist's Apprentice sells "100% pure and organic personal care products containing an abundance of the finest natural,...wild-crafted and organic ingredients" Imported from small artisan manufacturers all over the world, the products reclaim"the traditions and fundamental values of traditional herbalist, aromatherapy, and ayurveda skin and body care modalities." Website is very nice, with artwork and inspiration quotations about beauty.

Reforest Teak sells teak outdoor furniture with exceptionally aesthetic design, made from certified sustainable teak harvested from reforested abandoned cattle pastures.

Indoor Air Quality USA is a national listing, resource and networking site for indoor air quality professionals. You may be able to find referrals to local IAQ professionals on this site.

Cradle to Cradle Certification is a product certification program based on William McDonough & Michael Braungart's book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things (I studied this book quite thoroughly and highly recommend it--though I don't always agree with everything it says! The important thing is that the authors and I agree that we must develop ways of providing for our human needs in ways that expand good for all life rather than being less bad, and they explain just how they propose manufacturers can do that. This book is written for the business community, but applies to consumers as well, as we all need to make this change together.) The website includes their evaluation checklist and a small list of certified products (mostly office and building products). It's good to take a look at this to see their approach.

IceStone is a VOC-free "durable surface" material made from recycled glass and concrete. Ideal for countertops but can also be used for backsplashes, bathrooms, vanities, bathroom dividers, shower surrounds and bathtubs, tabletops, and more.

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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:

* tried and true help for eczema? has lots of suggestions from readers

* Non-toxic weed killer also has lots of suggestions from readers

* Green Fund Raising has some good ideas and resources

* Is Modal® a natural fiber?
* Dishwasher Detergent
* Less Toxic Hotel Rooms
* Mold Problems With Front-Loading Clothes Washers
* Non-Toxic Mascara Recommendation?
* Tooth Soap
* mold in bathrooms
* A New Look at Shaklee
* Looking for help with a few recipes for natural products you make at home
* Stinky NEW Wool Rug - what gives?
* Reducing Offgassing From New Carpet
* Vinegar in laundry
* How long for refinished wood floors to outgas?
* Wholesale clubs
* seeking information on non-voc mattress covers
* Inexpensive Chlorine Removal
* Smell in Comforter- Vinyl casing it comes in?
* Neutralizing a toxic apartment
* Nontoxic products for washing and waxing cars
* wood flooring installers in Los Angeles?


Medium Density Fiberboard/MDF

Hi Debra,

Hope you're doing well.

I recently found a table that I'd like to buy. The table legs and apron are solid beech and solid ash. But the table top is ash veneer over medium density fiberboard/MDF. The veneer is stained and finished with a "layer of translucent lacquer". The table is made by "Italian artisans".

I'm concerned about formaldehyde outgassing from the MDF:

1) Is there any way to know if this particular MDF was made with urea-formaldehyde? (The retailer tried to find out, but was unable to get any info; and I was unable to locate the manufacturer..the item has been discontinued.)
2) If urea-formaldehyde was used, how long will it take to outgas?
3) If phenol-formaldehyde was used, how long will it take for that to outgas?
4) Will the ash veneer and/or the lacquer finish lock in the formaldehyde.
5 ) If the table was indeed made in Italy, does that say anything about the type of resin used in the MDF?

Read the answer...


Non Toxic Furniture Refinishing


Dear Debra:

I have an old Habersham Plantation unfinished pine kitchen table that needs some TLC. My husband sanded the top and now the top doesn't match the legs which have the original honey color on them. Is there a stain that we can use that is non toxic to help match up the color? And most especially is there a way to refinish the table that is non toxic or low toxic? I would like to use the kitchen to eat on in our kitchen.

I also have two old walnut end tables that were my grandmother's. They will need refinishing too as they are in a freshly sanded state.

Thank you so much for your help. I appreciate the inspiration of your work.

Read the answer...


Where to find essential oils & how to make recipes with them

There are lots of products made with essential oils, but what about making my own products? I've found some books to help me get started, but I don't want to buy my oils from just any supplier on the web. Do you have any companies to recommend? What I should I look for to make sure I get the quality I need for making anything from beauty treatments to household cleaning products? I know I should find oils that are therapeutic grade for making treatments to go on my skin, but are these food grade, too?

If you know of any books or websites on how to make your own natural remedies & recipes that you would recommend I'd appreciate that, too. And the sources don't have to include just essential oils as ingredients-- I'd love to learn all the "grandmother's recipes" like what to mix with avocado to put on my hair!

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS


plaster and walls

my daughter has MCS and I am remodeling a room in my house. I wanted to plaster the walls and was looking for something that doesn't off gas. Are you familiar with any? Also, are there any spackling compounds for drywall that don't off gas?

Read the answer...


Carpet outgassing

How long does a carpet outgas? I have had mine for over 2 years and am wondering if I need to use a product like AFM Carpet Seal.

Read the answer...


wood flooring installers in Los Angeles?

I want to put wood flooring in my kitchen and want to use regular hardwood that the installers will finish to match the wood floors already in my home. Does anyone know where I can find a company who can do this using non-toxic methods? I live in Los Angeles.

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS


Harmful components in particleboard?

Dear Debra,

What are the harmful compounds in particle board?

I usually do not buy products with these compounds, but recently my husband wanted to dispose of an entertainment center made of particle board and he smashed it to break it down into smaller pieces.

I am concerned about the dust and fragments created when he broke it into smaller pieces. Do you think there is reason to worry?

Also, do you think it's a good idea to dispose of the pieces whole in the landfill? Or is it ok to break it down so it fits in a garbage bag?

Read the answer...


Rodent Control

I live in a farm environment and rodents are nesting in my car's air intake system. This is causing me great discomfort. I do not know of any safe product to spray into my cars' system that does not affect me and/or any control I could put around my vehicle on the ground or like surface that won't affect any other wildlife. I am allergic to cats so that is out of the question. I was hoping you would have some suggestions as I have heard of this problem from other sources as well.

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS


Blaze Cleaner?

Hi Debra,

I was wondering if you, or any of your readers, have experience with this product.

The website lists the ms data sheet. I wanted to know if the ingredients were toxic or not (there are only two) .

I had a salesman come to my door to sell the product, and it does work very, very well at removing stains, and would use the product if I only know for a fact it was safe in my home. (The salesman claims it to be non-toxic).

Read the answer...


Is sodium meta bisulphite safe?

Unable to find any information on what this ingredient is. Or whether it is safe? Also does it contain gluten? It is in the canned coconut milk I use and it is the only canned coconut I have found that does not contain guar gum.

Read the answer...



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CLASSIFIED ADS

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

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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

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 The new, revised, edition of Home Safe Home is now available in bookstores nationwide.

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



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