Fwd: FROM DEBRA: Eating local, lead-free water faucets, 127 new Q&A...

[Guest guest]

Deb, if you don't get this, let me know...

 

cyndiLooking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings!

 

This week has been about bringing a new order to my home after traveling for almost five months. It's fun to "move back in" to my house as if I am moving in for the first time. I'm just looking at everything with new eyes, discarding things to be recycled at a garage sale or thrift store, rearranging things, making each room function better...

Another bumper crop of comments! This week there were 127 comments on my Green Living Q&A blog. I receive praises for this blog every day in my email...all thanks to your participation and sharing of great information.

 

Debra :-)

 

UPDATE ON ARMOUR THYROID...

 

Last week I mentioned that Armour Thyroid is currently in back order on some strengths due to a process change in manufacturing and said I was having trouble getting mine from my local pharmacy. I told you that if your pharmacy tells you they do not have your dose in stock, and cannot get them because they are on back order, you should tell your pharmacy to call their wholesaler and ask for a "drop ship order".

Well, I did this and it worked! I did have to follow up with my pharmacist and they had to call several times, and it took a week, but I got my prescription filled. At least for the next 25 days.

 

I posted my findings about a similar product "raw thyroid" at Q&A: natural thyroid medication.

 

 

HEALTH, HOME HABITAT #147 ~ 11 August 2008

* EATING LOCAL

* HOW TO LIVE WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING

* 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

 

Buy Home Safe Home and Really Green Together and Save $4.00 Read more about Really Green and order... Read more about Home Safe Home and order... Order both books and save $4.00 on shipping

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EATING LOCAL

 

There is always the idea of something and then the practicality of doing it. I've known to eat locally for many years, and it was fairly easy to do so when I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. But here in Florida it is much more difficult.

 

So I was very interested to find the book Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally . It kept me company through many restaurant meals in San Francisco (some local, some not) and on every page, I wanted to be right there with them on their adventure of successfully finding and deliciously preparing local foods. This book is very easy to read. You'll learn a lot about the practicalities of eating local, interspersed with much useful background information about the issue...all in the context of one couple's personal experience of eating within a 100-mile range of their home.

 

Another family chronicles their "100-foot diet" on their Path to Freedom website. They have been growing an abundance of food in their Pasadena. California backyard since 1999 and their website is full of information on how you can do this too. Take a look at the video of their garden on their home page.

 

And remember, the Local Harvest website (which has been on Debra's List for a while) is a great source for finding local growers you can purchase from directly in your area.

 

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HOW TO LIVE WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING

 

The Path to Freedom website also has a ton of information about self-sufficiency (yes, you can be self-sufficient in the suburbs).

 

Here is one of their articles: Path to Freedom: Living Without Air Conditioning.

 

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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:

 

* natural thyroid medication has 13 new comments (I think this is a record!)

 

 

* Flea control for dogs has lot of new comments

 

 

* No VOC Paint has a lot of new comments

 

 

* Aluminum Cookware and Alzheimer's Disease

 

 

* Affordable Laundry Products

 

 

* Using a Clothes Line

 

 

* fragrance free deodorants

 

 

* New Flannel Sheets Smell Like Gasoline After Washing

 

 

* Tempur-Pedic

 

 

* Space Bags

 

* Washing used motor oil from clothing

 

 

* Deodorant for Teenage Son?

 

 

* How to minimize risk from swimming in chlorinated pool.

 

 

* Slow Cooker with Lead Free Glaze

 

 

* looking for plastic-free coffee maker and rice cooker

 

 

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

 

 

* safe insulation?

 

 

* Stainless steel ice-cube trays vs. Freezing in plastic

 

 

* Computers are allergic to me...

 

 

* Moldy smelling laundry

 

 

* Frosting Without Cane Sugar?

 

 

* Granite Countertops Radon Gas

 

 

* Dish detergents

 

 

* MCS Recovery or Significant Improvement Stories

 

 

* Tagless clothing

 

 

* Ammonium Polyproponate in Kids Clothing?

 

 

* Thermolon nonstick cookware

 

 

* Non-toxic pack 'n' play

 

 

* Are Crocs shoes safe?

 

 

* Freshaire paint

 

 

* Are eco-friendly cars toxic?

 

 

* Toxic Metals

 

 

* Lotions Lip Gloss

 

 

* Tub surround

 

 

* removing wallpaper

 

 

* spider problems

 

 

* removal of wisdom teeth

 

 

* "Solid" Wood and Epoxy Resin covered Metal

 

 

* Removing contact paper from wood shelves

 

 

* City sprays mosquitoes

 

 

* Advice for calming itchy skin

 

 

* NON-organic sheets made in the USA

 

 

* Polish for brass

 

 

* Cotton underpants socks

 

 

* Window blinds

 

 

* What to store and freeze breast milk in

 

 

* "Green/Natural" Parenting Magazine

 

 

* How do I air out/out gas a new electric oven?

 

 

 

* Dietary Supplements

 

 

* Potential hazards of using 150 year old oak reclaimed wood floor

 

 

* bubble bath recipe?

 

 

* handling of higroscopic materials like salt, baking soda

 

 

* Feminine Hygiene Product Information

 

 

* Rosacea acne

 

 

* Simmons mattress - SIMGARD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead-free water faucets Are the new BRONZE drinking and hot water faucets safe as far as toxicity from lead is concerned? I'm remodeling my kitchen and want to purchase safe faucets.Read the answer...

 

 

 

water filter housingDear Debra,

i have been at a water desalination shop, and i found an automatic filter device that uses, carbon, active carbon, r osmosis and odor (removes chlorine) filtration all in one.

i asked the vendor for the casing (housing) that holds the filters, where the water passes by.

unfortunately, he mentioned that it is made of polyethylene! they have another option, a fiber glass housing. the salesman said its usually used for chemical plants and the polyethylene for home use.

he also mentioned that the polyethylene is approved by several organizations and is safe.

i read some article about fiber glass, some were saying its safe, and others were warning to use it!

what should i go for? fiberglass housing or polyethylene? Read the answer...

 

 

 

Simmons mattress - SIMGARDWe're shopping for a Queen size chemical-free mattress. We are a bit dismayed by the expense of them, but moreso because we don't live near any chemical-free mattress or futon producer to actually try-before-you buy! I see that Simmons mattresses are produced with "SIMGARD", a kevlar-based material as the fire retardant. Do you have any opinions or feedback on Simgard mattresses? Do they still contain other unhealthy fire retardants? Many many thanks for guidance.Read the answer...

 

 

 

Rosacea acneDebra, My teen age son just found out he had a acne skin problem called rosacea. I kind of quessed he had it. Do you or any one have any experience with this? Doctor told me no cure and i do not want any harsh chemicals on his body. Thanks deborah from tennessee.Read the answer...

 

 

 

Food SteamersAre stainless steel food steamer inserts safe? I assume there wouldn't be any nickel, aluminum, etc. Can anyone recommend a pot insert for steaming?Read the answer...

 

 

 

Feminine Hygiene Product InformationI have a strange request and since you of all people are very knowledgeable on the subject, I thought I would go straight to the source. I am looking for scientific and medical sources to use for a college english class project regarding the environmental and health effects of using disposable feminine hygiene products. I get to "solve" the issue by introducing alternatives and tell why they're so great, but I need the hard facts on the issue. I've mentioned to my professor specifically the manufacturing (bleaching, etc.) and the landfill/ocean issues. He has told me I need at least 10 reliable sources to use. I know this isn't the usual request, but if anyone can direct me to these sources, that would be wonderful. Thank you for helping this poor college student out. Read the answer...

 

 

 

Armstrong Solarian Removal (contains asbestos)We are planning to remove Armstrong Solarian that was installed in 1980 in our kitchen and dining room. It has been tested and contains asbestos. We purchased it from a store that is no longer in business and supposedly in 1980 asbestos in linoleum was already banned but it was still sold to us.

 

Not only is the pattern and color "dated," we noticed in front of the sliding glass door that it was discolored, dark and rugs stuck to it. I didn't catch on at first but then wondered why the rest of the floor was smoothe and not discolored. I looked at it with a magnifying glass and found that it had been melted by the sun through the glass door only on one side. Then we noticed the dining table legs were stuck to the floor and when we moved them, the top layer of floor covering was removed.

 

We want to remove this flooring completedly and have researched and found out that we can remove it ourselves but cannot hire anyone to remove it unless they are certified asbestos removal experts. Has anyone had experience with removal of this type of flooring and what was your experience? I am concerned about air monitoring for particulate in the air. I've heard if the subfloor is removed with the linoleum (with a skill saw, using water to wet it and keep particulate down), that is the best way instead of pealing it up.

 

We don't want to encapsulate it because it will raise the floor level from one room to another and there may be a tripping/falling hazard. We are in our 60s and want to be safe. We are planning to replace the floor with hardwood.

 

Help! What was your experience and do you have any tips or advice before we start this process.

We were also told by a contractor friend that even though EPA seems to be strict about removal and disposal, he was told to drop it at the dump just like any other debris which was surprising.

We have read the brochure for home owners to remove their own asbestos but we are older and not capable or willing to tackle it ourselves. Has anyone had a good experience hiring certified asbestos removal contractors?

Read the answer...

 

 

 

Is Kids Line brand crib bedding reputable? We are expecting twins and have recently purchased Kids Line bedding, made in China. The company claims to be organic, which is why we purchased the set.

I'm wondering if anyone has used this bedding and can speak to this.

Along these same lines, does anyone have any thoughts on Gerber Organic products, such as their onsies and other clothing?

Finally, what do people think about organic cotton clothing made in China, in general?

Thanks!

Read the answer...

 

 

 

bubble bath recipe? My little guys love to take bubble baths but I'm guessing that using most of the over the counter ones are about the same as steeping your kids in chemicals ;-). Do you have any good home made bubble bath recipes?

Thanks!

Kristen Read the answer...

 

 

 

phosphatesHi Debra,

What can you tell me about phosphates and their use with laundry detergent? I have heard mixed things about their use. I know that they are illegal in some states, but for a person with hard water and clothes that do not get clean with any natural detergents or oxygen bleaches, might it be better to use them than chlorine bleach or other chemicals? I actually had a company on your list recommend that I look into using them. Thanks!Read the answer...

 

 

 

Potential hazards of using 150 year old oak reclaimed wood floorThe interior design is specifying us to use reclaimed 150 year old french wood floors in our home.

Our concern is that one of the wood floor installation subcontractors informed us that the wood floor appears to have been chemically dipped in some kind of chemical/stain mixture to make it look weathered and grey.

The supplier states since it is reclaimed material and they did not put the finish on it, they are unable to inform us of the chemicals/stains used.

Unfortunately, we have already purchased the material and the supplier will not take it back. Our concern is it the wood floor is off gasing any hazardous chemicals, if the wood floor dipping process contained any hazardous chemicals, and what are any hazards if we need to sand down the wood floor in the future and what chemicals may now be airborne.

Do you know of any agencies that can/will test our wood floors for any hazardous chemicals?

 

Thanks.Read the answer...

 

 

 

Stainsafe on SofaDebra,

 

I purchased my couch five years ago and had Stainsafe applied in the store before delivery. Now I obviously realize that decision was wrong but I don't have the money for a new "organic" type of couch and all the companies want at least $1500 to reupholster my sofa and loveseat. Do you think after five years it's gone? Or do you feel it can still be toxic to my toddler? I have checked and at the very least there were no flame retardants used on the foam. I acknowledge there are still fumes from the foam and plywood inside, but I'm mostly focused on the exterior fabric right now. I'm thinking about buying a few sofa covers (washed multiple times to get out the chemicals) and using those to minimize exposure from the Stainsafe.

Thanks!

 

Elizabeth Read the answer...

 

 

 

Pillows covering treated fire retardant?Hello,

Thanks a lot for running the great blog.

I just noticed that my throw pillows has a label saying "Federal requirement outer covering". Does it mean that it has been treated with fire retardant? I also noticed that label in many sleep pillows too. Do you think most throw /sleep pillows also are treated with formaldehyde? What about fabric shower curtain? Mine is poly blend. I'm trying to make my home toxic free and there are so many things I don't know. Thanks a lot for your help!

Read the answer...

 

 

 

handling of higroscopic materials like salt, baking sodaHi,

 

I am Jignesh. I would like to know how to handle salt baking soda (cooking soda) to keep it free flowing all the time. What should be the temprature relative humidity setting to store this material intect.Read the answer...

 

 

 

Bread MachineHi Debra,

 

I am thinking about buying a bread machine. It seems like all of the brands have a non-stick finish. Are these machines likely to get hot enough to make this a problem (I understand that the temp has to reach over 500 degrees to cause leaching, right??) What do you think?

Read the answer...

 

 

 

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CLASSIFIED ADS

to place a classified ad in this newsletter...

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SOLUTIONS FOR FLUORIDE HAZARD! Custom made water filters. Removes fluoride, arsenic, chlorine and chloramines without taking out the good minerals that make water wholesome.

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free pool and spa system. Medical grade alkaline water unit. Natural Plus Plus LLC 727-447-2344 www.gobeyondorganic.com

 

 

 

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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.

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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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