September 24, 2008
Is it okay to use the blue lavender eucalyptus fabric softener on newborn baby clothes?
I recommend that you use the Free & Clear Fabric Softener for your baby’s clothes. Although our data tell us that the Blue Eucalyptus and Lavender Fabric Softener is not irritating, many babies can have sensitivities to fragrances and our Free & Clear products do not contain fragrance.
September 15, 2008
I know that SLSs are to be avoided in personal care products. Is there anything else I should know about so I can avoid it on my next shopping trip?
There has been a lot of misinformation passed around the internet about sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) being an ingredient to be avoided. Websites proclaim that SLS is a carcinogen, which is untrue. Many companies have capitalized on the fear generated by this misinformation by launching "SLS-free" products. In many cases those products contain ALS or SCS, substances chemically very similar to SLS.
July 29, 2008
How to choose water? Bottled water (supposedly from the spring and stored in a plastic bottle) vs. filtered water (who knows if all the harmful things are taken away?)
Dear Esra,
As you know, water is one of our most precious natural resources. Within the last several years, bottled water has become an integral part of our society and carrying around bottled water is even viewed by some as a status symbol. You only asked about spring water and filtered water, but I’m going to add in tap water, because I think you’ll be very interested in some of the data that compare the three.
As you know, water is one of our most precious natural resources. Within the last several years, bottled water has become an integral part of our society and carrying around bottled water is even viewed by some as a status symbol. You only asked about spring water and filtered water, but I’m going to add in tap water, because I think you’ll be very interested in some of the data that compare the three.
July 9, 2008
Science Man:
What are your thoughts on anti-microbial counter tops. There are quartz-resin countertops with an option for anti-microbial treatments. Is it beneficial or harmful?
Erin in Maryland
Anti-microbial counter tops are an interesting new approach to controlling microorganisms. The antimicrobial compounds used in these counter tops are required to be registered with the EPA as antimicrobial pesticides and, as such, are required to have substantial data to support their antimicrobial claims.
May 16, 2008
I know there are plastics that shouldn't be exposed to chlorine bleach. Is it safe to put these plastics in the dishwasher with Seventh Generation powdered dishwashing detergent? Thank you!
Dear Susan:
First, my apologies for taking so long to answer your question. My dual identity as Scienceman keeps me very busy!
Now, to your question. Plastics are great materials for reusable goods, or for goods that can be readily recycled. Two concerns about plastics are their use in throw-away goods (what a waste of resources!) and the possibility of toxic components making them unsuitable for certain applications (such as the use of PVC and polycarbonate for food contact applications).
First, my apologies for taking so long to answer your question. My dual identity as Scienceman keeps me very busy!
Now, to your question. Plastics are great materials for reusable goods, or for goods that can be readily recycled. Two concerns about plastics are their use in throw-away goods (what a waste of resources!) and the possibility of toxic components making them unsuitable for certain applications (such as the use of PVC and polycarbonate for food contact applications).
March 12, 2008
Any idea which way would kill more germs – hanging clothes out in the sun, or drying them at high heat?
--Germ A. Titus
--Germ A. Titus
I don’t know which will kill more germs, and it will probably depend on the level of sunshine, actual dryer temperature, and the pathogens present.
From the standpoint of the clothing, drying in the sun is far superior (less damage to fibers). From the standpoint of the environment, drying in the sunshine is better (less energy and associated greenhouse gases).
To my thinking, there is no reason to use the dryer if drying in the sun is an option.
From the standpoint of the clothing, drying in the sun is far superior (less damage to fibers). From the standpoint of the environment, drying in the sunshine is better (less energy and associated greenhouse gases).
To my thinking, there is no reason to use the dryer if drying in the sun is an option.
June 16, 2008
What is the best way to dispose of the "not so green" detergents I still have in the house?
Dear Besenok:
Although it was not done in a "green" way, a lot of energy and materials went into the "not so green" cleaning products you have. If they are not immediately hazardous (like chlorine bleach or spray cleaners with 2-butoxyethanol) the most environmental thing to do with them is to use them and buy more environmental products when the ones you have are gone.
June 13, 2008
How does one reconcile being kind to the environment--drinking tap water with estrogens, pharma, and other contaminants in our water--with the lack of regulation for bottled water?
Dear MamaBird:
Kindness to the environment (and to ourselves) clearly begins well before the faucet on our kitchen sinks! If we were more considerate of the impacts on our environment we wouldn't be contaminating our surface and ground water with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals. Buying bottled water is not the answer; doing so only exacerbates the problem.
June 2, 2008
What are dioxins and why should I care about them?
Worried Swimmer
Worried Swimmer
Dioxins are one of the most toxic chemicals known. Dioxin is a general term that describes a group of hundreds of chlorine-containing chemicals that are highly persistent in the environment. The most toxic dioxin is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). The major sources of dioxins in the environment are waste-burning incinerators. Dioxins are generated when chlorine-containing materials in the waste stream (such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) plastics) are burned in medical and municipal incinerators.
May 12, 2008
Is chlorine in tap water harmful? What if you drink straight from the hose?
From Tree-Hugger
From Tree-Hugger
Water from public water supplies has been disinfected with chlorine for over 100 years. There is no doubt that that such disinfection has reduced the occurrence of water-borne disease and helped save thousands of lives. However, over the past 30 years there has developed a body of evidence that chlorination of drinking water results in the formation of a family of toxic substances known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. Members of this family include chloroform, chloroacetic acid, and chlorinated phenols.
Login here to ask Science Man a question.
