Eco-Experts-Answers given to questions about cleaning nicotine stains, washing clothes, the hazards of teflon and caulk

By Natural Home magazine editorial staff

Teflon and Scotchgard

My husband and I are looking for new furniture and while shopping have been asked, “Do you want Teflon coating to protect the fabric from stains?” Is it safe?

—DEBBIE GREENE, VIA EMAIL

I have read and heard much about non-stick skillet coatings breaking down and contaminating the food that has been cooked. Could you offer insight about this?

—CHARLOTTE PARKER, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

Gail Vittori replies:

Turns out, both rely on perfluorochemicals (PFCs) to achieve their seductive properties. Recent findings from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency raise cautionary health warnings that should be reason to forego convenience and accept a little more elbow grease as part of our daily household regimens.

Of concern is the potential release of the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, or C8) from PFCs, both in the environment and in the human body. According to the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Working Group (EWG), the EPA has launched the largest scientific review in the agency’s history on the toxicity of PFOA, which is one of the toxins used to manufacture Teflon and which can be produced from heated Teflon pans. In light of these findings, the EWG is requesting action by the Consumer Products Safety Council to require a warning label on the coated cookware. Studies by 3M showing elevated blood levels in American children of C8, at levels 140 times higher than EPA’s “safe” level of 0.04 parts per billion, were a catalyst for the inquiry. This is of particular concern because of the persistence of these chemicals.

Meanwhile, responding to pressure from the EPA (though unbeknownst to most consumers), 3M reformulated its Scotchgard stain-resistant treatment chemical in 2001 because of toxicity concerns associated with the chemicals it was using. Despite statements from 3M that its products “had to be environmentally sustainable,” caution is advised when considering chemical treatment to furnishings.

Eliminate the potential risks associated with chemical exposure by choosing cookware such as stainless steel, cast iron, and porcelain-enameled cast iron, and furniture with removable slipcovers that can easily be laundered.

For more information about Teflon and Scotchgard, see “Environmentor,” January/February 2001, and “Eco-Experts,” September/October 2001 and January/February 2003.

GAIL VITTORI is co-director of the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems, a nonprofit sustainable planning and design firm based in Austin, Texas. The Center’s innovative and anticipatory design, policy, and education initiatives are currently focused on open building systems, green health care initiatives, resource-balanced master planning, and lifecycle design.

Nicotine Stains

Do you have any suggestions for removing nicotine stains from walls before painting?

—JACK RHODA, VIA EMAIL

Debra Lynn Dadd replies:

Because nicotine stains will bleed right through new paint, it is necessary to remove the stains before painting. Undiluted lemon juice and vinegar are both effective grease cutters, which can be applied to the wall with a cotton cloth. If the stain doesn’t come right off, try scrubbing with a good stiff brush.

There are also eco-friendly commercial products available. For example, SafeChoice Super Clean (afmsafecoat.com) is a biodegradable industrial strength degreaser that is completely odorless. Oxygen bleach products are now sold in many supermarkets. These chlorine bleach alternatives usually mix the actual whitener (sodium perborate) with fillers. You can order straight sodium perborate from http://alsnetbiz.com/ homeimprovement/oxybleach.html.

As an alternative to stain removal, you could apply a sealer that will prevent the stain from bleeding through the paint, though this may not be the least toxic choice. If you do choose this method, look for low-VOC sealers.

Freshening Clothing

I use Febreze to freshen clothes between washings, but it irritates my throat. What can I use as a substitute?

—TERRI, VIA EMAIL

Debra Lynn Dadd replies:

According to the Procter & Gamble website, “Febreze is a product for use on household items and clothing that aren’t dirty, but don’t smell clean.” Though it can be used on clothing, Febreze was designed to eliminate odors on “soft” household surfaces such as mattresses and boxsprings, carpet and rugs, curtains and drapes, pet areas, and upholstered furniture. Febreze is made from ethyl alcohol (distilled from petrochemicals) with added fragrance. Either ingredient may be causing your symptoms. As I was looking for the Febreze website, I came across a posting on a message board from someone who worked in a pub, where his clothes picked up a lot of odors. He used an atomizer to spray vodka on his clothing, and the odors disappeared. Ethyl alcohol and vodka are the same ethanol—one made from petrochemicals and the other from grains. Even if you are sensitive to the petrochemical alcohol, you can probably tolerate the grain alcohol.

You can also try hanging clothing outdoors in the sun or simply tossing them in the washer. You can rinse away odors without soap by adding baking soda to the wash water.

Nontoxic Caulk

I’ve found that there are instances when the use of caulk for home improvement projects is unavoidable. What is the relative toxicity of this product, and what are some of the least hazardous brands?

—STACEY HALYARD, MALIBU, CA

Debra Lynn Dadd replies:

Acrylic, latex, and silicone, combined in various ways, are the three basic ingredients used to make caulk. Acrylic and latex are recommended for most applications, and silicone is a necessary ingredient for waterproof caulking around areas such as bathtubs or sinks. The most toxic chemical found in caulks is mineral spirits, a mixture of toxic, petroleum-based solvents that are classified as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Because different waste chemicals from the crude oil refining process are used each time mineral spirits are made, and several different substances are referred to as “mineral spirits,” the specific contents of them are often indeterminable. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (www.atsdr.cdc.gov), breathing mineral spirits “can affect your nervous system and cause dizziness, headaches, or a prolonged reaction time. It can also cause eye, skin, or throat irritation.”

DAP’s Acrylic Latex Caulk (available with or without silicone) does not contain mineral spirits or any other hazardous chemicals on the required reporting list, according to its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). One hundred percent silicone formulas such as Dow Corning’s 100 Percent Silicone Sealant are also made without mineral spirits and are inert when dried. Both products are widely available. Another good choice is Safecoat Caulking Compound (afmsafecoat.com), a nontoxic, water-based caulk made from a modified acrylic copolymer.

DEBRA LYNN DADD is an internationally known expert on healthy home environments and author of Home, Safe Home (Putnam, 1997).