Meet my über intelligent little brother* Dan.
Growing up I was always referred to as “the creative one” which was the family’s way of saying “not the prodigy” which was my brother’s territory. It wasn’t that I was dumb, I routinely made the honor roll and even got accepted early admission into a prestigious university art program in NYC (graduating with only 13 others in my major). But Dan was a bit hard to compete with in the brains department. In high school he took nine AP tests and got fives on all of them (I took one and got a 4). Then he got into Cornell and graduated with the highest GPA of his entire graduating class (a 4.21 if you’re wondering). Yup, out of all of the kids in Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, he was the Valedictorian. Yeah, he’s brainy.
Now he’s a graduate student at Columbia with a Master’s degree under his belt, steadily working his way up to his Doctorate in chemistry with a full scholarship from the National Science Foundation. Not only do they pay for his education but they actually pay him a stipend for rent and food- all in return for wearing a lab coat almost 24/7 and messing around with molecules and polymers all day. Sweet deal huh? Serious Einstein stuff going on.
Anyway, so when he recently visited us we got to chatting about… household chemicals (naturally). John and I love to live as purely as possible and stay away from the nasty stuff, so it was really eye opening to “mythbust” with my mad scientist sibling. What’s dangerous? What’s harmless? Here’s his almost-doctor take on the household habits and materials that’ll do you good or do you wrong.
What’s your take on BPA in plastic water bottles and other household plastics? Most evidence points to the fact that these chemicals are to be avoided, if not only for their effect on humans but also for their effect on the environment. It’s easy to use stainless steel or glass drinking containers to avoid BPA and I can’t imagine a time in the next hundred years that any evidence would point to dangers in glass or stainless steel, so those are a much safer bet.
The YHL takeaway: We love using stainless steel bottles like Klean Kanteen (we keep one at home, one at work, and one in the car for sipping without fear).
How about fireproofing chemicals that are used in many standard mattresses and pillows? They’re bad news. These objects that touch our bodies on a regular basis contain chemicals that, as they degrade, become “house dust” which you inhale. These chemicals are later found in your body, and even found in mothers’ breast milk, which is scary when you think about it.
The YHL takeaway: Snagging organic wool or cotton pillows without fireproofing chemicals (now available at Bed Bath & Beyond) is an easy upgrade, and the next time you’re in the market for a new mattress, grabbing something organic and chemical free will help you sleep easy (like our new latex one).
What about soaps and shampoos with sodium lauryl sulfate? Is that a chemical to be avoided as well? It’s hard to find things without that ingredient! I’m 99% sure that it’s a completely harmless ingredient. Sodium lauryl sulfate is essentially the product of your body’s metabolism of vegetable oils or fats, so it’s found in your own body when you digest fats- and because you can ingest quite high levels of it (and actually metabolize it) it stands to reason that there’s no danger to put it on your head or you skin.
The YHL takeaway: It’s nice to hear that not everything is indisputably bad for us, although we love Avalon Organics shampoo & conditioner (which are actually sodium lauryl sulfate free… just in case).
Teflon. Yea or Nay? This is a substance I would avoid if possible just to be safe. If you’re careful enough with your cookware (and never heat it to an extremely high temperature) it’s probably just fine. But the best way to be sure is to simply avoid it. Since the thermal degradation of Teflon and similar polymers would release toxic compounds into the air and your food, people have begun to move away from it, but this only occurs at temperatures that are higher than those required for cooking. If you feel that you really have to use it, avoid preheating your pans for unnecessarily long lengths of time, or using your Teflon pans for high-heat cooking. On a similar note, I would also avoid heating any plastics in the microwave (tupperware, saran wrap, etc) since the thermal degradation of these polymers can also occur, potentially releasing toxins into food. Again, as with teflon, normal cooking temperatures are probably okay, so if you feel you really have to microwave plastics try not to overheat them.
The YHL takeaway: We love our new Teflon-free Greenware pots and pans, made from eco-friendly materials that are chemical free (yet gloriously non-stick thanks to the Ceramica technology). And we swapped all of our tupperware out for glass containers (sold at Crate & Barrel and even Target) for safer microwave usage.
What about barbequeing meat? I’ve heard that it releases dangerous carcinogens into the grub. True? Yes, this method of cooking is probably not the safest. Essentially any act of cooking that chars the meat to the point of blackness is making polyaromatic hydrocarbons (aka PAHs) which are poorly metabolized by the body and may result in DNA damaging chemicals that could be carcinogenic. I haven’t heard concrete evidence linking cancer to burned meat so I can’t be sure, but from a chemistry standpoint those chemicals should be carcinogenic. Science points to avoiding them. One way to potentially avoid releasing these chemicals would be to marinate the meat beforehand, and keep it moist while cooking, since heating dry meat results in more charring.
The YHL takeaway: When you fire up the bbq, don’t forget to marinate your meat. And perhaps consider making it a once a week treat as opposed to an everyday effort.
What about phthalates? We’ve heard that they’re in a slew of products and they might not be best for humans or Mother Earth. Dish! I’ve only heard of these being used as plasticizers in bottles and containers, but in general, like BPAs, they appear very harmful to the environment and possibly harmful to humans as well (I’ve heard of studies in which these chemicals have been known to sterilize and even change the genders of fish and frogs).
The YHL takeaway: Say no thank you to phthalates by selecting a slew of products with a label that boasts that they’re phthalate free (we love companies like Tom’s Of Maine and Dr. Bronners for their dedication to avoiding ’em).
What’s something major that we should all stay away from? Anything that sets off multiple alarms in your mind when you picture people using these materials or products on a daily basis? In general from my random label-reading I would say that the most toxic ingredients you can find are usually in glues. For example the solvent for the glue used in model building is toluene, which is a potential carcinogen. Glues like Superglue also contain volatile organic compounds that are quite toxic until the glue dries, so if you are going to use these products using them in a well ventilated area is very important.
The YHL takeaway: Good to know. From this point on any glue-related craft project will be relegated to the great outdoors where it will remain until thoroughly dry.
Anything else we can glean from Almost-Dr. Dan? I think the vast majority of organic compounds that are dangerous have strong smells, so in general if you smell something that has a chemical odor it’s best to use it sparingly or with adequate ventilation.
The YHL takeaway: Make like Tucan Sam and follow your nose- and switch to something less stinky when you can. And if you’re seriously wondering what cyanocobalamin is, just ask your geeky brother (or mine). It’s a B vitamin by the way.
So there you have it. A slew of straight household-chemical-related answers from my brother, who spends 99% of his waking hours holding a test tube. For more ways to keep your home healthy, check out how we swapped out a few things in our home to live cleaner and greener in a snap. And feel free to pipe up with other ways to clean, bathe, and cook in safe and oh so smart ways!
*Yes, Daniel is my bona fide brother. Same mom and dad. He got the dark, brooding Italian hair and eyes from my mom (with a name like Diana Teresa DeCesare LaPadula she’s totally Italiano) and I got the fair skin and light eyes from my Austrian dad’s side of the family.
I’ve been lurking here for some time, but I had to let you know that your blog has quickly become one of my favorites. I really look forward to your posts, and love the personality you put into everything.
This is a great post, too! I’m always reading up on things to stay away from in our everyday products, so I was happy to hear your Almost-Doctor brother’s thoughts on a few of those things.
As for the sodium lauryl sulfate, the only reason I could see to avoid this (after hearing your brother’s take on this) is because it is a common skin irritant. So anybody that suffers for eczema or psoriasis may have issues with it. I know my mom does. I am happy that he doesn’t think it’s overall harmful, though!
Be still, my beating heart! A brainiac who is also gorgeous? And will make funny faces for his sister’s blog? If I weren’t among the very happily married, I would be fighting off all the other women who will see this post and go crazy. Thank you for the best eye candy you’ve ever posted! (And the information was very helpful, too.)
Just to play devil’s advocate here, I find it hard to jump on the “stay away from toxic chemicals” bandwagon. I work on cars for a living, so am exposed to harmful carcinogenic chemicals on a daily basis. I know dozens of people who have been in the field for 20+ years, and they’re aging just as well as anyone else without any funny growths, and they don’t glow in the dark.
I just wonder what all of this is for? All in the name of preventing cancer? I guess it’s better to be safe than sorry, but I refuse to restructure my life over a bunch of chemicals that are likely less harmful than those that I use at work every day, and definitely less harmful than the ones used by our parents and grandparents (think about how many chemicals have been banned in the last 50 years).
Think about it: our grandparents and even our parents are part of generations that were raised around lead paint and asbestos (they weren’t eating it, but they were exposed to it), and they’re just fine. So I’ll make a mental note not to eat glue or water bottles, and hope for the best.
Ditto Rachel’s reposonse
Seriously, he’s adorable! They don’t make them with brains like that (and looks to boot!) very often. What a doll! Its good to find out about phthalates – its really hard to distinguish from everything you read what is really bad for you and what companies just want you to believe. Thanks for sharing!
Sorry ladies, as of last Friday he’s engaged. But stay tuned for more Almost-Doctor Dan appearances. Whenever something is over our heads he’s a good go-to guy for the breakdown…
xo,
s
I can’t believe that your brother so willingly posed for this post! My bro is a chemical engineer turned ER doc, and I can guarantee he wouldn’t pose for my blog unless a serious amount of money and coercion was involved. :) Great post!
Great post! I like getting knowledge from people that are smarter than I am!!!!
Thanks for sharing Daniel’s wisdom and your wisdom on what to do!
Please ask “Recently-Engaged-Almost-Dr.-Dan” about aluminum water bottles. I use Kleen Kanteen (stainless steel) but my sister just sent me a slew of aluminum water bottles for my kids. I’m not sure about that.
Excellent post. This answered a great many questions I’ve had on my mind for awhile now regarding common household products in a concise and reader-friendly fashion.
By the way,I’m with Rachel and Ashley – intelligent, fun, AND adorable? Your brother is a true rarity. If ever he should find himself in the market for a single, twenty-something, tri-state area resident of similar lineage…
Hey, it was worth a shot! :-)
I have to agree with Kellie.
Great post you Guys, very imformative.
I’m sort of on Kellie’s side, while these are good tips, not anything I’m going to alter my life for. Sure, we tend to use stainless steel pots, but I wouldn’t trade my non-stick skillet for anything. I’m a big one for the motto, I’m going to die someday, and by golly I’m going to die having enjoyed some good old backyard barbeque. And I definitely would never buy a mattress without trying it out first – and latex introduces its own slew of problems.
Thanks so much for this post! It has answered so many questions for me. I was on the fence about making the switch to greener alternatives, but this post has definitely helped me make up my mind. It’s so helpful to read conclusions based on scientific evidence rather than rely on speculation, archaic ideas and inaccurate information.
Question more than comment, my husband likes to change the oil himself in our vehicles. Unbeknownst to me he was hoarding the used motor oil in cat litter containers in our shed. I have found a place that recycles the used oil and in the future he has promised to re-use one and only one container for the nasty oil leftovers. But what about all those oily containers that i am left with???? How can i clean them or dispose of them correctly.
ps. i live in an area where our entire neighborhood is on well water.
Excellent post and great information! Science facts from a real live person=awesome and more memorable than an article on msnbc or cnn.
Would you mind asking him about parabens???
Tammylee,
I live in a rural area as well where everyone has wells for their water supply. The only way I know to dispose of used oil is to take it to our landfill’s hazardous household waste day. They have it twice a year and you can get rid of all kidns of things including used paint cans. I know the material is still going to a landfill but at least it’s done legally.
Someone else might have a better idea!
The problem with SLS is that it’s a drying agent. If you ever get out of the shower after using your “moisturizing” body wash and have to slather your entire body with lotion to avoid your skin falling off, you can thank the SLS. Which made your body wash lather up really well. So, not harmful to your insides, but not exactly helpful to your outsides:)
Sherry and John,
I have a quick question for you.. I love the idea of an organic mattress, but am allergic to latex. Can you recommend another brand or type?
Thanks!
Hey Steph,
If you follow the link to the company in the mattress post (you can search “time for bed” to find it quickly, and it’s also linked to in the post above) you’ll see that they also sell traditional mattresses that are organic without containing any latex (they’re made from unprocessed and undyed cotton and wool). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Great post! It’s nice to know that I’m not just being paranoid :) Over the past year or so I’ve switched to a Klean Kanteen, glass food storage containers, organic bath products and cosmetics, etc. My husband and I plan to build our dream house in a few years, and I would love for you guys to do a post on safe/green building. We would love to know your opinion on the healthiest choices for things like pipes, insulation, cabinetry, etc. Just something to think about!
I agree with above post…
intelligent,good-looking and willing to ham it up for his sister- your soon-to-be sis in law is fortunate indeed
What a great subject. Me personally I like to use Vingear & Water together to clean. Nice fresh scent and you don’t have to worry about chemicals and their VOCs. I also use baking soda that works as an abrasive like Comet would. It’s a healthier way to clean your house. I have allergies, so the less chemicals I use the better I feel after cleaning. ;-) Thanks for the great post and info from you and your brother.
What a great post!! Thanks for sharing. We are always on the lookout for safer alternatives. i too love to use vinegar and water, great all-purpose cleaner.
I agree to some extent with Kellie and Emily’s comments. I do think people can go too far (this post didn’t, they are all pretty hot topics in the household chemicals debate), but I think it’s important to note the effect that some of these products have on the environment. Sure, some of our parents and grandparents are unscathed, but the Earth isn’t. It’s fine if you don’t want to adopt some of these lifestyle changes because you don’t believe or care about the effects it has on your body, but there’s no denying the effects it has on our environment and we all have to share that.
I love these glass beverage bottles from Crate and Barrel…
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=190&f=32211
The large version is really best to use for refilling a glass, because it’s huge! But I truck the 22oz. version back and forth from work each day (haven’t broken it yet… knock on wood) and use it for quick and easy refills from the water cooler. At home, I refill it from our refrigerator’s filtered water. The cap has a rubber gasket to keep the bottle from leaking and it hasn’t failed me yet. In fact, I’ve toted it around in my purse on many a hot afternoon shopping trip without trouble. I’ll be buying a few more in the near future to use on our guest bedroom side table and to have a backup in case I ever break my trusty sidekick.
Enjoy!
I just emailed Pacific Coast Down to see if their products were treated with fire-retardant chemicals (we have 4 of their pillows and are going to get a comforter). The rep emailed me back within minutes and they are not treated with chemicals!!
there is no way vinegar and water smell fresh!! and i love a little char on my bbq’d meat.
Just a comment about sodium lauryl sulfate. Even if it is harmless it’s extremely abrasive and is found in toothpaste…I used to get an incredible amount of canker sores in my mouth (gross I know) and couldn’t figure out anything to make them go away. About 3 months ago I switched to a toothpaste withtout sodium lauryl sulfate because I read that that ingredient can irritate a sensitive mouth and it has been AMAZING. I have not had one canker sore where I used to get them every week. Just a comment for anyone else out there with sensitive gums like myself. :) Oh and the toothpaste is called Squigles – I bought it off Amazon.
The pics in this post are classic! They pulled me in, but the information was really good, too.
Congrats on the recent engagement!
Love this post!! Your brother should have a show, like Bill Nye the science guy or something. So cute! Well I own a Green Cleaning company where we get stuff shining without the use of toxic mind-erasing chemicals, so I feel generally happy about my contribution to all of my employees and clients staying healthy… but my husband owns a hardwood flooring company EEEEEEEEK about that! I don’t know how he can stand those smells everyday. I think he’s generally really healthy but her does get BRUTAL headaches on a reg basis- not a good sign, wondering about the longterm affects. OOOH wood floors are so pretty, poor guy!
Men who are recently engaged should also wear a ring, or something, signaling that they are off the market. Because even though I am happily married, my first thought was, How is this guy still unattached???
Anne, Kellie et al—
Sure, there are tons of chemicals everywhere (don’t even get me STARTED on levels of particulate matter in the air) but that doesn’t meant the simple avoidance of some things can make a big difference. You don’t have to do every single thing or change your entire house upside down to positively impact your health. Frankly, it’s more about a conscious recognition that choices matter but the fact that you are recognizing that moderation will work best for you is commendable. Not enough people today think actively about their choices, and it’s great that you and more people are.
You argue that people who have been doing this for years haven’t started glowing in the dark yet–that’s completely fair, but science doesn’t really understand the long term effects of all chemicals in different amounts and cocktails in different people with different immune systems and habits. Basically, it’s complicated. My father used to work in a hardware store, and it was his job to pour asbestos from sacks into tubs every week–and the asbestos would fog up the entire room. Yet, he’s now over 60, and even with a lifetime of smoking a pack a day and drinking about 5 pots of coffee, he is still going strong. It’s just not always that easy to parse apart causation and correlation. Just food for thought :)
–a grad student in bioengineering
There are a lot of companies that are jumping on I-make-“Green”-Products bandwagon, and most of them are fantastic. However, as I learned from one of Canada’s Environmental Scientists of the Year, many companies which sell these stainless steel water bottles that everyone is going crazy for – have plastic lids with BPA. So make sure you double-check that the lid is BPA-free. Don’t forget that many of your pens you use have BPA, and many of us are guilty of chewing our pens! Hmmm
Also, if we’re going to go plastic-water-bottle-free, then I think its only fair that all the soda/juice companies lose their plastic bottles as well. There needs to be an even-level playing field.
Anyhow,
Cheers,
Bon
I love this post! Any post that makes me LOL, be green and lookout for my health is tops in my post. I really appreciated the links to better options, thanks!
P.S. How strange that I thought John wrote this post…am I the only one who sees a resemblance between the guys (especially in the first pic)? Maybe I’m just used to seeing J with these expressions!
Hi Sherry,
Enjoyed your post! Maybe for the next Dr. Dan segment…
We recently found out about Nature Made odorless fish oil supplements. We like these because they don’t cause “fish burps” like the others do. Honestly, it actually says this on the packaging, “Controls fish burps”. Our concern is this statement on the bottle, “The enteric coating reduces the fishy odor and after taste by protecting the softgel until it reaches the lower intestine…May also contain Methacrylic acid copolymer” Any thoughts on this from “Dr. Dan”?
i read your blog every day, and while i always get super helpful info, this post is the tops.
while i understand other’s skepticism along the lines of “our grandparents lived with lead paint and didn’t die” i think these chemicals are way more prevalent in our lives than they were in our grandparents. i mean, everything is made out of plastic these days. everything. i also agree with the poster above about impact on the environment. i truly appreciate your brother’s advice as it helps cut through all the greenwashing we hear everyday. while i’m not going to immediately dump everything containing these materials i will be quite conscious when future purchasing opportunities arrive.
thanks again- this is a fantastic, useful post.
I liked this bit LOL. My DH is a chemist (almost finished w/ his PhD) and we avoid Teflon, phthalates, BPA, etc. as well and have for several years. I got really interested in the topic while pregnant with my first child. Oh, and we sleep on a natural latex mattress (no flame retardants). I look forward to the day when we can get rid of our flame-retardant laden furniture and icky carpet as well…and the 10+ year old pressure treated deck that was on our house when we moved in.
One other thing w/ these chemicals are that several studies have shown they likely have synergistic effects w/ one another…meaning if there are concerns about them individually, when you put them together (like our real-life exposures), the ultimate risk and impact to health may be far greater than the sum of the parts.
tammylee, drain the containers for 24 hours to get the majority of the oil out of them, then throw them in the trash. Most recycling places won’t accept anything that has had motor oil in them. Also, most auto parts stores will recycle used motor oil for you. You can buy drain pans with lids so every time you change your oil, you close the lid and save it until the next time you’re due for an oil change, then take it in when you go to buy your oil and filter.
For what it’s worth, I use EPIC cleaning products because they smell fantastic. But I wouldn’t give up my BBQ for anything.
I just discovered your blog last week and love it! We’re moving soon, so when we settle into our new place I’m going to pore over your archives and use them for design inspiration.
I’m also putting in an order for a new set of the eco-friendly pots and pans set you recommended! Our old nonsticks make me nervous and they’re not working as well as they used to anyway. Thanks for yet another great post.
Any suggestions for tough stains on bathtubs/toilets? I’m a vinegar/water/baking soda and sometimes borax or Method products cleaning gal (due to a son having asthma and I hate the smell of nasty chemicals). But after 5 years of green cleaning I finally had to resort to Kabooming the tub (some sort of plastic tub) to get rid of some tough stains. That even required elbow grease. I’ve heard of using a pumice stone in the toilet, but that doesn’t work with my hard water stains, anyone have suggestions? The Greenware pots and pans are my number one request for my birthday! Thanks for the suggestions and great post. We’ve switched to glassware for leftovers (Costco had a good deal) and to stainless steel bottles for ourselves and the kids.
Great post! Seriously loved it. I think he should be a monthly edition.
I know the research is still inconclusive about phthalates’ effects, but I’m glad to know that there are more and more phthalate-free options, just in case. In fact, The Body Shop hasn’t used them at all since 2007.
http://valuesreport.thebodyshop.net/index.asp?lvl1=8&lvl2=4&lvl3=0&lvl4=0
Totally agree, jbhat! As a singleton, my first thought was “Hello, cute smart (RINGLESS) man!” Good thing I didn’t book my flight to VA! ;-)
Wow, based on all of these questions you may need to have a Ask Dr Dan Day on here!
I have just started researching SLS-free hair care. I immediately noticed that my hair was softer and overall more manageable. Also, I lost so much hair in the shower (so much I thought there was something wrong with me) and now it is down to a few strands. For me it was a great change.
Super interesting, and maybe he can make an appearance more often. You read SO much crap online, about which isn’t/is a safe ingrediant and I’d love to know the truth! (also, ask about parabans, if you would!)Thanks Dr. Dan!
Great post Sherry! Informative and entertaining as always. And judging from the female interest in this post, you may have to pull an Oprah and make Dr.Dan a regular feature!
wow, thanks guys!! this was such a fun post and i learned a lot. i think i’ll be bookmarking this to reference later. thanks for asking all those questions i can’t (because i have three brothers: an archaeologist, a theater actor, and an artist. unfortunately none of them have this kind of knowledge!)
thanks, and keep it coming :)
p.s.-congrats almost-dr. dan on the recent engagement!
Wow — another thought- and discussion-provoking post!
I have two thoughts: One: Flame-retardant sounds like a good thing to me. I’m a seamstress and a quilter and when my boys were little I NEVER sewed their pajamas or bedclothes (crib bumpers, etc) because the stuff I could buy to make these things was NOT flame-retardant. Any thoughts on how to trade off the risk of fire (especially with little ones) against the risk of breathing off-gasses from these chemicals?
Second thought: Oh YES we now know that that hamming it up for the camera is a family trait for Sherry!!! FABULOUSly good sport and, yes, adorable! Thanks, almost-Dr. Dan!
Great post!
For those of us who still want to use plastic water bottles, but don’t want to get BHP in our systems, Camelbak, Nalgene, and some other companies are making reusable bottles that are BHP-free! :)
http://www.camelbak.com/sports-recreation/bottles/better-bottle-1L.aspx
http://www.nalgenechoice.com/