Storm Recovery: The Importance of Quick Action

Photo courtesy of Fox News

Thousands are reeling from Hurricane Sandy, the biggest storm in modern history. Government agencies and experts agree: Flooding presents a serious health hazard unless proper precautions are taken. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's resource Protect Yourself From Mold:

After natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, excess moisture and standing water contribute to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings. When returning to a home that has been flooded, be aware that mold may be present and may be a health risk for your family.

When assessing water intrusion, it is important to note the three categories of flood water as defined by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification:

Category 1 - Clean Water: Is water that originates from a sanitary source and poses no significant risk from contact, ingestion, or inhalation.

Category 2 - Gray Water: Water has significant contamination and may pose a health hazard if contacted or consumed by humans. (Dishwasher or washing machine overflow, toilet backup without feces, and water from aquariums are in this category.)

Category 3 - Black Water: Water is heavily contaminated and can contain pathogens or toxins. Anyone who comes in contact with or consumes Category 3 water risks health impacts. (Examples of Category 3 water are sewage; floods from sea, river or lake; and winddriven rain from hurricanes.)

What are the pathogens that may be present in flood waters? According to the Environmental Protection Agency's Flood-Related Cleaning Report:

Flood water is often contaminated with pathogens from sewage, farm animal wastes, and wild animal populations, or that occur naturally in bodies of water (IICRC 2006, FEMA 1992, Straub 1993, Berry 1994, Godfree 2005). Although a complete list would be too long to present here, the following biological agents represent the pathogens that can be found in flood water and residue:

Parasites:

• Giardia
• Entameba

Bacteria:

• Campylobacter
• Salmonella
• Shigella
• Norovirus
• Enterococci
• E. coli
• Legionella
• Leptospira

Viruses:

• Hepatitis A
• Rotavirus
• Adenovirus
• Enterovirus
• Parvovirus

In light of the seriousness of water damage in the indoor environment, the following guidelines may help in the aftermath.

10 Guidelines for Safe Cleanup of Water Intrusion

1. Understand that time is crucial. Mold grows within 24-48 hours.
2. Record details of damage with photographs or videos.
3. Prepare for difficult decisions. Border on the side of caution.
4. Keep children and pets away from flooded areas. Those entering the site should wear protective gear such as N95 respirator mask, gloves, and goggles.
5. Recognize mold. Look for discolored walls or ceilings. Check for foul odors. Does the area smell musty?
6. Dry out the building. Open doors and windows when possible. Use fans. See the CDC's fact sheet Reentering Your Flooded Home.
7. When in doubt, take it out! Discard porous items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried.
8. Pay close attention to and prepare to discard the following: carpeting and carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, mattresses, clothing, paper, wood, and food.
9. Discard contaminated building materials including drywall, insulation, wood flooring.
10. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with hot water and soap. There are varied opinions regarding the use of bleach. All agree that bleach must never be combined with ammonia as toxic fumes will be released. It is important to note that while bleach does kill bacteria and viruses, it does not kill mold; it merely takes away the color. See this article for more. Other cleaning agents include white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, borax, tea tree oil, and liquid detergents.

Helpful Online Resources:

• National Center for Healthy Homes' publication Creating a Healthy Home: A Field Guide for Clean-Up of Flooded Homes
• Federal Emergency Management Agency's Eradicating Mold and Mildew

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Storm Recovery

I'll be discussing the implications of Hurricane Sandy on Tuesday's Toxic Talk. We'll look at important cleanup information and ways to avoid the growth of toxic mold. Tune in to Chris Fabry Live! on Moody Radio at 2:00 p.m. Central time, or visit the website to listen online or download the podcast.

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Shampoo: Making the Switch to Delicate

Our hair is made up of fiber, much like wool that comes from sheep or Kashmir goats. With at least 100,000 hair fibers on our head, it makes sense to treat our hair much like we would a cashmere sweater. Most commercial shampoos contain chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, which strip much-needed moisture and amino acids. Why not switch from the "heavy-duty cycle" to "delicate" and try these natural alternatives?

1. Castile Bar Soap.
   
   Shampoo can be as simple as an all-natural, fragrance-free soap. Either grate the bar and make liquid soap, or moisten it and use the resulting lather to cleanse your hair. A little goes a long way! momsAWARE offers a chemical-free, all-natural coconut castile bar soap, available at our Online Store.
   
   Be sure to use a pH-restoring conditioner such as apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or coffee grounds to bring the hair back to its natural pH level of approximately 5.6.
   
   Greta Breedlove, author of The Herbal Home Spa, offers these suggestions for shampooing your hair:
   
   
   • Wet hair thoroughly and use a small amount of shampoo, a dollop about the size of a quarter.
   • Put the shampoo on your hands. Rub together to form lather before applying to your hair.
   • Use your fingertips, not your fingernails, to massage the shampoo into your scalp.
   • Rinse hair thoroughly, then shampoo again.
   • Rinse again thoroughly, using the coolest water possible for the shiniest hair.
   • Pat hair dry; avoid rubbing.
   • Gently comb hair. (Consider a natural bamboo comb.)
2. Birch Shampoo.
   
   Adapted from the book Better Basics for the Home by Annie Berthold-Bond.
   
   Birch was a major ingredient of nineteenth-century shampoos. Birch contains betulin, which is beneficial for hair loss. (See momsAWARE's article Five Ways to Stimulate Hair Growth for more help on hair loss.)
   
   The following recipe uses a birch herbal infusion. To make an herbal infusion, pour 2 c. boiling water over 2 tbsp. birch bark or birch leaves. (Herb sources include Starwest Botanicals and Mountain Rose Herbs.)
   
   
   • 1 c. birch water (directions above)
   • 4 oz. raw apple cider vinegar
   • 1 oz. liquid castile soap
   • 1 tsp. vegetable glycerin
   Combine ingredients in glass jar. Shake well. This formula can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 months.
   
   Note: The high salicylic acid content of birch makes it beneficial for dandruff. Add tea tree oil to the above recipe for added benefit.
3. Egg and Lemon Shampoo.
   
   Adapted from the book Green Beauty Recipes by Julie Gabriel.
   • 1 egg yolk
   • 1/2 oz. olive oil
   • 1/2 oz. liquid castile soap
   • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
   • 1/2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
   Combine egg yolk with olive oil. Add remaining ingredients and stir slowly. Wet your hair and massage well. Leave on for 30 seconds or more. Rinse with lukewarm water. For oily hair, use even less or no oil.
4. Rhassoul Clay.
   
   Rhassoul clay has been used for hundreds of years for skin and hair care. This shampoo method involves some trial and error, but may be worth it for those who desire a thorough cleansing of the scalp and hair.
   
   To create your clay shampoo:
   
   Combine 2 tbsp. rhassoul clay with 1/2 c. filtered water. Allow this to hydrate for several minutes until the mixture reaches a spreadable consistency. Add more warm water if needed. This should keep at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, or longer in the refrigerator.
   
   Directions for shampooing:
   
   Apply liquid paste to hair and scalp. Comb through to distribute clay mixture. Rinse thoroughly. Comb through again and rinse one more time. If desired, use a natural conditioner like those described in the momsAWARE article All-Natural Hair Conditioner.
   
   For more information, see momsAWARE's helpful article on Rhassoul Clay.
   
   
   

Transitioning from harsh chemicals to natural alternatives is a process requiring trial and error to determine the best method for your hair. It may take several weeks to strip the hair of the product buildup. Continue to condition your hair with pH-restoring conditioners. If needed, alternate between natural and synthetic options to ease the transition. Gradually introduce more natural options and reduce your synthetic use. Before you know it you'll be enjoying the "delicate cycle" with all of its natural benefits!

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Tips for Preparing Your Home for Winter

Winter means more time spent indoors. If our indoor air quality is compromised, we increase our chances of illness. How can we prepare our homes for winter given the fact that our indoor air often contains more pollutants than outside air? According to Ted Myatt, ScD, a senior scientist with the consulting firm Environmental Health and Engineering, Inc., "The air in your house contains pollen, mold, and ozone that leach in from the outdoors, as well as pet dander and pollutants from household cleaning products."

The combination of weatherproofing and heated, dry air boosts air pollutants even higher and seals in toxins. "Exposure to indoor pollution is associated with allergies, severe asthma, hospitalizations for cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and even heart attacks," Myatt says.

An article featured on MSN.com offers these tips for decreasing the health risks associated with indoor air.

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Crack a Window
Opening up windows when it's freezing outside sounds, well, cold (and costly). But sealing a house too tightly doesn't allow the entry of new oxygen or the escape of carbon dioxide that you exhale. As a result, your body doesn't get the amount of oxygen it needs, and you end up feeling tired and lethargic, explains Matthew Waletzke, a certified building biology consultant in Long Island, NY. He adds, "Oxygen levels can be especially low in a sealed bedroom after a night's sleep."

Clear the air: Open your bedroom windows for 5 to 10 minutes after you wake up in the morning and again before you climb into bed at night; this is enough time to let carbon dioxide out and oxygen in without chilling the rest of your house.

Clean Up What You Bring Down
Dragging winter blankets out of the attic and lugging decorations up from the basement stirs up dust, triggering allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, wheezing, and congestion, says James Sublett, MD, chief of allergy at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

Clear the air: Take boxes outdoors to wipe off the dust, then wipe them down (along with what's inside) before you bring them back in and plop them in the front hall. Wash any blankets or linens in hot water before you use them (same goes for winter clothes that can go in the washing machine). You can also put on an N95 dust respiratory mask (available at drugstores) before you head to the attic or basement, Dr. Sublett says. It'll shield you from 95% of airborne particles that set off sneezing fits, but you'll probably still want to dust off boxes if you plan on taking off the mask.

Use Common (Candle) Sense
Scented candles, especially the industrial strength (and size) that many people light around the holidays, give off more than fragrance—studies show they produce tiny bits of pollution known as particulates that can inflame the respiratory tract and aggravate asthma, Dr. Sublett says. This is especially true if some of the dust you kicked up unearthing Grandma's decorations is still floating around. "Allergens like dust can hitch a ride on particulates, enter deep into your lungs, and make breathing more difficult," he explains.

Clear the air: Stop burning candles, especially the ones inside large jars, which tend to send even more particulates into the air, says Jeffrey May, principal scientist at May Indoor Air Investigations in Tyngsborough, MA, and author of My House Is Killing Me! If the holidays aren't the same for you without that soft, candlelit glow, choose unscented tapered candles, and place them far from vents and other air sources.

Turn Off Ventilation Fans
Exhaust fans work by sending the stale indoor air outside and replacing it with fresh air. However, running powerful fans such as commercial-size kitchen fans, large exhaust fans, or bathroom fans all at once (especially for an extended period of time) can redirect exhaust gases that may include deadly carbon monoxide fumes produced by gas or oil heaters back into the house instead of up and out the flue, explains Max Sherman, PhD, a senior scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Clear the air: Turn exhaust fans off as soon as they've done their job, or consider replacing a manual switch with a timer to limit unnecessary use. Install carbon monoxide detectors as well; they're just as important as fire detectors.

Replace Filthy Filters
The upside to winter's drier air is that it makes it difficult for mold to grow. But existing mold from damp basements and lingering spores in air-conditioning systems can become airborne (and stay there) if all the windows are closed, May says. Mold can irritate your eyes, cause congestion, and worsen existing respiratory problems.

Clear the air: Change your heating system filters every 3 months, Dr. Sublett says. Filters act like armed guards, holding hostage pollutants that feed mold—such as human skin cells, pollen, and pet dander—so they can't escape into your indoor air. May recommends a filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of at least 8. Check the packaging. And have a professional service your heating system annually. Summer may be the best time—that way you can fix problems before you need the heat.

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To view the article in its entirety, click here.

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Safe Cookware

Safe cookware is foundational for a healthy kitchen. But how do I know which types are truly safe? Here is a brief overview of the three basic categories of cookware.

1. Reactive Cookware.

   This type of cookware is the most hazardous. The compounds react with food and can allow harmful chemicals to leach into foods and therefore our bodies.
   
   Aluminum
   Aluminum conducts heat well but is highly reactive, particularly with acidic foods. Aluminum is toxic to humans, and while proponents of aluminum cookware contend that the aluminum molecules don't get into the food, is it worth the risk? Aluminum foil is also best avoided for cooking purposes.
   
   Teflon-coated
   Nonstick chemicals have been linked to birth defects, liver toxicity, cancer, and more. The maker of Teflon warns consumers to keep pet birds away from the kitchen when cooking because "cooking fumes, smoke and odors that have little or no effect on people can seriously sicken and even kill birds, often quite quickly." Even the EPA admits that one of the chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA):
   
   • is very persistent in the environment
   • is found at very low levels both in the environment and in the blood of the general U.S. population
   • remains in people for a very long time
   • causes developmental and other adverse effects in laboratory animals
   If nonstick cookware must be used, cook at a lower temperature and avoid cooking on high. One additional note: Microwave popcorn bags are commonly coated with nonstick chemicals and are best avoided.

2. Less Reactive Cookware.

   Stainless Steel
   Stainless steel is durable, resists cracks, and is the least reactive of all metals. Good quality stainless steel is essential. Less expensive stainless steel cookware may contain nickel and cadmium, which leach into food. To test your stainless steel, combine 1 teaspoon baking soda with 1 cup water and bring to a boil, then taste the water. If a metallic taste is present, the cookware may not be suitable for your kitchen.
   
   Most stainless steel pots will have a number on the base. Look for 18/8 or 18/10. (18 indicates the level of chromium; 8 or 10 is the amount of nickel.)
   
   Cast Iron
   Cast iron is durable, a supreme heat conductor, and naturally nonstick. It must be maintained properly to avoid undesirable leaching of iron into foods. Some suggest this iron is desirable, while others say it's not. Either way, it is best to be diligent in cleaning and maintaining your cast iron. One of the best ways to clean your cast iron is with coarse salt. Add some water and scrub with scrubbing cloth or sponge. Rinse and season. See this article for more on the chemistry of cast iron seasoning.

3. Non-Reactive Cookware.

   Glass
   Glass is quite safe but does not conduct heat well and does not adapt to dramatic temperature changes. Hot glass cookware should not come in contact with wet counter tops, nor be placed in water while still hot. Options for glass cookware include CorningWare, Pyrex, and Visions cookware.
   
   Enameled Cast Iron
   Enameled cast iron cookware has been used for more than a century, merging the wonderful heat conductivity of cast iron with the safety of protective, chemical-free glazing (assuming the old-fashioned methods are used). Enameled cast iron can withstand high cooking temperatures, and the heat is evenly spread throughout the cooking surface. This cookware is quite heavy and more expensive, but it can last a lifetime! Options for enameled cast iron include:
   
   
   • Le Creuset
     All of Le Creuset's enameled cast iron products are made in France. Their bakeware is made in Thailand and their mugs in China. All are guaranteed to be free of lead and cadmium. Don't hesitate to contact the company with any questions about the manufacturing process. For a fascinating look at the finishing process for enameled cast iron, see Le Creuset's informative explanation page. Le Creuset is available online and at many culinary and home stores.
   • Staub
     Staub is also made in France, is also of highly reputable quality, and is slightly cheaper than Le Creuset. It can also be purchased online and at many culinary and home stores.

What about baking? Aluminum and nonstick cookie sheets can react with foods and are best lined with parchment paper to avoid direct contact. (Parchment paper is commonly found in most grocery and big box stores.) Glass is always a safe option for baking, and porcelain is often used as well. The German company Villeroy & Boch makes top-of-the-line porcelain bakeware.

Whether you cook a lot or a little, safer cookware will go a long way toward improved health and simpler living.

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In the following video, I take a look at the various types of cookware and demonstrate an alternative magnetic test for metallic content.

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Four-Year Reflection: One Step at a Time

October 4th marks four years since the day we abandoned our beloved home of eight years. Leaving behind the memories and our possessions, we vacated because we knew a clean environment offered our best hope for recovery.

Though the pace of our recovery has felt agonizingly slow at times, I’m surprised by how quickly these years have passed. When life gets hard, the hours seem endless. When we feel hope, time surges.

How are we? Are we better? Yes and no.

No, because we still have impairments. Each child carries a scar. Mood issues remain. We struggle with trauma and fear.

Yes, because in comparison to four years ago we are dramatically improved. I stand in awe at how far we've come.

Here is an update on each of us:

Brandon: Is in 6th grade at a local charter school. He loves math. He plays the piano and guitar. His ability to focus, while still a challenge, has vastly improved. His arm rashes continue to diminish. Give Brandon any task and he'll pour his heart into it. He's also quite the creative cook!

Colin: Is in 7th grade at the same charter school. He reads incessantly. Given his previous migraines and abdominal pain, it is fun to see him read for hours on end. He still has type 1 diabetes, but his A1C (average blood sugar) was an astounding 5.9 last week thanks to our major dietary shift two years ago. He loves making avocado ice cream!

Kaitlyn: Is in 9th grade at the local high school. After missing nearly three years of school, she has surprised herself by excelling in physics, history, math, and English. She is a singer/songwriter and loves to perform.

Reagan: Is 16 years old and excelling in math at the local community college. He completed his GED recently and is an avid filmmaker. With his "one-sided" hearing he has taught himself to play the piano, literally playing "by ear." Here is an example of his combined filmmaking/keyboarding skills.

Kristen: Is 18 and pursuing her associates degree in art/photography at the local community college. Kristen passed her GED with flying colors after missing all but one semester of high school. The depth of her journey and her extraordinary eye is evident in each of her photos.

Ryan: Is 21 and an ardent guitarist, songwriter, and food preparation specialist. He makes yogurt, fermented fruit leather, water kefir, and anything else that helps him stay the course. It's hard to decide which is bigger: Ryan's talent, or his heart.

Shannon: Is 23 and enrolled in an intensive one-year course at Massage School. Watching her climb out of a deep abyss is nothing short of miraculous. She loves speaking French, hiking, and helping others on their health journey.

Megan: Is 25 and works with Tucson's Somali Bantu Association, an organization dedicated to helping refugees. Her serious bout with malaria while in Africa seven years ago, along with her mold exposure and other health challenges, helps her relate with her refugees in powerful ways. She continues her "side job" as a singer/songwriter.

Erin: Is 27 and does all of the packaging and mailing for our family's line of all-natural products. She also does scriptwriting for the radio program Unshackled. Her greatest joy is found in investing in the lives of others, embracing any and every opportunity to offer a voice of comfort.

Chris: Continues his writing career along with his daily radio program. It's hard to see someone who has worked so diligently and responsibly over the last 30 years have so little to show for it in terms of "financial security." Nothing stops my husband, however. His latest book, Borders of the Heart, released this week and offers a hint of our journey in the desert. More than that, it shows his ever-expanding heart and talent.

Me: I started running this summer, and while I'm not doing any marathons, I am grateful for my renewed ability to exercise. To my surprise I have discovered a love for soapmaking. This has expanded into a natural line of products called Just So. Life without chemicals, at one point such a burden, is now a bright spot. I love helping others discover the benefits of living with less chemicals.

My vision to help others who encounter a toxic mold tragedy continues to grow. We have established a non-profit organization called momsAWARE with the hope of one day offering financial assistance to families in crisis.

On this fourth anniversary I find myself looking back with less pain and looking forward with a little more hope. I find myself less consumed with our health and more focused on embracing the twists and turns of this unpredictable, daunting journey.

Photo by Kristen Fabry

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step." —Chinese proverb

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