DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have been diagnosed with a contact allergy to quaternium 15, also known as Q-15, formaldehyde-releasing agents. I was wondering if any other readers are familiar with it and how they cope. I would like to communicate with them if they would like to do so. They can call me at 212-7403. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: According to Wikipedia.com: “Quaternium-15 is a quaternary ammonium salt used as a preservative in many cosmetics and industrial substances. It acts as a formaldehyde releaser. It can cause contact dermatitis, a symptom of an allergic reaction, especially in those with sensitive skin, on an infant’s skin, or on sensitive areas such as the genitals.

“It can be found under a variety of names, including: Dowicil 75; Dowicil 100; Dowco 184; Dowicide Q; 1-(3-Chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride; N-(3-chloroallyl) hexaminium chloride; hexamethylenetetramine chloroallyl chloride; 3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane; 1-(3-chloroallyl)-chloride.”

At truetest.com (http://tinyurl.com/44p5vou ) Sun Spots found much helpful information, including this:

“At work, you may find quaternium-15 or formaldehyde-releasing agents in: urea-formaldehyde foam insulation; electrode attachment gels used in healthcare, embalming and preserving fluids; pressed wood such as particleboard, medium density fiberboard, plywood, oriented strandboard; urea-formaldehyde resins; metal working fluids and coolants; glues, inks, toners and paints; and cleaning products, waxes and polishes.

“At home, you may find quaternium-15 or formaldehyde-releasing agents in cosmetics such as foundations and powders, blush, mascaras, eye shadows, eyeliners and pencils; durable press (wrinkle-resistant) fabrics; cleaning products, waxes, polishes and paints; tobacco and cigarette smoke; skin care products such as creams, lotions and moisturizers; personal hygiene items such as soaps, cleansers, and shampoos; and smoke from wood, coal, kerosene or charcoal fires.”

Also on this same website was a list of Q-15-free products. Another useful site is http://tinyurl.com/43qakws.

Sun Spots noted that your letter was handwritten. But if you clip this column and take it to the library, they can help you find these sites and print out pages you want to keep. (There may be a small fee for printing.)

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In reference to your Aug. 9 answer with information from Central Maine Power Co.’s John Carroll about the safety of smart meters, I question his statement about radio waves being safe with once-a-day transmission. My July CMP bill included the following statement: “You’ll be able to view detailed information about your energy usage, down to the hour, right from your computer.” How can that happen without ongoing transmission 24/7? — No Name, Norway via email

ANSWER: The information doesn’t need to be sent the minute it is collected. The meter stores the minute-by-minute information and then sends it periodically, rather like your phone stores messages or your computer stores data.

Sun Spots was wrong about one thing. She called John and he said the information is sent more than once a day, but not every minute. Rather it is collected in hourly blocks and sent intermittently.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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