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A reader submitted a question to Toxic Free Q&A about how to minimize lingering odor from zero-VOC paint.  Andy Pace, from The Green Design Center, wrote in with a comment that was so helpful I want to share it with everyone.

According to Andy, “Lingering odor is almost always caused by moisture trapped in the coatings. As the moisture comes out, it carries with it the chemical footprint of where it was, which usually means, a distinct aroma of resins and solvents. It’s true that the BM Regal is zero-VOC, but the biggest reason why the Behr paint is problematic may have to do with the color. Most people apply dark colors way too heavy…trying to get a nice thick coat so it appears to cover well. This is counterproductive. Water based paint needs to go on very thin in order to cure properly. Thick coats will cause lingering odors and a softer film. So, dark colors will be more prone to long lasting odors than will off white colors, no matter the product line. At this point, adding another layer or two of product will only prolong the situation. Get a large fan and direct it towards the offending surface. This will help wick away the moisture. Use a dehumidifier in that room. As a last resort, wipe the surface gently with isopropyl alcohol (or a cheap vodka) and just let the alcohol evaporate naturally. As it evaporates, it will pull moisture out of the paint.”

This advice is helpful whether you have a room you have already painted or if you plan to paint in the future.

Tips for Minimizing Off-Gassing from Paint

• Start with zero-VOC paints that are also free of solvents, biocides or fungicides. Recommended brands are AFM Safecoat and ECOS.
• Apply water-based paint in very thin coats.
• Allow 2-4 hours for paint to dry between coats.
  • Water-based paints cure from the outside-in, so the surface will feel dry first. Make sure you allow enough time for each coat to dry before applying another coat.
• Use a large fan to help wick away moisture.
• Run a dehumidifier in the room being painted.
• If necessary, wipe the surface gently with isopropyl alcohol and let it evaporate.

I highly recommend The Green Design Center if you are looking for non-toxic building supplies. Andy and his team also specialize in helping people with MCS find building supplies that are well-tolerated.  Check out his podcast too!

Question from Marilyn

I’m planning to redo a bathroom with an open shower. The contractor tells me it involves some kind of hot tar layer to make the floor water proof before laying tile. Do you know of a non-toxic option that meets California code?

I am not familiar with California code so you will need to work with your contractor on that.  I have used Hardibacker Board or another water-resistant cementitious board as an underlayment for the tile.  I recommend the book “Prescriptions for a Healthy Home, 3rd edition” for any building or remodel project that you have.

Question from Marilyn

I was not able to open the file you sent but in general tile is safe to use.  There are concerns about cutting the tile as the dust can be harmful.  Lead is a particular element of concern from cutting, however, most will have trace amounts due to contamination and not as an added ingredient.  Once the tile is cut, lead will not emit into the air.  Cutting tile outdoors is advised.  Read more here for additional information.

Question from Riley

I recommend working with a certified expert from the Building Biology Institute.  You can look for one in your area using the link.

Question from Lauren

I have no personal experience with Obasan but based on what they have on their website its sounds like a good option.  They have GOTS certified organic cotton and wool and GOLS certified natural rubber.  They don’t say anything about factory certification, however.  I would need to learn more about their process.

Naturpedic is my favorite mattress brand because they use only the most natural materials at every step of manufacture.  Their factory is certified along with the materials they use.  You can read more about it here. Naturpedic also has mattresses with no coils.

The topic of EMF in bed coils is a complicated one with many conflicting viewpoints.  I am not an EMF expert but based on what I have read I do not think mattress coils are a concern.

Question from Mary

Naturpedic has mattresses with no coils.  Naturpedic is my favorite mattress brand because they use only the most natural materials at every step of manufacture.  You can read more about it here.

The topic of EMF in bed coils is a complicated one with many conflicting viewpoints.  I am not an EMF expert but based on what I have read I do not think mattress coils are a concern.

Question from Lanny

Unfortunately, there is not a clear answer based on the information provided.  All three will have chemical emissions.  The acrylic is made from petrochemicals.  The wood veneer will have adhesives and probably a lacquer finish.  The wood/wood composite will also have adhesives, stain and possibly a lacquer finish.  You would need to understand the content of the adhesive, stains and lacquers to know how toxic they are.

I would not recommend any of these, particularly for use in your bedroom.

Question from Kristina

I just wrote a post on the chemicals in upholstered furniture.  You can read it here.  I can’t tell you specifically what is in your piece but upholstered furniture can off-gas indefinitely.  The heat can accelerate the off-gassing but just because you were not smelling it before does not mean it was not off-gassing.  Debra’s List has several non-toxic furniture makers.

Question from Kristina

Here is a previous response to this question from Debra.

Photo by Bence Balla-Schottner on Unsplash

Readers occasionally send me suggestions for furniture that they consider safe because they are free of flame retardants.  Flame retardants are among the most harmful of chemicals found in traditional furniture but unfortunately, they are not the only chemicals of concern.

Fire retardants became common additives to polyurethane foam used in furniture in response to California flammability standard TB117 that was adopted in 1975.  U.S. manufactures adopted the standard for products sold all over the country so that they would not have to have a separate inventory for California.  Flame retardants have been linked to adverse health effects including cancer, lower IQ, learning disorders, hormone disruption and reduced fertility.

California revised their standard in 2014 to allow manufacturers to meet flammability requirements without chemical flame retardants.  There are now hundreds of couches and other upholstered furniture options that don’t use harmful chemical flame retardants in their polyurethane foam.  Keep in mind that these chemicals are not banned, they are just no longer required.

This is an important step in the right direction but it is not enough.  There are many other chemicals of concern in traditional upholstered furniture.

Polyurethane Foam

Polyurethane foam is made by reacting polyols, a type of complex alcohol, and diisocyanates, which are a petroleum byproduct.  The most common source of diiscyanate used in foam is TDI, or toluene diiscyanate.   In its raw form TDI is a carcinogen.  Once reacted it is inert but it can still offgas.¹ 

There are many potential additives to polyurethane foam.  Manufacturers often consider their additive ingredients proprietary and do not disclose them.  Formaldehyde is not usually added to foam but it can be a byproduct of chemical reactions or from adhesives used on the foam.

Upholstered furniture such as sofas and reclining chairs can be a significant source of VOCs.  One study tested a range of large furniture and appliances and found that the sofa emitted the highest level of VOCs.

Other Furniture Components

Treated Fabric

According to O Ecotextiles, all stain repellent finishes are based on fluorotelmer chemistry, which means it pertains to chemicals which become perfluorocarbons (PFCs) when released into the environment.  There are newer stain repellent finishes that are claiming to be safer and less bioaccumulative.  Though safer than older formulations, there is little human data to support just how safe they are.

Leather

Leather can be processed using hundreds of harmful substances including chromium, formaldehyde, phthalates and heavy metals.

Adhesives

Adhesives can contain solvents such a benzene, toluene, styrene or acetone.

Composite Wood

Particleboard, plywood, MDF are often sources of formaldehyde.

Stains

Stains and finishes can be sources of VOCs including acetone, methylene chlorine, benzene and toluene.

If you are looking for upholstered furniture that is safe and non-toxic, visit Debra’s List.