Water | Swimming Pools
VOCs from Oil-Base Polyurethane
Question from Julie
I have a question for you about permanently reducing VOCs from hardwood floor finish.
We had the hardwood floors in our new house stained and refinished 2 months ago. We expected a water-based product to be used for the finish, but unfortunately an oil-based poly was applied instead (Bona Woodline Polyurethane). It was also applied in less-than ideal conditions during a cold, rainy period.
Two months have passed since the refinishing and we’ve moved into the house (with a newborn), but there is still a noticeable smell. We’re also seeing tVOC levels spike to over 500 ppb on our Awair air quality meter.
We have air purifiers on and have been opening windows and running fans whenever possible, which improves the air quality at the time, but doesn’t seem to be solving the underlying off gassing problem.
I know that you don’t recommend baking VOCs out, but I’d like to know what you do recommend that would speed up the off gassing of our hardwood floors. I’d love to get to a place where our floors are fully cured and not emitting VOCs.
Lisa’s Answer
I’m sorry you are dealing with this, particularly with an infant! I know that it would be great if there were ways to eliminate toxins quickly, easily, and safely but unfortunately, that is not always possible.
The majority of the off-gassing will occur while the finish is curing, so the good news is that the worst part should be past. However, as The Green Building Council reports, oil-based finishes can off-glass for months and even years. It’s important that you do address the situation.
Indoor Air Quality professionals sometimes use a method called a “Flush Out” to reduce VOCs in a new building when concentrations are highest. The method is complex and uses a very precise mix of air volume, temperature and humidity. I don’t think this method is right for you because the majority of the off-gassing has already occurred. There is no method that will simply eliminate the lingering VOCs that will continue to offgas.
I recommend sealing the floor with a product designed to trap in any lingering VOCs. ECOS Interior Air Purifying Varnish is made for interior floors and can applied over your existing finish. It does require the floor to be lightly sanded so its important to maintain good ventilation and run your air purifiers. Also, make sure your vents are covered so the dust does not get into them.
Camper
Question from John
Has there been any new updates on non toxic campers? It seems like all campers are still using toxic materials and then the mold issue. Is it best to perhaps just get an aluminum trailer and build yourself?
Lisa’s Answer
I am not aware of any new updates. Debra is blogging about her reasons to build a tiny house on a motorhome chassis. You can follow her progress here.
Tiny House
Question from Mary
I have severe mcs
Looking for what would be the best place to live toxic free.
Possibly a tiny home
Would u give me direction.
Lisa’s Answer
Debra is blogging about her reasons to build a tiny house as well as the progress she is making. You can follow her here.
Another good source is mychemicalfreehouse.net.
Air Purifier
Update April, 2020: Read more in the Portable Air Purifier Buying Guide
Home Printer
Question from Martha
Do you know of a home printer that does not offgas when in use?
Lisa’s Answer
All printers will offgas. In addition to off-gassing, printers can emit particles into the air which is also harmful. Always use a printer in a well-ventilated area, keep it away from your bedroom, and use a high quality air purifier.
Here is a helpful resource to identify less harmful electronics. Look for “gold” level printers that score highly on reducing environmentally sensitive materials.
Mattress Wrapping
Question from Kristin
I’d like to wrap my mattress to protect myself from off-gassing. My research has brought me here, after this site was referenced in an idea to use foil insulation. I love this idea, but does it pose any risks? Are there any toxins I need to be aware of that might be added to the insulation? Any recommendations on brands? If I buy a polyethylene roll to wrap, what are the specs I’m looking for. So many choices pop up, and I’m not sure exactly what I’m looking for except high density, clear. Does it need to be food grade?
Lisa’s Answer
I believe you are referencing this post from 2011. Debra recommends a specific product that is just aluminum foil and polyethylene. I would be very careful to select a product that does not have any added chemicals. Here is a company that sells polyethylene wraps for mattresses. This may be a safer bet.
I know that buying a safe mattress is not affordable for everyone but it is a much safer option than wrapping a traditional mattress in plastic.
Cabinets
Question from Tamra
Hi I am trying to find bathroom and kitchen cabinets that will not off gas, and a healthy choice for home. Seems finding a painted finish on cabinets that is Low VOC is difficult, as I am told they do not wear well. Are there any companies you like for MCS? Mainly I have looked at Crystal cabinets ( seems if I understand right that their stained cabinets do have a low VOC finish top coat? But I do not think painted ones do?) Wood Cabinets 4 less I came across on this site, but I did not see much on Crystal cabinets. Also trying to find a more affordable, but HEALTH and not reacting to new cabinets is the most important thing.
Lisa’s Answer
Crystal Cabinets do not specify on their website if their paints or stains are low VOC. You could call them and ask. You could purchase solid wood cabinets from Wood Cabinets for less and get them unfinished and have someone paint them for you using a low VOC, or preferably a zero VOC paint.
I can tell you whether or not products are toxic but I can’t tell any individual whether or not they will react to something as everyone is different. Readers, are there any recommendations for cabinets for those with MCS.
Laptop Computer
Question from Sherry
Any suggestions for a laptop computer that doesn’t outgas much. Thank you for any help you can give.
Lisa’s Answer
There is a very helpful resource called the Green Electronics Council. “Purchasers can search for electronics based on product category, manufacturer, geography or EPEAT rating. EPEAT-registered products can even be identified based on specific attributes valued by an organization (reduction of toxic materials, recyclability, use of recycled plastic, etc.).
Manufacturers register products in EPEAT based on the devices’ ability to meet certain required and optional criteria that address the full product lifecycle, from design and production to energy use and recycling. Bronze-rated products meet all of the required criteria in their category. Silver-rated products meet all of the required criteria and at least 50% of the optional criteria, while Gold-rated products meet all of the required criteria and at least 75% of the optional criteria.”
More Sources for Non-Toxic Clothing
I’ve gotten a lot of comments and questions about my posts on toxins in clothing and where to find non-toxic clothing. It occurred to me that some readers may not be aware that Debra’s List currently profiles over 80 companies that sell all, or predominantly, non-toxic clothing. You can either look through the entire list or search specifically for companies that use only botanical dyes.
I have been searching for more companies to add to the growing list. The following five web-based companies have unique or hard-to-find styles. All are committed to using non-toxic materials and production processes and are fully transparent. Three of the companies are based outside of the U.S. so ordering may be more of a challenge but their wide range of choices may make them worth the effort.
Mate
Mate sells California-style basics, dresses and sleepwear for women. You can shop by fabric type which is helpful because some of their fabrics are better than others. Their cleanest fabrics are GOTS certified organic cotton and Super Flax, which is 100% linen. Their less optimal fabrics are slub cotton, which is not organic, and Tencil, which uses petroleum-based chemicals for processing. All of their clothing uses low-impact dyes and the company is considering natural dyes for the future.
Brook There
Brook There is based in New England and sells organic cotton and silk underwear and minimalist lingerie. The cotton is GOTS certified. These items are a step-above most organic cotton undergarments.
People Tree
People Tree is based in the UK but they sell and ship to the U.S. This is a unique company with a full range of clothing for women, men, and children including denim, jumpsuits and outerwear. The great selection may make it worth the hassle of ordering from overseas. Just be aware, if you need to return items you will need to pay return shipping costs. They use FLO certified organic cotton. “Although FLO (Fairtrade International) is for cotton itself, goods made with the cotton have to be certified throughout the supply chain and adhere to strict social and environmental standards.” Most items are organic cotton but some use Tencil or a percentage of synthetic fabrics. The materials are clearly identified in the product description.
Thought
Thought is UK based company with a great selection of contemporary women and menswear. The line includes hard-to-find items like work clothes, outerwear, and denim. All finishes are Oeko-Tex certified and all dyes are Azo-free. You can search for clothing by fabric, which is helpful because some are better than others. Look for organic cotton, hemp and wool and avoid bamboo, Tencil and modal. Some cottons include a small percentage of synthetic fabric like elastane but it is clearly listed in the description.
Shift to Nature
Shift to Nature is based in Australia and ships to the U.S. Returns are not allowed from orders outside of Australia but, like Thought, this company has a great selection of unique clothing for women, men and children. You can search by fabric so look for organic cotton and hemp and avoid bamboo and recycled synthetics.
Portable Air Purifier
Question from Karen
I have been looking at the IQ Air Atem personal space air purifier: https://www.iqair.com/us/support/tech-specs/atem-desk
Do you have any experience with this? I would like to use it in our car (offgassing new car chemicals) and hotel rooms.
Lisa’s Answer
