Question from Daisy
What are your thoughts re the safety of Bali Cellular Shades.
Here is their answer to my query re. their toxicity:
The current cellular fabrics are produced with 100% polyester staple fiber. Depending on the type of fabric either a blend of wood pulp or the use of a metalized film is incorporated to meet specific requirements. Our suppliers for these products have improved their methods of processing and utilize environmentally friendly chemicals and allow adequate cure time so as to minimize or eliminate VOC concerns. The Northern Lights fabric is a polyester and wood pulp blended fabric processed in a method that allows only one process step making it eco friendly (Green) product. The method of applying color is water based and oven dried. The print suppler thoroughly dries the fabric to a point that color will not rub off and the moisture content is low providing a fully cured product. The Midnight fabric has a metalized film which has to be laminated with adhesive and cured in a hot room before shipping. The sub-vendor that provides color allows extra drying time to cure the print ink. This extra drying time has proven to be beneficial in curing the product and eliminating VOC concerns.
Debra’s Answer
It sounds like they are familiar with the potential problems and are doing things to minimize outgassing.
I have no experience with the product, but it sounds like it would be fine.
Readers, any experience?
Hi there, with nearly thirty years in the window fashions industry and over twenty working successfully with the most intensive MCS cases, I can assure you that pleated, honeycomb shades, and even green certified options are not safe. I personally work with industry textile engineers who have been commenting that other companies have begun asking them to formulate with masking agents and in one case the word fragrance was mentioned. With regard to green certifications, there isn’t a single testing body in the world that tests window treatments under actual operating conditions, i.e. in direct sunlight! According to basic science, heat from the sun puts the molecules in a state of expansion and contraction exacerbating offgassing potential.
I have both types of these Bali double cell shades. I am mcs and these blinds have been fine for me. We’re all different so you might want to try in a guest room first. (unrelated to VOCs: The cordless option seems to have issues with its mechanism at times, recommend the continuous loop.)