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.
You should be just as concerned with the formaldehyde off-gassing from cabinets. I had to remove almost all the cabinets in my house as well as MDF trim, laminate flooring, carpet and pad to get formaldehyde levels to an acceptable range (if there is such a thing as an acceptable amount of formaldehyde to be breathing in one’s home every day!). Advanced Chemical Sensors is a lab in Florida that I purchase formaldehyde badges from.
Absolutely, formaldehyde is the most concerning toxin in cabinets. She is looking at solid wood, though, which should not be an issue. While even natural wood can have formaldehyde it is in very low levels. The sources are typically from MDF, plywood, particleboard, etc.
Our company build chemical free cabinets for those with MCS. We have been doing this for many years. You can check us out at http://www.charlesrbaileycabinets.com
Thanks for the info. This looks like a good option.
If you have any questions, our number is on our website. You can contact me and I will answer any questions you have.