Question from rendi
We rent so I cannot make structural changes) and I’m a single mom that stays with her all day to help with her treatment and recovery. She has numerous medical conditions that I know are caused by environmental toxins; autism, EGID, and systemic endocrine disorder. I’ve switched all food to organic, installed Reverse Osmosis water in all rooms, switched all bedding and her bed to organic and natural latex, and removed ALL plastic from her bedroom and kitchen (except air purifier) and the rest of the house 75% plastic free too. However, I really need a bed frame and cannot even begin to afford an all natural one after the cost of the rest of the stuff. I was hoping to buy a market bed and paint it to seal any toxins. I am also trying to reduce the off-gassing of my commercial mattress, as I have to save up for an eco-friendly one of my own after buying my daughters.
Love your site. I’m on my way out to buy your book to carry around for easier reference when shopping. Do you make a pocket version of quick tips for shopping? If not, it would be a great resource for eco-friendly folks.
Debra’s Answer
“Sealants” and “paints” do not seal in toxins unless they are specifically designed to do so. They may seal in some vapors, but not all. AFM Enterprises makes a “vapor barrier” sealant that blocks fumes, but check with them to make sure it can be used on all these different materials.
Fabric, organic or otherwise, does not reduce offgassing exposure. Gasses go right between the threads. There is a special very-fnely-woven fabric called “barrier cloth” that blocks offgassing to some degree. You can purchase it at various sites on the internet.
The major household items I recommend replacing to reduce toxic exposure are all outlined in my book Home Safe Home.
