Question from Stacey
Hi Debra,
I am trying to decide which counter stools to purchase and basically want the style that is safest/least toxic for my children. I saw some stools at Crate and Barrel which I liked. One stool style is made of “anodized aluminum” and the price is right, while the other stool is a swivel stool and is made out of beechwood (supposedly solid wood according to a customer service rep). The beechwood stool has a polyurethane base finish in black with a nitrocellulose topcoat. I did research “nitrocellulose” on your site, and it seemed to be okay. So would you recommend one over the other, or does it come down to personal preference and not toxicity?
Thanks so much!
Debra’s Answer
The anodized aluminum would be totally safe as it does not outgas. The problem with aluminum is leaching into food during cooking, and spraying tiny particles of it under your arms, which can absorb through the skin.
Once cured, the beechwood would be fine as well, but all finishes outgas some type of solvent until they are completely cured.
Once the finish is completely cured, the toxicity of both would be about the same: very low.
