Question from Nancy Carew
Hi Debra,
We are building a new house and I have multiple chemical sensitivities. I have a question about closet shelving. I believe you suggested wire shelving to someone else who wrote in. I read about Rubbermaid wire shelving and it says it is recycled steel with an iron phosphate coating and the finish coat covered with an epoxy-polyester powder coating. Closetmaid uses PVC coated steel. Would you feel the Rubbermaid is a safe choice? Thanks.
Debra’s Answer
Yes, you figured that out exactly right.
The epoxy-polyester powder coating is baked on and makes a “hard” finish that doesn’t outgas.
The PVC coating is a “soft” finish that outgasses.
BTW, all steel nowadays contains at least some recycled content whether noted on the label or not.
It’s a few years later than this post. We are totally remodeling a house and we need to address closet shelving for clothes, storage, and pantry. I tried bringing in Closet Maid a few years ago. The shelves didn’t bother me but the plastic pieces for the fix shelves burned my sinuses. Now they have the adjustable metal track systems, so that eliminates the plastic. I know you said the Closet Maid shelves are PVC in this post. Has the manufacturing changed as both Rubbermaid and Closet Maid sites list the coating as epoxy now? Any new suggestions for 2018 besides building fixed wood shelves?
I haven’t researched this recently but if they are now using epoxy that’s fine. While epoxy is toxic to apply, when it’s cured there are no toxic emissions.
Hi Debra,
I value your opinion always. I am also looking to purchase wire shelving and found this: Do you think this epoxy coating is safe since it has an anti microbial finish? I cannot tolerate any offgassing.
Poly Z Brite shelving also meets NSF standards and is perfect for Health care, food service and industrial warehouses. Poly Z Brite shelving from Nexel has a strong true powder epoxy coat over zinc-chromate electroplating that ensures a long lasting finish that is resistant to rust a corrosion. With a similar look to popular chrome wire shelving you will be getting the same quality product along with a ten year warranty against rust. This finish is ideal for dry storage, coolers and freezers. With an 800lb capacity per shelf and industrial strength finish this shelving is one of the best in it’s class. Nexelon wire shelving has a superior finish that is strong enough to withstand wet, hot and cold extremes without any rust or corrosion for a lifetime. Nexel is so confident in this finish that it is backed with a lifetime guarantee against rust. The metallic blue surface is safe from chemicals, corrosion, mold, mildew and other bacteria. Nexelon shelving features Nexgard, an anti microbial agent that protects the epoxy coating from growth of bacteria, mildew and molds. This finish is ideal for Health care facilities, food service, commercial and industrial uses. Nexelon is promised to out last all other finishes and will handle all tough conditions and meets the standards of the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
Thank you!
Michelle
Michelle, I would contact the company and find out WHAT the antimicrobial is. It could be silver, or it could be triclosan. Please let me know and then I can better answer your question.
Debra,
After much back and forth with Nexel, they would not tell me if the shelves contained triclosan or silver. They would only tell me they do have nickel. What do you think? These are shelves to be used for our clothes. Thank you.
Michelle
I wouldn’t buy a product where the manufacturer refuses to disclose the materials.