Unfinished wood bed frame in need of finish.

Question from Inna

Hi Debra,

I am having a king bed-frame custom-made for me by a couple that does local workworks in Alaska (they use real wood from home depot, but haven’t worked much with people with chemical sensitivities such as myself).

I was wondering what readily available finish would be best for someone like me with chemical sensitivities; is it better to use Klean Strip Boiled Linseed Oil, or Old Masters 100% tung oil, or something else?

They usually use polyurethane but are willing to use something else that’s readily available. I wouldn’t be the one putting it on, so I’m looking for something that no longer off-gases at all once it’s delivered to me.

Also, if they’re using real wood from Home Depot, is there anything I should avoid from there that people have had bad experiences with (e.g. wood that is mislabeled as all real wood but that actually has chemicals that bother people with chemical sensitivities)?

Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

I highly recommend Vermont Natural Coatings
https://www.vermontnaturalcoatings.com/

I’ve used this and it’s really beautiful. It’s made with whey protein recycled from cheesemaking.
They have an All-in-One Stain & Finish at Vermont Natural Coatings.

Here are more nontoxic wood finishes chosen for MCS from Green Building Supply.

If they really need to use something off the shelf at Home Depot, use Varathane Water-Based Floor Polyurethane.

It contains dipropylene ether, but it is fast drying.

Since you have MCS and you will be using this wood and finish in a bed frame, please TEST both wood and finish for individual tolerance BEFORE they make the frame.

 
This week New York Times Op-Ed Columnist Nicholas Kristof wrote about having his urine tested for 10 common toxic chemicals.

Even though he had been avoiding some endocrine disruptors for the past decade, his tests still came back back with high levels of four toxic chemicals.

Read more about his experience. And if you want to get tested yourself, the Silent Spring Institute is offering a Detox Me Action Kit for $299 that will both give you results for 10 common toxics and also help researchers study levels of exposure to these chemicals in the U.S. population.

NEW YORK TIMES: What Poisons Are in Your Body?

SILENT SPRING INSTITUTE: Detox Me Action Kit

If you do get this test, please post your results here. I’m interested.

Add Comment

 
A 20-year international study conducted by scientists at the University of Bergen in Norway has found that using cleaning products can be as harmful to lung function as smoking 20 cigarettes a day.

The authors of the study suggested that exposure to cleaning materials can be detrimental to women’s health in the long term. The effects of 10-20 years of cleaning can be as damaging as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for the same amount of time.

There have been a lot of sensational headlines about this, this week, but they are a bit misleading. The study didn’t say that the amount of cleaning done at home is equal to 20 cigarettes. This comparison applies only to women who are cleaning professionally and exposed to cleaning products almost daily on an almost continuous basis during normal waking hours.

FORTUNE: Using Household Cleaning Products Can Be as Bad as Smoking a Pack a Day

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY RESPIRATORY HEALTH SURVEY: Cleaning at home and at work in relation to lung function decline and airway obstruction

Add Comment

These flowers were created right on the wall using joint compound.

Question from Arlene

Hi Debra,

Have you heard of Beadex Silver Set Lightweight Setting-Type Joint Compounds ? I learned of it on this website. http://greenhomeguide.com/askapro/question/i-am-having-my-breakfast-room-remodeled-i-know-that-premixed-joint-compound-is-toxic-but-is-dry-mix-mixed-onsite-ok

I am asking on behalf of a practitioner who has some chemically sensitive clients but is not sensitive herself. I suggested Murco M100, but it is not locally available and costs a lot of money to ship in.

Thanks so much for all your work and the wealth of information you provide.

Debra’s Answer

I have no experience with this product, nor have I heard of it.

But the article by Mary Cordaro at your link is a good one.

And here’s another article by Mary on chemicals in joint compounds: https://www.greenhomeguide.org/askapro/question/is-joint-compound-really-safe-i-m-concerned-about-polyvinyl-acetate-binders

I’ve known Mary for years and trust her research. If she recommends a product, I’ve never disagreed.

Here are Mary’s recommended joint compounds:

• Beadex Silver Set Lightweight Setting-Type Joint Compounds: The MSDS for these products reports no formaldehyde, aldehyde, vinyl alcohol polymer, or vinyl acetate monomer. So if this product is right for your particular application, this product looks to be nontoxic.

 

• KEIM Dolomitspachtel, the only ready-to-use, premixed, chemical-free, biocide-free joint compound. The natural lime in this joint compound preserves the product without chemical biocides. This product is more expensive than conventional ready-mix joint compounds.

 

• Murco M-100, a dry, chemical-free joint compound. Murco is a very popular alternative, successfully used by many contractors, but requires more labor time. Some contractors don’t feel that it provides a hard enough surface, however, or feel that it may crack more easily in earthquake-prone areas.

 

• Hamilton Smooth Set and Smooth Set Light Weight, also called Westpac Fast Setand Fast Set Lite. To avoid biocides, purchase Hamilton Smooth Set or Smooth Set Light Weight, Westpac Fast Set and Fast Set Lite in bags only (not boxes), and do not purchase Eco-Finish or any other versions offered by Hamilton and Westpac. Smooth Set and Fast Set are actually patching compounds, but as long as a contractor is skilled with applying fast-drying plasters, this is a great, healthy alternative product that dries very hard. However, it does require more labor and definitely more application skills.

Readers, any experience with any of the recommended joint compounds?

I recently looked for a nontoxic joint compound on the shelf at Home Depot and couldn’t find one.

If any one knows of any other safe joint compounds, please comment.

Add Comment

Question from Tania N.

Hi Debra,

What would you recommend to clean mold in the bathroom? You know that black spots between tiles etc..i hate bleach, even though it works amazing for it .. you just spray and after while its gone.. no scrubbing.. but I want use soemthing non toxic.. but i have no idea it is even possible to get rid of mold without bleach etc..

Thank you so much.

Debra’s Answer

Here’s a great post written with several possibilities in answer to your question:

ROOT + REVEL: How to Get Rid of Black Mold Naturally (Without Bleach).

Add Comment

Question from Colleen

Hi Debra,

I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

What kind of roofing materials have other people with MCS used?

Did you have any problems with it?

We need to replace the sheeting on the entire roof which is usually made of plywood and also need something to replace the shingles.

Comments, thoughts, suggestions?

My house is my only safe place. I don’t have relatives or friends that I can stay with and I can’t go to a hotel for any length of time during this process. Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

Add Comment

Question from Sandy

Hi Debra,

I have just met you and look forward to studying your site.

My family, 4 adult children and 7 grandchildren have been diagnosed with the mutated gene MTHFR .

My husband is missing one and I am missing the other. One daughter tested is missing both and learned this during her first pregnancy. So, all of our children will be missing at least one, according to the doctor.

What do you know about this and how it keeps our body’s from detoxing properly?

I expect other fans of yours may need to know this, as well.

We are all hypothyroid, gluten & soy intolerant. The “fortified” grains/flours are toxic to us. Even gluten free because of the “additives to help”, our bodies cannot process and eliminate B vitamins. I breastfed long term and organically grew our foods and made all their baby foods a long time ago, as did my mom for me. (My children’s’ ages: 37-35-33 and 30 years)

Debra’s Answer

I haven’t done a lot of research on this because my focus is on eliminating toxic chemicals we are exposed to in consumer products.

However, it does affect the ability of our bodies to withstand our toxic environment, so if one has this problem, it’s worth knowing.

There are many articles on this subject already written and posted online. I just searched “MTHFR and detoxification” and got many results.

One I particularly like is THE BULLETPROOF BLOG: The MTHFR Gene Mutation And How To Rewire Your Genetics.

It doesn’t explain the detoxification aspect but it gives instructions on how to determine if this is an issue for you and tips for what you can do if you have the defect.

If anyone reading this has any experience with this, please comment.

Add Comment

Question from Ron

Hi Debra,

I am hoping you will be able to help me. First of all, we love your book and it has helped us with going toxic free. It is just disgusting all the chemicals used that are hurting us and the planet.

We have done a lot but I need help with one thing, maybe you can help.

I did see the part of your website that has links to organic clothing, but I cannot find the one thing I need.

I’m looking for organic clothes (pants) for work. (business casual) I was able to find nice organic dress shirts Tuckerman & Co but not pants.

I work at a bank and I normally wear Dockers 100 % cotton casual pants. I’m sure you know the type, places like Macy’s carry them. I need to find pants like that and I just can’t.

Do you have any recommendations or know where I can find them?

I hate to buy them because they are wrinkle free and you know what that means.

I appreciate your time and anything you could help me with to find what I need. Some websites do have organic pants, (like Prana) but they are too casual for work.

Again, your book is wonderful and thank you for all that you do for our planet. Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

OK You are in luck. I just happened to know where to look.

Rawganique Eco-Couture Flat Front Hemp Dress Pants Slacks.

They come in navy, natural, brown, and black.

Not inexpensive, but they happen to be on sale today for $99.

Fussy about care.

Readers? Any suggestions?

Add Comment

Question from Debbie

Hi Debra,

I have been working in a shoe store for the last 2 yrs. And i am sick all winter for the last 2 winters. Ihave red sore eyes. Sore throat and sinus infections. Dizziness and no energy. Could the boots be out gasing? They r mostly synthetic. Polyurethane ect.

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Yes most boots can be toxic.

Synthetic materials do outgas vapors of varying degrees of toxicity and boots also have polish and waterproofing agents that can be toxic as well.

Working in a shoe store you get a greater exposure to these toxic chemicals than from simply wearing one pair and storing them in your closet (which is still toxic enough from my viewpoint).

I suggest getting a different job.

Add Comment

Tucson Natural Fabric Storage Ottoman Coffee Table. It’s linen and hardwood, but finish and filling is unknown.

Question from Jenna J

Hi Debra,

I just came across your website and cannot believe I didn’t find it sooner. I am so passionate about nontoxic living. I first read The Complete Organic Pregnancy about a year ago when I found I was pregnant with my first. It changed my life and I began switching out all of my products, and before you know it, I started reading up on nontoxic living and greenguard certified products daily.

I am failing to find a greenguard certified ottoman coffee table, or at least a “nontoxic” one. My daughter will be crawling soon, so having a soft ottoman is key. The only one I have found was through pottery barn. Any other suggestions? Also, is there a difference between nontoxic and greenguard certified? I try to go as natural as possible, I was just wondering how the two compare.

THANK YOU!

Debra’s Answer

First I want to answer your question about Greenguard and nontoxic, and then I will address finding your ottoman coffee table.

There is no legal definition of nontoxic. Make a long story short, there is a definition of “toxic” and if the product isn’t toxic then it can be labeled nontoxic. But there is no official list of toxic chemicals, so at the moment, a nontoxic label means nothing.

MY definition of nontoxic is no toxic substances or materials are used to make the product. And I DO have a list of toxic chemicals I’ve complied over the years that I am looking for when I choose products [I’m working on putting that list together for publication.]

To establish that a product is free from toxics, you look at each material. If all the materials are nontoxic, the product is nontoxic.

GREENGUARD does something different. They have a list of chemicals they test for. If the product tests show that the list of chemicals are not found in the air emissions of the product, then it is GREENGUARD certified.

The problem with this is that GREENGUARD is certifying toxic products such as crib mattresses with PVC covers because the emissions from PVC are not on their list of chemicals to test for. For this reason, I personally do not consider GREENGUARD to be a “nontoxic” certification.

Now, about your ottoman coffee table. This is tricky because it is both a piece of wood furniture and a piece of upholstered furniture.

For wood furniture you need to look at the type of wood used and the type of finish. You want solid wood and a nontoxic finish.

For upholstered furniture you need to look for natural fiber fabric, no fabric finish, no fire retardants and no polyurethane foam.

Generally you don’t get all this information in the product description, so you need to call the manufacturer.

I can make those calls for you as a paid consultant but you can also make those calls.

I found the above ottoman coffee table on amazon by searching the internet for “ottoman coffee table linen.” It’s linen and hardwood, but that’s all the information they give. So that’s all I know without making phone calls.

You could also have one custom made to your specifications.

Just a heads up: I searched for “nontoxic ottoman coffee table” and got things like polypropylene fabric that would still have polyurethane foam.

If it were me, I would get an unfinished wood coffee table and have a pillow made to fit on top and have it custom upholstered. Then I could control exactly what it’s made from.