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Building materials
9 years 2 months ago - 9 years 2 months ago #1
by Liz Birkey
Building materials was created by Liz Birkey
As I research home improvement projects and new furniture, I don't want to introduce unhealthy elements (e.g., formaldehyde, vinyl chloride, toxic flame retardants). I thought I heard Andrea mention on a Toxic Talk Tuesday that she was studying healthy building practices. Would you recommend any resources in this area?
For example, I need to replace the carpeting. I'm allergic to dust mites, so I'm leaning toward something that can be wiped clean. I also have a dog who makes the occasional mess. Stone tile would be great, except heating it would be too costly. I thought I'd settled on strand bamboo (natural, sustainable, durable), but a contractor cited an example of a petite gal who wore high heels and ended up with a lot of dents in the flooring. He recommended LVF (luxury vinyl flooring). I asked about VOC's, and he said that they're safer these days. I'm skeptical.
Also, do you have any recommendations for finding healthy furniture? I know it sounds like an odd question, but the toxic flame retardants are a concern. California's Technical Bulletin 117 seems to have started the problem with chlorinated Tris, and the replacement Firemaster 550 seems to also be toxic. My couch has seen better days and is ready for retirement.
And then there's the siding. Well, that's enough for now.
Thanks for all the great info on this site!
For example, I need to replace the carpeting. I'm allergic to dust mites, so I'm leaning toward something that can be wiped clean. I also have a dog who makes the occasional mess. Stone tile would be great, except heating it would be too costly. I thought I'd settled on strand bamboo (natural, sustainable, durable), but a contractor cited an example of a petite gal who wore high heels and ended up with a lot of dents in the flooring. He recommended LVF (luxury vinyl flooring). I asked about VOC's, and he said that they're safer these days. I'm skeptical.
Also, do you have any recommendations for finding healthy furniture? I know it sounds like an odd question, but the toxic flame retardants are a concern. California's Technical Bulletin 117 seems to have started the problem with chlorinated Tris, and the replacement Firemaster 550 seems to also be toxic. My couch has seen better days and is ready for retirement.
And then there's the siding. Well, that's enough for now.
Thanks for all the great info on this site!
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9 years 2 months ago #2
by Andrea Fabry
Replied by Andrea Fabry on topic Building materials
These are great questions! I would go with your gut on the LVF option. Vinyl is not the way to go even if it's newer. I recommend the book Prescriptions for a Healthy Home....lots of great info on options.
Here is a little of what they suggest:
Wood flooring provided that subflooring and adhesives are healthy ones. (check out AFM safe coat products for safe sealers)
Bamboo is recommended (check the Teragren brand)
Most resilient is linoleum and cork. Check out Duro Design and Hendricksen Naturlich.
I would check IKEA for healthy, somewhat affordable furniture options.
You are right about avoiding flame retardants. Lazy Boy has some nice leather.
I hope this helps!
Here is a little of what they suggest:
Wood flooring provided that subflooring and adhesives are healthy ones. (check out AFM safe coat products for safe sealers)
Bamboo is recommended (check the Teragren brand)
Most resilient is linoleum and cork. Check out Duro Design and Hendricksen Naturlich.
I would check IKEA for healthy, somewhat affordable furniture options.
You are right about avoiding flame retardants. Lazy Boy has some nice leather.
I hope this helps!
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