Updated Winter 2022/2023
Testing wood glues, construction adhesives and silicone caulks was the hardest part of building my house since I did this when I was highly sensitive.
But, you’re going to need glues, caulks, and adhesives if you are building so it’s a good idea to start testing them out!
You’re going to need them for repairs and renovations too. I would suggest finding out which are non-toxic and which ones work for you before that urgent repair is needed.
I’m not interested in certifications like GreenGuard Gold here. I’m interested in the official VOC level and how fast it is to offgas. In this type of product, a high initial odor/VOC level could offgas faster than one that is lower VOC, and that can be better for the user. For some adhesive types, the one with the lowest VOC level will be the best. I’ll be sure to specify.
This post covers low VOC, low odor, non-toxic options that are suitable for chemically sensitive or health-conscious folks.
This post contains affiliate links to products I recommend. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Non-Toxic Wood Glues
I compared the odor level of these glues when wet. It is usually a better idea to sniff something dry/cured since there can be a dramatic difference between how tolerable something is wet and when cured.
Testing when it’s cured is the most important test in most cases.
Top Non-Toxic Wood Glue Brands:
1. Elmer’s Wood Glue
Many chemically sensitive prefer this brand.
This is a PVA-based glue, with a mild acetic odor until it’s cured. PVA glues are some of the most benign. Though at my most sensitive I did not do well with this when it was wet.
Carried at hardware stores and on Amazon.
2. ECOS Wood Glue
ECOS makes extremely low-toxic products, and while I didn’t get a chance to test this one, I would expect it to be good.
The ingredients are acrylic dispersion, thickeners made of cellulose and polymers (plastics), and unlisted dispersing aids.
3. Roo Glue
Roo Glue makes white glue and wood glue. It seemed totally benign when dry. It was one of my top picks when I was extremely sensitive to chemicals.
The severely sensitive might want to try this brand even though it’s special order. Otherwise, stick to Elmer’s or Titebond wood glue.
This is a PVA glue.
Available in the US and it ships to Canada from their website.
4. Titebond
This is a brand that is often recommended for chemically sensitive folks as a safe adhesive. I had already picked Roo Glue for my chemical-free house before I got a chance to test it.
My sofa was later made with this and it worked out well for me, though I received it after it had cured.
Out of the Titebonds, Titebond III technically has the lowest VOC level of the 3 main types of this brand’s wood glues. It comes in at 5.6 g/l VOC which is extremely low.
These are PVA glues.
I would start here with the testing, since it’s inexpensive and easy to order from Amazon and find in stores like Home Depot.
5. Hide Glue
Hide Gue is the most natural glue option for wood. It’s made from animal protein from the collagen from skins, bones, tendons, and other tissue.
It is a strong glue with no VOCs, but it is not waterproof.
You can mix it yourself from beads or flakes for the most natural option, or you can buy it ready-made, but those do contain some additives.
The Titebond brand is a ready-made option that lists ammonium thiocyanate as an ingredient.
For the most natural non-toxic wood glue possible, this is the top choice. If you don’t need a waterproof adhesive and are not vegan, this is the healthiest option.
6. Pine Pitch Glue
Another all-natural (but not commonly used) option is a glue made of pine sap, plant fibers, and charcoal. While it’s mostly used for traditional crafts I did recently see it as s glue used in children’s toys which led me to add it to this list.
7. Gorilla Glue
I found this to be difficult to tolerate when wet, but not terrible. It seemed fine to me when dry.
This is a polyurethane glue that will offgas isocyanates until it’s cured. Isocyanates are potential human carcinogens and known to cause cancer in animals. Like many products, if it comes to you cured it may be perfectly safe.
It’s easy to find at hardware stores and on Amazon.
Non-Toxic, Low-VOC Caulks and Sealants
Which Caulks are Mildewcide Free?
Note that caulks labeled for bathrooms or as mildew resistant contain a mildewcide. Currently GE I is mildewcide free, GE II contains a mildewcide. Any caulk labeled aquarium safe is free of mildewcides, including DAP Aquarium caulk and others listed below. AFM Safecoat and Chemlink Durasil are also mildewcide-free.
Top Non-Toxic Caulking/Sealant Brands
All caulks have a chemical odor when wet. I tested them at 24 hours, 48 hours, one week, and two weeks.
If you are chemically sensitive I would recommend having a non-sensitive person put a test amount into a jar and sniff then when it’s cured.
1. Paintable Interior Caulk (White Polyether)
AFM Caulk is one of the top choices and is one of two main caulks to have on hand in every build and renovation.
I used this in my bathroom, you can use this around the shower and sink. It can be used around doors and windows and around baseboard and trim.
It’s used indoors anywhere where it interfaces with a paintable surface and is the non-toxic replacement for acrylic latex caulk.
My testing: Not the best when wet, not the best at 24 hours, but the best at one week.
Where to use AFM Caulk:
It can be used inside and outside. Around windows, cracks, tub and shower enclosures, backsplash, siding, walls and wood (like sealing molding), and general maintenance. It does not hold up as long in the bathroom as silicone with a mildewcide.
It is polyether resin (90-95%) with amino silane (1-3%) that does not contain solvents (it’s not acrylic, latex, silicone, or polyurethane). It is non-shrinking, zero-VOC once cured.
Mildewcide: none. Elongation: 35%. Color: white. Paintable: yes
Alternative: ChemLink NovaLink 35 is a similar paintable elastomeric silane-modified polyether but comes in different colors (if that is needed) PSI of 145; Chemlink Durasil in white; 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 4000 also seems very similar (polyether 15-40%, white pigments 35-70%, plasticizer 10-20%, silane 1%), PSI 220-240, and is paintable. (It retains its rubber-like odor for many months).
*note, Summer 2021 there is a polyether material shortage due to the pandemic.
Where to buy:
You can buy this online from Green Design Center.
2. Non-Toxic Silicone Caulks
Silicone caulking is non-toxic and highly tolerable once cured. But if you are going to be around during the application (or even within two weeks of application for the super-sensitive) be sure to pick the least toxic option.
For most new builds and renos you want one paintable caulk (polyether) and one silicone caulk from this list. Silicone is generally for kitchens and bathrooms where you don’t need a paintable surface.
Neutral cure silicone is the least toxic type of silicone – specifically oxine or alkoxy neutral cure silicones – they offgasses alcohols or methyl ethyl ketoxime not acetic acid.
Which of the two is better depends on your specific sensitivities. There is also a small chance you could find an acetic acid cure better after waiting out the cure time, which I would say is 18 days.
Oxine or alkoxy type neutral cure without added mildewcides are the least toxic types of silicone caulking.
Top Brands:
- ASI 388 – is neutral cure (oxine type) without a mildewcide from Amazon. Lowest odor when wet.
- DuraSil – is nuetral cure (oxine type) without mildewcide, from Green Design Center.
- GE 2 Advanced – is neutral cure (alkoxy type) and is easy to get from the hardware store or Amazon. It does have a mildewcide. Very close second place to lowest odor when wet.
- Silco RTV 4500 – acetoxy cure silicone, more typical type. Very potent when wet. Though possibly preferable after 18 days of curing. No mildewcide (food safe).
Testing by the Chemically Sensitive:
Preferences between polyether caulk (like AFM Caulking, Eco-Bond, and Chemlink Clear) and silicone:
- It is possible to prefer polyether caulks (in the sections below) over silicone. You can easily have a different preference when it’s wet, compared to a few days and compared to a few weeks. Polyether can retain more of a rubber smell even after a few weeks compared to silicone.
Preferences between the two top choices of silicone:
- The choice between alkoxy and oxine would be very individual. Alkoxy (GE Advanced) smells more rubbery to me and oxine odor is difficult to describe, though it’s very subtle. Mild to modertley folks can probably choose oxine and be fine (ASI 388).
Preference between oxine and alkoxy and the more typical acetic cure silicone:
- Acetic acid/acetoxy cure silicone is VERY potent at first. It can be extremely challenging for the chemically sensitive when wet. However if we want to get into the extreme details, I found that at 18 days Silco RTV4500 food-safe acetoxy cure was totally odorless, better than the options like oxine cure (that are far less potent when wet).
Where to use 100% silicone: Windows, doors, siding, vents, around wires/pipes, in the bathroom, under countertops, around sinks, in the shower, and more.
Mildewcide: Some brands have mildewcide and others don’t. Color: Clear, white, black. Paintable: No.
Alternatives: GE 1 (not neutral cure but is mildewcide free) you can find it on Amazon and at Home Depot, Silco 7500 is neutral cure – oxine type (sometimes available on Amazon).
Where to buy:
Buy ASI 388 (the lowest odor option without mildewcide) from Amazon.
Buy Silco RTV 4500 (food-safe, strong odor at first, possibly preferable after curing) from Amazon.
This video goes over the least toxic caulking options:
What About Aquarium Caulk?
When I was building my tiny house I read that aquarium caulk (a type of silicone caulking) was the least toxic because fish are exposed to it and they can’t handle chemicals (especially biocides). It turns out that fish are a little different than people. Aquarium caulk is usually an acetic acid cure, one of the strongest odor types when wet.
It’s priced higher only because it’s marketed differently, it’s not any different than other acetic acid cure silicone without mildewcide.
I tested two brands, Aquarium Silicone Caulker (acetic acid cure) and one called Marina. Extremely potent!
Though one super sensitive person preferred the Aquarium caulk Aqueon (even though it’s an acetic acid cure) to GE I or II and Eco-bond (clear polyether). And another did well with DAP aquarium-safe silicone (another acetic acid cure, too strong for me). It’s possible to prefer these when totally cured to the options that are less potent when wet.
Marine caulking is not the same as aquarium caulk (it’s for marine applications, not fish tanks). I tested GE Marine Silicone Sealer. It had that same pungent odor though. Acetic acid smells like vinegar times a million.
It did, however, offgas quite rapidly. After one week it was at the same point as GE 100% Silicone, and at two weeks it was just as good (virtually odorless).
3. Colored Interior Paintable Caulking (Polyether)
Chemlink makes an elastomeric caulk for sealing concrete and masonry called NovaLink35.
I haven’t tested this one, but it’s a great brand and many chemically sensitive folks do well with it. This is a polyether that comes in various colors (white, beige, limestone, grey, and black) and can be used as a replacement for AFM Caulking Compound.
Where to buy:
You can find it at Green Design Center and Amazon.
4. Clear Polyether Caulking
Clear polyether caulks can be a replacement for both clear silicone or paintable caulking like typical acrylic caulks (like ALEX brand) or white polyether.
The brand Eco-Bond (now out of business) was a top favorite among the chemically sensitive. The closest formula to Eco-Bond is Chemlink Clear, a similar clear polyether that is low odor.
Where to Buy:
Caulking Materials – What Caulks are Made of:
Polyurethane caulks – Usually contain isocyanate. This type smells strongly like typical fresh paint, and takes quite a long time to offgas. They can be made without solvents. If they do contain solvents it would typically be mineral oil, toluene, or xylene. I tried Loctite PL S40 which was really strong in my opinion. I also tested Sikaflex 1A which is probably the lowest VOC polyurethane caulk on paper but is slow to offgas (it took a full 3-4 months to really reach odorless to my nose).
Acrylic Latex caulk – They have the mildewcide octhilinone or carbendazim in them as well as a benzoate plasticizer (which has largely replaced phthalates) and naphtha (source). They are often water-based but still could contain mineral spirits, mineral oil, and propylene glycol (source). Painters caulk are usually acrylic latex and are sandable and paintable.
I tried DAP Dynoflex 230 latex caulk and DAP Alex Plus, an acrylic latex with some silicone. At one week they both had more offgassing than the silicones, though they had different chemicals offgassing. At two weeks Alex was still clearly offgassing (at three weeks I could still pick up the odor, at 5 weeks it was very mild), and Dynoflex was close to done at two weeks.
Silicone – While silicone itself is not toxic, the chemicals added to keep caulking in liquid form are. For silicone caulk, look for 100% silicone. There are different types listed below that offgas different chemicals. Once they are cured, you may find them to be essentially the same.
The chemical additives in “100% silicone” are not usually listed. Silicone doesn’t usually have a solvent but some have traces of benzene and toluene (source). Plasticizers are typically added. The biocide, if it has one, is likely to be phenoxarsine oxide, according to Pharos.
Acoustical Caulk – this non-hardening sealant prevents sound leakage. They are mostly water-based acrylic. They are about 20% ethenylbenzene. In smaller amounts, they typically contain plasticizers, naphtha (as the solvent), ethylene glycol, and formaldehyde.
Polyether – specialty silicone replacement caulks are often polyether. My top pick is AFM Caulk. These are some of the most tolerable caulks but the polyether rubber does have an inherent rubber odor.
Butyl Caulk – I tested C.R. LAURENCE White 777 Butyl Rubber Sealant. This was very potent at first (more potent than say Sikaflex 1A at first), but it offgassed faster. At 1-2 months it was really odorless to me.
Solvents common in caulking (of all types) include acetone, methyl ethyl acetone, toluene, xylene, and naphtha (Source).
Types of Silicone Caulk and What Chemicals They Offgas:
1. Typical silicone caulking is acetoxy silicone and it offgasses acetic acid. On the SDS you will see “odor: acetic acid”.
2. Neutral cure silicone, also called RTV, a less common type, is a lot more tolerable when wet. Look for oxine cure or alkoxy cure which offgas alcohols or methyl ethyl ketoxime.
3. Aquarium caulk is usually acetoxy silicone without mildewcide. It might be labeled aquarium caulk or you can just get GE 1 if you are avoiding mildewcide, which will be less expensive.
4. Paintable silicone caulk is a mix of silicone and acrylic latex.
Non-Toxic Adhesives
Construction adhesives are used for subfloors, to install doors (glue down threshold), to build stairs, exterior brickwork, under countertops, and more.
Non-Toxic, Low-VOC Construction Adhesives
1. AFM Almighty Adhesive
Almighty is the best adhesive I have ever tested. I had absolutely no problem and no reaction to smelling it while it was wet.
This was a pleasant surprise after all the other glues and silicones.
It is a highly tolerable very low odor, multipurpose adhesive (make sure it’s right for your application). The PSI is 500.
It is a polyether (30-80%) and nepheline syenite (30-60%) adhesive, with 1-5% amino silane.
I used Almighty to install my shower, on subfloors, and my countertops. I would use this anywhere and everywhere this can be used since it’s the healthiest adhesive I have found.
Insider tip, this is the same formula as Build Secure by Chemlink.
Where to buy:
Buy Almighty from Green Design Center.
2. Chemlink Wallsecure
Wall Secure is made for bonding drywall, gypsum, landscape blocks, capstones, stone, foam, fiberglass, FRP panels, and ceiling systems.
I haven’t tested this one but this brand makes great low toxin adhesives.
Where to buy:
Buy from Amazon.
3. Chemlink M-1
M-1 can perform as both an adhesive and a sealant.
It adheres to a wide range of construction materials including PVC, EPDM, most metals, wood, glass, masonry concrete, fiberglass, and solvent-sensitive foams so it works in almost any situation requiring a sealant.
With a 400 psi and 525% elongation, it also performs as a structural adhesive.
M-1 is a solvent-free silane-modified polyether.
Where to buy:
Buy from Amazon.
4. Ecotite ET 5500 and 9500
This is another good brand that is well-liked by the chemically sensitive.
Their ET 5500 is an adhesive that works on multiple surfaces: PVC, concrete, glass, aluminum, painted surfaces, wood plywood, marble, metal, and more.
At about one week most would find this odorless. At two weeks it seemed totally offgassed. I was very happy with this one.
The 9500 is used for windows, doors, trim and some kitchen applications. At three weeks it’s still not odorless/offgassed. I’m not as happy with this one as it did not stop offgassing by three weeks.
The bottles say odorless, but the point in time that it is odorless depends on the conditions (curing rate) and how sensitive your sense of smell is.
Right off the bat, the 5500 is significantly milder, and lower odor than conventional adhesives.
Where to buy:
The links to the 5500 and 9500 are to a Canadian store, but you can find this product in the US as well.
5. Sika Flex 715
This is another silane terminated polyether. It’s the lowest VOC sealant I have seen at 5.5 g/l VOC. It’s extremely low in odor but not all that different from AFM Almighty in odor.
It is primarily used as a roof sealant. The PSI is not very high at 85 PSI.
It is used on EPDM and metal roofs (often RV roofs). It adheres well to ceramics and plastics as well.
Where to buy:
Buy on Amazon.
Non-Toxic Adhesives for Hardwood Floor Installation
The type of glue you will need for a flooring installation depends on the method:
- Floating Floor – in this method the planks are clicked together and installed over an underlayment but not glued or nailed down. Tongue and groove glue is ofen used on the edges (Roberts is zero-VOC).
- Nail Down – in a nail down installation an underlayment is used and the floor is not glued down.
- Glue Assist – this installation involves gluing down and nailing the floor. This is often used for wide planks and/or when there are big fluctuations in humidity. If you want to avoid glue, don’t go for wide planks. Glues can be silane modified polyether or polyurethane. Silane modified types are lower toxicity, but be sure to check the warranty for the floor to make sure that is approved.
- Glue Down – in this method, the glue is installed evenly on the floor. Many of the glues are polyuerethane. Some are 0-VOC like Bostik Greenforce. This method is often used over concrete. I would not use this method on concrete personally, since concrete is always trying to dry inward.
Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist Practitioner with 8 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.
Did you find this post helpful? If so you can buy me a coffee to support the research behind this blog. Thank you!
Ychaudhri says
Hi,
Thank you for this site and information! My water purifier (jug) has a leak in it.. it’s made of clear plastic. What is the safest food safe glue to fix the leak with?
Corinne says
I’m not sure, I would ask the company that makes it what type of glue is appropriate. Hopefully a food grade silicone then you can use the one on this list.
Susan says
I have to find an adhesive that is o voc or very low a water soluble to glue down cork flooring, can you help me please?
gerald aboud says
What an amazing website! THANK YOU!
Ginny Plyler says
I’ve really enjoyed your articles! I am chemically sensitive and we are building a Sprinter van into a camper. Are there any spray adhesives/glues that would work to create upholstered side panels in the van? The process would be gluing foam and upholstery fabric to birch plywood. The example we saw used an upholstery spray adhesive.
John Plyler says
Guess what I am reading?
Mary Travis says
Did you get an answer to this question elsewhere? We’re in the same boat- looking for spray adhesive to upholster a headboard! I’m also trying to find foam alternatives, but latex foam is so expensive!!
Michelle says
We just recaulked under our undermount sink, shower and backsplashes with the GE Silicone 2. I am highly sensitive so we left the house for two days. Only a very slight odor upon return. Voc sheet says 3% 31 g/l. Not crazy about the mildewicide in it but I am happy no smell. Did I ruin my home’’s air quality by using this caulk or am I ok once it is completely dry? Have several health problems. Someone else suggested I use Chemlink clear but I would hate to rip it all out aince I tolerated it well. Thanks for yiur work and help!
Bee says
Hello I need to re-attach some rubber to the bottom of a metal guitar pedal. I am looking for a kind of non-toxic contact cement. It needs to be able to be pulled off again, (the rubber), and reattached, etc. Thanks!
Dalton Bourne says
Used this caulk from Dicor to install a couple of fantastic vents on our camper. The stuff that came off the old vents looked like it was this and some other kind of tough caulk. The tough stuff was almost impossible to remove from the rubber roof. One tube was enough to sufficiently install and seal the vent holes for two new units. We did a seam around the bottom of the fan lip before installing, around the lip, and cover the screw holes of the new units.
Mitch S says
Hi Corinne!
We are having new quartz countertops installed. The the glue we are using AFM Almighty and for the caulk we are using AFM Safecoat.
The installer is saying that he needs to finish by wiping the countertops with acetone. I assume to clean up caulk residue? How dangerous is this? Are there alternatives you might recommend?
Thank you for your help!
Mitch
Corinne says
They don’t need to wipe the countertop with acetone, in fact they can damage the quartz.
Fred Christen says
As a quartz fabricator for 22 years, we do use acetone at times to remove adhesive but denatured alcohol can also be used and we prefer it because it will not damage the finish on most cabinets if dripped. Neither acetone or denatured alcohol will damage your quartz countertops.
Susan says
Hi. I can’t find a safe alternate to trim hold. Glue for a 4 way stretch material for a camper van
I’m scared as the tin says suspected of causing cancer
Please help
fridayrack says
Ecobond is absolutely having a few issues right now with getting orders out and with their different providers. This has occurred previously, individuals habitually say or think they are leaving the business. I don’t know what’s going on.
dalebert MSEE says
Have you researched PVC-E glue? It appears to be a thinned acrylic adhesive/caulk. It is recommended by the piano folks. They seldom mention the ingredients.
I use hide glue made from gelatin, but for quick and convenient wood repair I use Titebond. An amazingly strong bond is the thin CA over baking soda (or some other powders, even wood ash).
Excellent article.
Corinne says
I’m not familiar with glues used in specialty items like instruments, art, crafts etc
Kristin says
Thank you for the very helpful post. Wondering if you could tell me what you think about DAP silicone. I don’t have chemical sensitivities, but do have young kids and generally try to use non toxic products in my home. I need to have my bathroom tubs and sinks re-caulked as well as the caulk connecting my backsplash to my kitchen counters. AFM as well as Durasil are on backorder wherever I look. My handyman uses DAP (https://www.homedepot.com/p/DAP-3-0-9-oz-Crystal-Clear-Kitchen-and-Bath-High-Performance-Silicone-Caulk-00795/100662614). I see it has phthalates, but is allegedly low VOC. It seems to compare similarly to the GE sillicone caulk you recommend (which has petroleum distillates)? I know both have mildewicide. Would you recommend one over the other, or do you have other suggestions that are available now and would hold up well in humid conditions? Thank you.
Corinne says
Check out the video that is in the post it gives the best overview with options available right now.
Adriana says
Hi Corrine. I am new to the no toxic world. I was going to use AFM to caulk the area around my tub that meets the wall tile. However it seems to be on back order. Can Novolink 35 be used for this and do you know if they have pthalates in their product?
Thank you!
Dian says
Do you know if this is a good product – did you test this one?
https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/en/industries/engineered-wood.html
Joanna says
Thank you for your information. Could AFM safecoat be used for a kitchen sink in substitute of silicone?
SR says
ASI388 vs DuraSil.
I appreciate your information greatly and was hoping for some further clarification.
ASI is an oxine cure caulk while DuraSil is neutral cure.
Do you have a preference for certain situations? Would Durasil be less toxic than wet than ASI, but overall ASI might be less toxic than Durasil in other situations?
Thanks
Corinne says
Both are neutral cure.
Geneviève says
DAP caulk is a godsend! It smelled only faintly while applying and the only time I smelled anything outside our bathroom was after a shower. I would not even be scared to use it in the middle of winter!
I looked through the data sheets of all the products you mentioned that I could buy locally and I found the one I wanted to try (DAP 3.0). The data sheet VOC number was 10 times lower than any other I’ve found. I still tried to check on the bottle before buying but I’m really happy I still bought it even though there is no VOC information on the bottle.
Corinne says
Interesting, I wonder if that one is secretly a polyether! I have emailed them. thanks for the tip.
Shannon Buffo says
Dear Corinne, Thank you for all your diligence in providing this much need website for us SMCS(severe multi chemical sensitive – ME) Quick question: Since I am at my most severe chemically sensitive, primarily effected by odor of any kind, I am looking for a baseboard caulk that when dried has absolutely no odor. I know there is offgassing for possibly one or two weeks. Can you please recommend the only one you would use in my situation. I am so severely sensitive everything I use is fragrance and scent free. Thank you! Shannon
Corinne says
I responded on Facebook to your question, that you might not be able to go with one of the paintable caulks. Only you will know once you test them.
samie says
what type of sealant could i use for installing plastic skylight on a mobile home with shingles that is talc and asbestos free
Corinne says
Go over the installation instructions, there isn’t necessarily caulk involved. I would not avoid talc in caulk though which is not in powder form.
Robert Hogward says
Great article! The sealant’s overall performance depends on its formulation to provide a durable and elastic bond for the needed cure. Each product is formulated for permanent results or temporary bonds to ease future use.
Alison says
Do you have any experience with PL Premiim? It says “VOC compliant” whatever that means. See https://www.homehardware.ca/en/825ml-paintable-pl-premium-multi-purpose-construction-adhesive/p/2030590
Thanks
Corinne says
That’s a polyurethane, those are high in offgassing compared to other types.
Mariana says
Hi Corinne,
I went to the link for the Hide Glue because it was written that it was all natural and the California chemical warning was attached to it. Just thought you should know!
Corinne says
That is not supposed to be there. It’s just something that they have on their product pages but it doesn’t apply to the hide glue flakes.
Jumana says
Thank you so much for all your due dilligence Corrine! What brand of adhesive would you recomend for an entire solid wood-concrete floor? I saw your recomendation, but am wondering if there are any that would provide sound protection due to flooring being in a condo. Thank you so much for for your help.
Audrey says
What do you recommend for an exterior caulk that can be painted? Itll be around a window, so needs to be very water resistant.
Corinne says
There isn’t much choice there.
Devin Whatley says
Hi Corrine, are you still available for consultations? I tried booking something through your website, but it doesn’t show any availability. Can you please contact me directly?
Corinne says
I’ve updated the booking calendar https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19257501&calendarID=4352774
Kathy says
Thanks so much Corinne for helping MCS sufferers, builders and home renovators to be safer! I’m researching caulking/sealants for my 13 year old builder/maker (family history of allergies & asthma). Seems none of these products are risk free and while a sniff-test can help detect potentially harmful VOCs, little or no smell doesn’t mean something’s safe or no longer off-gassing!
This online guide to “building clean” lists POLYETHER sealants/caulks within the middle tier of those containing hazardous materials based on their inventory of typical products and their contents. Of course, not every product in a category will contain the chemical(s) of concern in them, so perhaps the AMF Safecoat Caulk is a safer version? https://buildingclean.org/sealants-and-their-toxins
The site says this about ms polyether sealants: “There is a common assumption put into product advertising that MS polyether sealants are healthier than polyurethane or butyl caulks because they are solvent- and isocyanate-free. However, most MS polyether sealants contain a lot of phthalate plasticizer—about 19 percent by weight. They also use UV absorbers and catalysts that are persistent bioaccumulative toxins.”
Kathy
Corinne says
That article is a little bit misleading in a few ways. One part spray doesn’t usually have FR, only some lines do. Silica is only a health/cancer risk in dust form which is not the form it is ever in in a caulk or sealant. Same with titanium dioxide, you would have to breathe that in (or many ingest it though it is in many foods and pills too though that’s not ideal, we would not injest caulking).
Out of the paintable caulks used inside, both acrylic and polyether can have plasticizers. Phthalates are being phased out of most products now but you could ask AFM about that.
Polyurethane caulk and butyl are not a replacement for acrylic or polyether caulks (in the interior places you would need those) so the comparison is a bit confusing.
The offgassing from polyurethane and butyl is quite harsh, but they are usually used outside.
Cindy says
I need to caulk the bottom of my tub surround. What product would you recommend for someone chemically sensitive? Thank you!
Corinne says
Silicone is usually used if it’s not interfacing with a painted surface. AFM caulking for interface with painted surface.
J says
Great article..do you know of any low voc glue that can used in jewelry making to attach to metal..e6000 glue is brutal..and alenes is awful doesnt work ..needs to dry clear..thanks…also..worth mentioning alot of the brands by chemical free companies caulk dries up much faster than others so it needs to be used right away once opened or even stored..i had multiple expensive ones go rock hard bad within couple months pf purchase..they have only several months from manufacture..thanks
Crystal Bryshun says
Hi Corrine,
I am curious what you used on your tiny house, or have found a replacement for acoustical sealant for vapor barriers? some kind of a non toxic substitute ?
Corinne says
I would intello plus in most conditions or similar product – depending on what the architect specifies. It’s installed with tapes.
Deborah Smart says
Are these products Canadian, or available in Canada, other than the one where you listed the availability as a Canadian store?
Corinne says
It depends on which product. Some are at the hardware store, some like AFM you have to order from Green Design Center.
Lee X C says
Hi, Corinne. Thanks so much for your work! I am looking for information on no- or low-VOC expanding spray foams, preferably in a small aerosol can. Have you researched those products?
Corinne says
Hi yes, they are in the insulation post. I use Greatstuff and I think they are all very similar. Though there is one that has some certifications
Heather Cook says
My mom is having her basement redone and has been bed bound with copd and asthma for nine years. She is VERY sensitive to ANY smell. The basement will have a bathroom in it also. She is asking me to help her find out what kind of sealant or caulking would be Zero VOC and have no odor and not have titanium dioxide (which she thinks is harmful for asthma breathers) and can be used everywhere? Can you please help me!!!
Mike says
Please note The Original Gorilla Glue is highly carcinogenic. I just found this out when diagnosed with a type of blood cancer that is only possible after exposure to toxins. I live and organic fed, wifi free toxin free life surrounded by fresh air. I just found out that the vapours from this glue are highly carcinogenic and I’ve been using it for years to build beehives for prolonged periods of time. If you read the small print; you are supposed to wear a mask (product info. doesn’t tell you which type will shield you), goggles, gloves, protective clothing etc etc. I have never worn a mask or goggles whilst using it for days on end. Non of this is obvious from the packaging and no one told me this at the store where I bought it. I just felt I should flag this up since it should NOT be listed on this site as non-toxic. It is highly toxic to the user, the environment and often kills dogs who eat it because it apparently tastes similar to peanut butter and maple syrup. It is activated by the water inside the animal and expands blocking the gut. Definitely one to avoid IMO.
Corinne says
Wow. So sorry to hear that. This one is a polyurethane which will offgas isocyanates before it comes to a complete cure. Isocyanates are classified as potential human carcinogens and known to cause cancer in animals. They are in a lot of “non-toxic” products, like polyurethane wood finishes. They can be expected to cure within two weeks in many causes and stop offgassing. But working with the product all the time would definitely be an exposure.
Hanna Tatrzanska says
Many thanks for your wisdom and noble comment. It is very sad that you are suffering from lack of warnings. In fact, this page should only contain products that are safe for us.
Corinne says
Hanna, it is not possible to build a house with only all natural safe to sniff when wet glues, caulks and construction adhesive. I give information without judgement on what people should choose to use. You have to exercise your judgement.
Deborah Seely says
Hi, I find myself in an emergency where I will have to have a bathroom sink replaced in my apartment, so I started researching caulking that is safe and came here. I wanted to let you know about a discrepancy I found on your information about the GE1 caulking. I noticed that both the GE 1 and the GE2 silicone caulking claim to have a “mold free warranty” on them. Curious, I looked up both products’ safety sheets and didn’t find any chemicals listed that are biocides of any kind. But the claim to have mold free warranties was disconcerting, so I called the company’s product question line. The man on the other end looked up both products and said that they both DO contain mildewcides in them and when I asked he checked all of their silicone sealants and they all contain mildewcides. I mentioned to him that the safety data sheet did not list anything like that, to which he replied that the product sheet might have listed the mildewcides on the consumer products, but that they don’t always have to list them. On the products that they sell to builders or contractors they list the mildewciteds but not on the stuff that regular folks like you or I buy. So, if you were going by the product safety sheet to determine the use of any kind of biocide, be aware that they may not list them. I ended up ordering the GE2 sealant because of its claim to off-gas sooner. Your review did help me, I just thought you would want to know about this issue.
Corinne says
Thank you. I will check that again. It’s always been used as the aquarium safe one of the two. They might have changed it, or maybe they have more than one GE1. I will update that as soon as I can, thanks for letting me know!
Michael says
While these products are all low in VOCs, there is another critical concern. Do any of these products NOT cause cancer? Do any of these caulks satisfy the California Proposition 65 certifications for not having cancer-causing materials?
I can’t even find – in many Google searches – any caulk that does not have the warning on the label:
CALIFORNIA PROP 65 WARNING: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Thank you!
Corinne says
yes you will find nuetral cure silicone like the chemlink durasil that don’t have any prop 65 chemicals. Between a neutral cure silicone and the less toxic polyether options you can get all interior caulking projects covered.
Michael says
Thank you so much for your reply and your great article, Corinne. So just to make sure I’m clear, it sounds like for caulk, AFM Caulk and ChemLink DuraSil would meet Prop 65 as well as be low in VOCs. And in adhesives, AFM Almighty Adhesive. Much appreciated!
Unknown says
You sound brilliant! How about a non toxic sealant for a 120 sq ft butterfly house?
Harry says
The white adhesive caulking made by Eco Bond did not perform well for me in outdoor applications. It broke down and disintegrated after a few months! The clear adhesive sealant was amazing! The best product I have ever used. Unfortunately this company is out of business but is still taking orders but not sending out products. If you order from them they will charge your credit card but you will receive no product. You can verify this via the Better Business Bureau. I hope this helps someone.
Tina Marie says
Did the EcoBond mold quickly? I've heard complaints it didn't last more than a few months.
Kristen Killebrew says
thanks so much! will try the safe coat adhesive too!
Meri Rohaman says
If you are accomplishing wood on the concrete slab attempt to find a formaldyde-free plywood.
Corinne says
You should not put Purbond or the bamboo ply on a slab.
Frank Lange says
The safest toxic free adhesives and sealants are ECO-BOND http://www.ecobondit.com
They make a toxic free alternative to every product for caulking, adhesives, and silicone
mark1spot says
I agree with Frank, and I suffer mightily from MCS. I did a side-by-side simultaneous comparison between Almighty and another AFM Safecoat product vs. ECO-BOND Multi-Purpose and Kitchen-Bath-Plumbing. For me, ECO-BOND products were less offensive, both initially and after 24 and 48 hours and beyond. Both companies' products worked fine in terms of their intended use.
Corinne says
thanks for the info!
Antonio Chiarenza says
where did you get eco-bond? I have tried to order it, repeatedly, through homedepot.com and it doesn't come. they and I have followed up with the manufacturer, who never answers the phone and doesn't return messages. very frustrating. looks like a good product but we can't keep waiting: you don't want to know how long it's been since I've had a shower! with summer coming baths just have no appeal. would like to try it but if we can't get it soon will probably go with one of the 100% silicone caulks.
wondering if anyone has tried gorilla adhesive and or gorilla 100% silicone sealant/caulk? they may be newer than this article. I thought of them because I was ok with the original gorilla glue. I actually found your excellent reviews here by searching for more information on the voc content of those gorilla products.
thank you for sharing your test results.
Paul says
Antonio, I just ordered directly from eco-bond. All the other places I checked didn't have it for sale anymore.
Corinne says
Ecobond is certainly having some problems right now with getting orders out and with their other suppliers. This has happened before, people frequently say or think they are going out of business. I'm not sure what's happening.
Jt says
I saw on the better business bureau that ecobond is commuting fraud… charging people for orders, printing/preparing shipping label but then not mailing product. They are also overcharging people by hundreds. Makes me so sad because we love their product!:(
The Multiple Chemical Survivor says
I think I found my answer in your blog…on another post you mention RCD #6 Mastic. This is less toxic than what they would normally use?
Thank you so much for all your expertise on safe construction!! You are a life saver!
The Multiple Chemical Survivor says
Hi Corinne…Did you by any chance test mastic sealant? I need to have my heating ducts inspected and sealed and they say it's required by law to use this stuff, but there must be a safer alternative. It is supposedly best because it's flexible, but it also offgases methanol, ethylene glycol, and ammonia. I fear I'd be homeless if they use it…You have so much experience with all your experimentation I thought you might know.
The Multiple Chemical Survivor says
Holy Toledo you are a brave soul! Thank you for your sacrifice and for your information.
Corinne says
ooooh god…yeah you know how it is! not a sacrifice though…I had to do it, the builders needed answers and NOW!
mark1spot says
Corinne: Thank you so much for the specific product reviews and recommendations for MCS sufferers (like me) and builders!!!
Unknown says
You are a brave lady for doing all that testing. I have to have two window panes installed and it has to be caulked and I couldn't find any at all. I will be able to now have those windows fixed and keep out the cold air.
Michael says
While these products are all low in VOCs, there is another critical concern. Do any of these products NOT cause cancer? Do any of these caulks satisfy the California Proposition 65 certifications for not having cancer-causing materials?
I can’t even find – in many Google searches – any caulk that does not have the warning on the label:
CALIFORNIA PROP 65 WARNING: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Thank you!