My Chemical-Free House

A Guide to Creating a Healthy Home

Healthy Building

Choosing a Non-Toxic Vinyl Plank Floor

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Vinyl Plank, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) are very low in VOCs and offgassing.

Most people find it odorless, but those like me with a high sense of smell can certainly pick up the offgassing.

I pick up the chemical odor off every brand I have sampled (they are all very similar) and I do have concerns about plasticizers (which all brands contain) and small amounts of metals, explained further in the article.

Most of it is phthalate-free now – though phthalates were replaced with alternate plasticizers. The most common plasticizer used now is DOTP.

Whether vinyl plank should be considered toxic depends on your threshold for toxins in the home and our knowledge is also limited by the current research and understanding of the new plasticizers – which we will discuss.

There is a huge difference between vinyl plank and sheet vinyl flooring. Sheet vinyl, the very flexible kind that comes in large rolls is way higher in offgassing. It’s one of the top products to avoid in a healthy home in my opinion.

Vinyl plank comes in two main types: resilient vinyl plank and luxury vinyl plank.

This post contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The top sample is a vinyl plank (glue down) and the bottom three are luxury vinyl planks which click together

Vinyl Plank (as Opposed to Luxury Vinyl Plank)

Vinyl plank or resilient vinyl plank is a much thinner product than a luxury vinyl plank. It’s more flexible than luxury vinyl plank (but not as flexible as vinyl that comes in a roll) and is installed by a glue-down method.

This type of vinyl has less offgassing of VOCs compared to LVP in my estimation, this is only due to the fact that there is less of it! I would certainly consider this an ultra love VOC product. But you do have to consider the glues used as a source of offgassing (at least until it’s fully cured).

I have seen some vinyl plank that still has phthalates, so be sure to check to make sure it’s phthalate-free and made of virgin vinyl.

The ones pictured below are Shaw brand 6 mil Resilient Vinyl plank Flooring. It’s 5/64 inches thick. It’s free of phthalates.

I have also seen Armstrong “Good” line which is similar.

You will have to check which glues the brand recommends and will warranty it with but most of them are zero VOC when cured.

An example of vinyl plank

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) (and Luxury Vinyl Tile)

This type of vinyl plank is thicker, more rigid, has multiple layers, and is click together.

It has a core (SPC or WPC), a vinyl wear layer, and often has an underlayment attached as well.

This multilayer rigid core vinyl used to be called EVP – engineered vinyl plank, (though most of the information online is incorrect regarding the definition of EVP). Don’t worry, because this term is almost never used anymore.

LVP and LVT (luxury vinyl tile) are the same product, the only difference is that LVP looks like wood and LVT looks like tile or stone.

Let’s look at the chemical composition of the materials.

SPC Core Vinyl Floors

Most of the luxury vinyl plank (LVP) click-together flooring has an SPC (stone polymer composite) core. This is a mix of limestone, PVC, and plasticizer.

It’s low in offgassing due to the high amount of limestone – it’s usually 60-80% limestone and the rest is PVC and plasticizer with no foaming agent. Look out for companies that call this a “limestone core” without mentioning the PVC/vinyl content (it’s still there).

It also contains some minor stabilizers and pigments (Pharos).

It is grey in color, very dense and rigid, and looks like the middle layer in these photos:

These floors all have a SPC core. The top sample is hybrid (wood wear layer, SPC core), the bottom two have vinyl wear layers and SPC cores

WPC Core Vinyl Floors

Only a few brands have WPC (wood plastic composite) – they were originally made with real wood or cork dust but now most of them don’t contain plant-based fibers.

The WPC core is usually made from PVC, limestone, plasticizers, a foaming agent (like formamide), and wood-like or wood materials such as wood flour. Wood-like plasticizers can be used instead of the wood fiber.

The primary difference between most WPC and SPC core floors is that WPC contains a lighter extruded or foamed plastic core, while SPC contains a solid denser core with more limestone.

The Cali Vinyl Plus pictured below has a true WPC core that they call BPC (bamboo plastic composite) which is made with bamboo fibers.

I generally find SPC to be a little bit lower in odor and offgassing than WPC, but it’s been variable.

Formamide comes with a Prop 65 label warning.

WPC is beige or yellow in color, less dense than SPC, and looks like this:

LVP with a WPC core (Cali Vinyl Plus and Montserrat Click Lock)

Underlayment of LVT

The underlayment is usually an integrated plastic layer, though some brands have cork attached.

The cork adds significant offgassing in my opinion, however, it is going to be almost entirely blocked by the click-together system. (But for those extremely sensitive the offgassing from the cork gets into the other layers during storage, production, transportation).

I personally avoid the brands with cork underlayment due to the unnecessary addition of VOCs, plus you are adding an organic material that is not mold proof in the way vinyl is.

The foam underlayments are usually made from IXPE or EVA foam, though some of them smell a lot more like rubber to me.

Many of the brands have such a thin attached underlayment that you still need to add one, so those don’t add much value. Check the warranty though, as some brands require an additional underlayment and for other brands adding an additional underlayment will void the warranty.

Brands like Cali Bamboo have a thick and cushiony underlayment (and you don’t have to add another one).

The underlayment often contains antimicrobials.

Wear Layer of Vinyl Floors

I have not found the thickness of the wear layer to affect the offgassing, though it’s possible that there is a minor difference there.

The wear layer is vinyl without the wood or limestone.

If you want the floor to last you want to go with the thicker wear layer. Some brands include the black layer (see photos above) that comes right after the top layer as part of the “wear layer”, but that will show as black marks if the top layer wears down! You want to look at the wear layer as the layer that has the integral wood or stone look color and design.

The top coating is a polyurethane with aluminum oxide cured under UV lights (so there is no offgassing there).

The wear layer can contain antimicrobials.

Should you Consider Vinyl as a Safe Flooring Choice?

These floors can be considered by anyone in the mild to moderately chemically sensitive category.

Plasticizers are also less of a concern for older folks than those more susceptible to hormone-disrupting chemicals.

Those who are super sensitive to wood odorants might consider LVP as the next choice after ruling out solid wood, engineered wood, tile, and polished concrete.

The VOCs are very low but it’s not zero-VOC or odor-free and the plasticizers are for me still an “unknown” factor in terms of safety and health.

All LVP (and LVT) brands are very similar, there are only four main differences outlined below:

FOUR Things to Ask (when choosing LVP floors)

  1. Double-check to make sure it’s virgin (not recycled vinyl)
  2. Look for phthalate-free (bio-based plasticizers are the best)
  3. You might have a preference for SPC over WPC
  4. Check the underlayment, you may choose to avoid cork

Healthiest (Safer) Brands of Vinyl Plank

Shaw In the Grain Luxury Vinyl Plank

  • Virgin vinyl
  • Phthalate-free
  • Made in America
  • Starting at $2.81 /sqft
  • Virgin vinyl
  • Phthalate-free
  • Thatcher and Franklin are SPC core
  • Made in America
  • Dodford $2.75, Thatcher & Franklin $4.59 /sqft

Daltile Wellsridge 7.5″ Rigid Core Vinyl Planks

  • Virgin vinyl
  • Phthalate-free
  • SPC core
  • Made in America
  • $5.87 /sqft

Home Depot Brands

Out of the Home Depot brands they all have low offgassing as well but are not always good quality in terms of the thickness of the floor and thickness of the wear layer. Traffic Master, Lifeproof (underlayment odor was strong to me), Home Decorators are all very similar.

All of the Home Depot brands are phthalate-free.

Phthalate-Free Vinyl Flooring and Replacement Plasticizers 

Phthalate-free brands are preferable – which most are now. Phthalates are known to be toxic, they have a host of known health problems and they leach quite a bit from floors.

All brands sold at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Lumber Liquidators are phthalate-free. Almost all other brands are now too.

If phthalates (also known as ortho-phthalates) are not used, other plasticizers will be used instead.

Replacement plasticizers include DOTP (also called DEHT) which is the main one used right now, this is used in the vast majority of brands.

Based on what we know about DOTP it doesn’t have any known endocrine disruption effects like phthalates do. They also claim that it is more stable in the material and doesn’t leach as much as phthalates. DOTP makes up 8-23% of the product.

The Ecology Center cites concerns that plasticizers can still leach even if not as much as phthalates and they caution against replacement chemicals that are of similar chemical composition. We usually find that in time, with more studies, we find out more about the health impacts. They conclude that we do not yet know the full health effects of this plasticizer and have doubts that it is not in fact an endocrine disrupter.

I believe that it is currently difficult to say if the current platiciers like DOTP, and therefore LVP floors as a whole, are non-toxic.

Other Plasticizers Used

Some may contain benzoate ester (Source), I have seen tributyl citrate listed once (source).

Companies like Cali Bamboo use bio-based plasticizers, which should mean it’s either Grindsted Soft-n-Safe (made by Danisco/DuPont) or Polysorb ID 37 (made by Roquette).

According to HBN these are well studied and are believed to be the least toxic of the six non-phthalate plasticizers. This is why Cali LVP is my top brand pick.

Toxic Metals in Vinyl Flooring

Organotins (a form of tin) can be used in the top layer. Antimicrobials can be used, usually in the underlayment. I have seen various types, including silver.

EHN found the heavy metal cadmium recently in vinyl floors (probably recycled ones, they say).

It’s important to avoid recycled vinyl.

Lumber Liquidators and Floor & Decor banned recycled vinyl to avoid the associated toxic contaminants like metals and halogenated flame retardants. Most other brands are virgin vinyl now.

Lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury can be present and are only officially limited (not banned), as far as I have seen, by Floor and Decor.

Though antimony, bromine, and lead have been virtually eliminated according to the latest study.

Offgassing of VOCs in Vinyl Flooring

Sheet vinyl is higher offgassing than LVP. Sheet vinyl is in the 0.5 – 5 mg/m3 total VOC range, whereas vinyl click will be less than 0.5 mg/m3. (And it’s actually much less than 0.5mg/m3).

The offgassing is less of a concern to me than plasticizers (semi-VOCs) which are a longer-lasting and more of a concerning class of chemicals.

How long does LVP/LVT take to Offgas?

In absence of studies that indicate when the flooring product is completely offgassed, we have to judge based on our senses. A few months will get the product most of the way there. When I have seen LVP in buildings that are a couple of years old I cannot pick up any offgassing at all.

Sealing in the VOCs and Semi-VOCs in Vinyl Flooring

You can seal in any odors as well as most of the plasticizer leaching with shellac. I have tested shellac on various types of vinyl flooring. It has worked well on all the types that I have tried it on from sheet vinyl to a thick rigid LVP.

The downside is that shellac adds a shiny and less durable (to water) coating on the floor, which takes away from the more realistic wood/stone look and can show damage more easily.

You can remove the shellac later with alcohol (I used hand sanitizer), but the downside is that if you seal an LVP flooring that is click together it’s is difficult or nearly impossible to remove all of the shellac perfectly from within the grooves.

Formaldehyde-Free LVP Flooring

No brand of LVP/LVT or vinyl plank adds formaldehyde. Any brand advertising as formaldehyde-free is only stating the obvious which can in some cases be considered an inaccurate insinuation that other brands are adding formaldehyde.

Greenguard or Floorscore Brands of Vinyl Plank (LVP)

The VOCs are so low in vinyl plank that they are far below any threshold of the green certifications. No brand is going to be above Greenguard gold levels – therefore whether it’s certified or not does not matter.

Floorscore to me is a particularly useless certification but definitley doesn’t help differentiate between vinyl plank brands.

None of the certifications are including measurement of plasticizers, which is my main concern with vinyl plank flooring.

Is it Waterproof and Mold Preventative?

The Locking System

The thinner LVPs don’t have a very good locking mechanism, it’s more like “set together”. So that isn’t going to hold up well to water. If the product has a really good locking system and it’s installed in a way that it’s not pulling apart or separating then this can be quite waterproof. How waterproof it is also depends on how long the water is sitting on it.

Contractors recommend starting at 5 mm total thickness for a good locking system.

The Vapor Barrier

Another factor to consider is that most brands of luxury vinyl plank and tile require an additional underlayment that is also a vapor barrier under the vinyl. This means that if water gets between the two layers then it cannot dry out.

Is it Mold Preventative in a Bathroom?

This is often recommended as a floor for a bathroom and for a basement.

I have lived in a couple of apartments with vinyl in the bathroom, one was glue down vinyl plank and one had a floating luxury vinyl plank. Both had areas where the seams were not tight and so there is no way I believe this was waterproof. I also wondered about the edges, especially if the baseboard is not caulked to the floor.

Is it Mold Preventative in a Basement?

Though LVP is recommended for basement floors because it’s quite resistant to mold I have a different view on the topic.

Blocking moisture in the slab in my experience is a bad idea. The slab is always trying to dry to the inside as it’s the only way it can dry and it’s often getting wet from the outside/underneath. Any material that blocks moisture can and often does cause mold to grow under the area that is being blocked.

Cheryl Ciecko, mold preventative architect, has described this situation well. And as an extremely mold-sensitive person myself, I know that this is frequently a problem in slabs. Therefore I only recommend a breathable floor covering on slab foundations and in basements.

Polished concrete or tiles with a breathable grout are best.

The Healthiest Alternatives to Vinyl Plank Flooring

Hybrid Flooring

Hybrid flooring has an SPC core and a real hardwood wear layer.

This has less offgassing in my estimation than LVP, it gives you the feel of real wood on top, and I would expect that the real wood would block all or most of the plasticizers from leaching out (it also avoids having plasticizer as the top layer).

My top pick is Cali Bamboo Geowood because they use bio-based plasticizers but there are two other brands to check out in the main flooring post.

Engineered Wood

Most engineered wood is no-VOC. Look for brands with a plywood or solid slat core. The UV cure polyurethane finishes are also zero-VOC.

Some brands have an oil-based finish and that is not bad either (ultra-low VOC).

Avoid brands with an HDF or MDF core. See the post on engineered wood floors to see the different types and brands.

Polyurethane Sheet Flooring

If you want glue-down planks or larger areas of sheet flooring, polyurethane is much safer than vinyl rolls. The brand picture is Wineo. It barely has any offgassing and doesn’t contain plasticizers.

I talk about it more in the post on RV flooring.

Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is not zero-VOC but it is another option to consider that is very low-VOC.

My top brand is definitely Amorim Wise as it’s far lower offgassing than any other brand I have seen (most of them are actually high in offgassing).

They claim it’s waterproof but I personally would not bank on that.

Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist Practitioner with 7 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.

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Review of Boxabl, Home of Elon Musk

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Review of Boxabl SIPS Prefab House

The company Boxabl has created a metal SIPs (structurally integrated panel) house that has caught a lot of folks’ attention.

The main reason it has gone so viral is that it promises it all – fast, easy, cheap, resilient, and healthy.

My job as a Building Biologist is to review homes for durability, indoor air quality and resilience to mold.

It may be cheap and fast, but is this home a durable and healthy home?

First, is it “eco-friendy”

The basic structure of this house is a steel and styrofoam structural panel. This is very safe even for those with chemical sensitivities. That part has practically no offgassing and I am a big fan of SIPS.

They also use MgO (magnesium oxide) board on the interior surfaces which is generally safe option as it has extremely low or no offgassing in my experience.

It’s not clear how that is attached to the walls in this case, it’s likely glued on, which could be a problem for offgassing. (More on in the inherent risks of MgO against steel below).

The flooring appears to be glue down vinyl, though they have described it in different ways. The countertops and tabletop are laminate (which is a melamine plastic glued onto a substrate which is almost always MDF). And the interior cabinetry is conventional (which is typically particle board and laminate).

These three elements will contribute to offgassing – VOCs, plasticizers and glue from the vinyl floor; glues and formaldehyde from particle board based cabinets; and glues and formaldehyde from MDF based laminate countertops.

While this is not high in offgassing per se, according to conventional wisdom, it absolutely could be too high for those who are sensitive to formaldehyde.

At this time the interior cannot be customized and it includes all the interior finishes other than the bed and sofa.

Even though it would be quite easy to choose your own healthy floor and cabinets in theory, it would likely be difficult to remove the already glued down vinyl.

With just a little more effort this company, they could have reduced offgassing significantly by choosing better cabinets, countertops and floors. (Though keep in mind we do not know the exact materials or brands used so I am making some best guesses based on what is most typical right now).

Is it a durable design?

In general, metal SIPS are very resistant to mold because as long as the wall remains laminated they are immune to condensation problems. Moisture cannot get into any wall cavity to find a cold spot to condensate.

If they are well connected and well sealed then they could also be durable against leaks. The waterproofing will depend on how well the seams are connected. I owned a metal SIPS trailer (Camplite) that was very leaky!

There are a number of concerns I have with this house:

  • There is a clear negative lap at the bottom of the first piece. It’s not just an exterior trim detail, it’s integral to the design. I don’t see how you would not always be battling water pooling up and soaking the wall.
  • It’s nice that it unpacks quickly into a full livable house but how are all those seams waterproofed? I do not think we have enough information on that right now.
  • Because it’s done almost entirely in a factory we would need to see a detailed factory tour to see if this is a good design (the company does not yet have a full-sized factory and is still raising money at the time of writing). There are so many details I would want to see including how the windows and all seams are waterproofed.
  • The house, like all prefabs, needs to be seen in person, especially during installation to see if there are any areas vulnerable to water. Because this company does not have a show house and is not in full production yet, it’s highly unlikely you will be able to see one any time soon. My prefab post goes over the due diligence needed here, and with this house, we don’t have enough information to even do the due diligence.
  • MgO and steel have not gone well together in the past. In Denmark, massive problems (and lawsuits) resulted when salts naturally leached out of MgO board and corroded the metal in the buildings.
  • The website says that Boxabl “doesn’t use lumber or sheetrock” and in an email they said “we do not use wood or materials that can rot or mold”. But in multiple videos, wood appears to be the framing of the edges of the SIPs. Hidden wood in a metal-based house is a problem in my books.

Is this a reliable company?

Still in development

Well, I don’t think we know if this is a reliable company yet. As I discuss in my general prefab post I never go with the prototype of a prefab. They commonly have problems.

There could be situations in which we know a lot about a company, the construction details, and the testing of the prototype, but I don’t see enough information here to be confident.

The company needs to raise 10 million dollars to be in full production, and at the time of writing they are still raising money. They are not yet at production stages.

Inconsistencies

On the fundraising page it says “early investors get a discount”. When someone asked what the discount is they responded “It is possible there will be a discount. We haven’t announced it yet.”

In one of the videos, the rep states that you could install this without a foundation or permit. That sounds ill-advised.

It does not seem like the reps actually know what the floors are made of.

Elon Musk Involvement

It definitely adds legitimacy that Elon Musk is living in one. But it’s unclear whether he is backing the company or not. His area of expertise is not in construction but it would be great if he did lend his mind to making this a better built home than what it looks like. It has great potential to solve the problem of lack of affordable and healthy housing around the world. But in my view this house has not proven itself yet.

Guide to Non-Toxic Glues and Caulks

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Updated Summer 2021

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 knowing which are non-toxic and which ones work for you before that urgent repair is needed.

This post covers low VOC, low odor, non-toxic options that are suitable for chemically sensitive or health-conscious folks.

[Read more…] about Guide to Non-Toxic Glues and Caulks

Non-Toxic (Low VOC) Sealants for Marble, Granite, Limestone

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This is a post just for sealing light-colored marble, light granites, limestone, and other light-colored cool-tone stones.

My post on all-natural oil-based sealers for stones focuses on walnut and other non-toxic oils that work best on dark-colored, medium-tone (or beige-toned) stones since they do darken and yellow the stones slightly.

There is no 100% natural, 100% toxin-free, or zero-VOC sealer for white and light-colored stones. This should be considered early on if it’s a new build for someone chemically sensitive.

Light-colored stones are also much more likely to be porous compared to some darker-colored stones that can be naturally dense enough to not require a sealant.

Manufacturers of natural stone countertops usually recommend a penetrating or impregnating sealant every few years (depending on the type of stone, the use etc).

These sealants do not fully disclose their ingredients, but I have dug into the literature to see what is likely in them.

These three sealers are ones I have tested, researched, and compared, and are the safest, lowest offgassing options out there right now.

This post contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Sealer’s Choice Gold

Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold by Custom Building Products is a water-based sealant for natural stone. It’s low odor, low VOC and has been a favorite among the chemically sensitive.

What are the Ingredients

These types of sealants commonly contain proprietary fluoropolymers as the main technology along with alcohols and ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether. More on those ingredients below.

Microban was Added…

This product hasn’t always had Microban – that was added more recently. The company would not disclose which chemical Microban refers to in this instance, but by looking through the Microban website it’s most likely nanosilver. It could possibly be zinc pyrithione.

I don’t think it’s a good idea, in the long run, to add nanosilver to products, but in terms of the actual exposure to the individual homeowner, I don’t consider nanosilver to be very harmful here.

Testing a Sample

I tested this sealant on previously unsealed quartzite. It’s fairly low odor when wet (though not extremely low odor). I did find that by the next day I personally could not pick up any offgassing. I can see why it has been a top choice among the chemically sensitive.

All chemically sensitive folks should test out a sample before proceeding to seal a slab in their house.

Where to Use it

On light-colored, cool tone stones that would be discolored by natural sealers (like walnut oil), including white and grey marbles, light grey granite, travertine, and limestone. (Of course, it works well on porous dark-colored stones as well, I just prefer to use a natural oil-based sealer on most dark natural stones).

You can use it on unsealed and previously sealed countertops that are due for re-sealing. As well as light-colored stone tiles in the shower, bathroom, backsplash, and floors.

Where to Buy

2. Granite Gold Sealer

Granite Gold Sealer is another water-based sealer that is low odor and low VOC.

What’s in it

While these two sealers probably use similar technology, the two smell quite different.

Still, it likely has the same base of ingredients: proprietary fluoropolymers as the main technology along with alcohols and ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether. More on those ingredients in their own section below.

Test Results

It’s difficult to quantify which of these two is better for folks with chemical sensitivities and because it’s hard to compare these two objectively. You may want to test both options – sensitivities are very individual.

I personally found this one a little more harsh when wet but as soon as it was dry (which was very fast) I found it to be great.

Where to Buy

3. Stain-Proof Stone Sealer (Formally META-CREME)

This product uses a different formula than the first two. This is a water-based silanes and siloxanes impregnating sealer.

It’s similar in odor and VOC levels to the first two. All three are low odor compared to solvent-based sealants and all three could work for chemically sensitive folks after testing for individual tolerance.

(If you have a really wet area like the base of the shower, the company recommends this product for porous tiles in that area).

What’s in it

The company provides a full (or almost full) ingredients list in their SDS: octyltriethoxysilane, triethoxytridecafluorooctylsilane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, alcohols C12-16 ethoxylated, alcohols C12-14 ethoxylated, dimethylsiloxane/[(2-aminoethyl)amino]propylsilsesquioxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane.

Test Results

I certainly did find the odor mild and fairly quick to offgas, but I did not test this at the same time as the two above to compare it to those.

When testing it for durability I wasn’t that happy with it. It didn’t hold up well to marring from vinegar and it wasn’t easy to touch up those areas. I have some photos of that testing in my natural stone sealer post. But that is not unique to this sealer, calcium rich stones like marble, travertine, and limestone are very vulnerable to acid etching. It was interesting how well the natural walnut oil protected against vinegar since as far as I know, all chemical sealers cannot protect against acids.

Where to Buy

Composition of Fluoropolymer Based Stone Sealers

What’s Really in Them?

We don’t have a full disclosure of ingredients from any company making a fluorolopolymer based stone sealant as far as I know. The following is based on piecing together disclosures from various companies and from looking at patents.

A fluoropolymer in stone sealants could mean any of the following:

  • polyvinylfluoride (PVF)
  • polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
  • polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
  • polychlorotrifluoroehtylene (PCTFE)
  • perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA)
  • fluorinated ethylene- propylene (FEP)
  • polyethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE)
  • polyethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE)
  • perfiuoroelastomre
  • chlorotrifluoroethylenevinylidene fluoride
  • perfluoropolyether (PFPE)
  • perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA)
  • Based on Patent

The ingredients probably look something like this:

  • Water
  • Ethanol
  • Ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether
  • Fluoropolymer aka mixed perfluoroalkylethyl phosphate salts
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Source Pharos

Do you Really Have to Seal your Countertops?

Countertop sealers last around 2-5 years. Sealers break down over time. The resin is degraded by cleaning products and by general use.

Porous stones are more susceptible to stains and will require sealing more often (1-3 years). Check the density and integrity of the past sealant with a simple “water drop test”. Each stone is different, and sealers and quality of application vary – you have to do a water drop test to determine if or when to seal your stone.

Water Drop Test:

  • Stone must be clean and free of dust
  • Place a single drop of water (quarter size) on the stone
  • Length of time to absorb: <1 minute porous; >1 minute non-porous
  • Perform three tests for the first 2,000 ft2 and at least one for each additional 3,000 ft2

Source MCM Natural Stone Inc and ASTM F-3191

Adding more Protection

You can also add a wax to polish your stone countertop. A brand like Rock Doctor makes a carnauba and mineral oil-based wax polish that works with their flouropolymer water-based sealer. Unfortunately, their polish also has added fragrance to it though.

Alternatives to Using These Synthetic Sealants

  1. Use a dense stone that does not require any sealant. Look at Ubatuba, Black Galaxy, Absolute Black or Blue Pearl granite, Slate, some Quartzites, and other dark-colored dense stones. Dense stones normally shouldn’t be sealed or may only need one application of sealant.
  2. Use walnut oil to seal a medium to darker colored or warm-toned stone (see how well this performs here).
  3. Choose a countertop that doesn’t need a sealant at all like quartz, Dekton, and others in the main countertop post.

Related post: The most affordable non-toxic countertops

Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist Practitioner with 7 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.

Buy Me a Coffee at ko-fi.com


Non-Toxic Windows, Blinds & Curtains

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Updated Winter 2020/2021

1. Window frame materials – Windows made of thermally broken aluminum are the top choice for non-toxic windows. Accoya wood is also a healthy window option. Some vinyl and fiberglass brands can be considered, though they do offgas.

2. Window treatments – Natural untreated fabric, natural fiber roll down blinds, non-painted aluminum blinds, and aluminum screens are the top choices for healthy window treatments. Blackout bamboo shades, polyester curtains, hemp, cotton, and paper pleated shades should be considered as well. Avoid PVC shades/curtains, flame retardant treated fabrics, wrinkle-free finishes, and wood and aluminum blinds with finishes that offgas.

3. Window sealing – Polyurethane canned foam is the norm, which does cure quite well. The least toxic option is backer rod.

I recommend all of the products here, some products have affiliate programs and some do not. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission through affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

Non-Toxic Curtains and Blinds

The best non-toxic window coverings are natural untreated fabric, natural fiber roll down blinds, aluminum blinds and aluminum screens.

For blackout shades, bamboo shades with liners, polyester curtains, hemp, cotton, and paper pleated shades can be considered.

Avoid PVC shades/curtains, curtains highly treated with flame retardants and other chemicals, and wood and aluminum blinds with finishes that offgas VOCs.

1. Fabric Curtains

Fabric curtains are usually treated with wrinkle-free chemicals and flame retardants.

Natural fabrics do break down in UV light but are a healthier option. Look for Oeko-Tex or GOTs certified fabrics to guarantee that they don’t use chemical treatments.

Libeco linen is not GOTS certified but is usually grown without pesticides and the natural colors don’t contain dyes.

Linen options found on Amazon, like the ones in the photo, are either a linen polyester mix or polyester made to look like linen.

IKEA makes GUNRID “air purifying curtains”. These are made of recycled PET water bottles. The air purifying claim sounds like it comes from a treatment of titanium dioxide which creates hydroxyl radicals.

2. Blinds and Shutters

Bamboo Blinds

Green versions of blinds include bamboo roll down blinds that are not treated with chemicals like those from Earthshade and Blinds Chalet.

I got a sample from Blinds Chalet and was happy with them (these really need a backing unless you want just minimal privacy).

Check to see what the backing is and order samples.

Bamboo blinds come in different looks, and other grasses can be woven into the blinds as well.

Wood Blinds and Shutters

I have not found wooden blinds with a 0-VOC finish since this is so hard to accomplish with something that holds up to UV.

Real wood blinds are also prone to warping. Real solid wood is best used as shutters.

The real wood blinds from Blinds Chalet are very light and thin (Signature 2 inch in Carmelia). I could pick up only very minor offgassing which did come to completion in a few weeks.

All of the thin 2 inch real wood blinds from Blinds Galore were also very low in odor, just like other major brands. Only the very sensitive would be able to pick this up. And with a bit of time this did offgas.

Real wood blinds made of basswood are extremely light. From an aesthetic point of view, they are almost impossible to differentiate from the composites.

Faux Wood

Faux wood blinds are usually PVC, but composite blinds can be made of safer plastics mixed with wood.

The composite sample I got from Blinds Chalet was very low in offgassing (Premier Composite Shutters).

Composite blinds from Blinds Galore don’t explicitly say what kind of polymer (plastic) is used. Some of them are listed as PVC as some do not indicate the type of plastic used.

This brand has an American and Canadian website. I tested Bali wood blinds.

They were extremely low in offgassing.

Aluminum Blinds

Aluminum blinds used to use powder-coated metal which was very safe. You can find some older blinds like this.

But currently, all metal blinds in North America, Asia, and Europe are made with a polyester-based baked-on enamel finish that does offgas in theory.

By the time I have received samples of metals blinds the offgassing has been complete.

I have also seen additives, for example, Hunter Douglas ads an anti-static additive to the coating. This may be something like Teflon (but we don’t actually know what it is), which could offgas as well.

You can find brushed aluminum blinds with no paint or coating, like those from Earthshade (pictured). At some retailers, brushed aluminum does have a coating.

3. Between the Glass Blinds

Between the glass is a really cool option that eliminates the worry of offgassing. 

Here is an example from Pella.

4. Window Screens

Conventional screens are very smelly at first.

They can be left outside to offgas, or aluminum screens can be used instead.

Marvin is one brand that makes aluminum options.

Non-Toxic Blackout Shades

1. Bamboo Shades Blackout Liner

Blinds Chalet blackout liner on the bamboo shades is PVC- free.

Their bamboo is also grown without pesticides and chemicals.

2. Polyester Blackout Curtains

Polyester with no PVC backing will work for many people. It’s not perfect right out of the box, but it doesn’t take long for the chemicals to dissipate.

If you can wash and/or air them out first that will help.

West Elm 100% polyester curtain liner is an extra layer of polyester that goes under their other curtains, they = contain no PVC or foam.

They still have that new fabric smell but will air out with some time. West Elm has been improving their eco-credentials lately. Someone sensitive to chemicals did well with these.

These Eclipse polyester curtains from Amazon do not contain flame retardants, can be washed and aired out, and should be tolerable after washing and airing for most people.

These Sleep Well polyester curtains do not guarantee no flame retardants, but they do claim no chemical fabric coatings. They are 100% polyester and free of PVC. They are washable. You can remove that new fabric smell by washing them. Some have reported these having no smell and others more sensitive still can pick up the new fabric smell.

3. 100% Blackout Shades

Earthshade makes eco blackout shades and rollers that are probably the safest ready-made option on the market.

The blackout roller shades do contain 35 ppb formaldehyde which is produced when pressing the polyester sheets together to laminate them with heat.

The shades have also been processed with bleach. Those are the only two treatments of the fabric.

Generally, my recommendation on formaldehyde (as long as it’s not urea) is to give it 3 months of offgassing. When installed with a proper blackout system these will get you the most light blocking of the list.

4. Something Simple for Light Blocking

Another option to consider is this paper black pleated shade – the company claims in an email they do not give off any hazardous chemicals (I bought the natural color version of this – it has a slight chemical smell and needs to be offgassed only for a short while).

They are not that great at blocking light compared to the other options and you will need to double them up to make a bigger difference. But these are super inexpensive, easy to install quickly, and worked perfectly in my tiny house.

5. DIY Hemp Curtains

Another really safe option (truly the safest) would be to make your own blackout curtains with pesticide-free hemp fabric.

Though it’s difficult to make traditional looking curtains from this thick not very flexible fabric.

6. Cotton Room Darkening Curtains

IKEA Room Darkening Curtains made with 100% cotton are somewhat light blocking.

They should be washed or aired out before using.

Avoid: vinyl roller shades and vinyl mini-blinds, PVC and conventional blackout curtains.

Non-Toxic Window Frame Options

The top choice for green non-toxic window frames is aluminum (thermally broken).

Accoya naturally treated wood can be considered another top choice, though wood is more difficult to upkeep.

Fiberglass and vinyl are the next best choices – they do offgas, but some brands will cure quite quickly or be low enough emissions to not cause any issues.

Non-Accoya wood is treated with pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides and it’s prone to warping and water damage. Let’s look deeper:

1. Metal Window Frames

Aluminum windows in my tiny house

Aluminum windows are the healthiest, safest option. It is what I used in my tiny house (pictured above). On the interior, I added wood framing trim. You can also use decorative moldings around the windows.

I used DYG windows from Canada. Milgard is a popular brand that makes thermally broken all aluminum windows (US and Canada).

High-end aluminum thermally broken window brands include Western, Arcadia, and Fleetwood.

What is used in the windows as a thermal break is blocked by the glass and metal so there is no need to worry about much offgassing. Thermally broken aluminum windows are all aluminum with polyurethane inside.

Non thermally broken aluminum windows are not a good idea to use as they conduct heat and cold and easily condensate. Aluminum clad means there is an exterior of aluminum which usually has wood inside.

The most extremely sensitive clients can pick up the seal, PVC glass stop and some glues used.

The finishes I have seen on aluminum windows are baked-on enamel, resin paints, powder coated and anodized. Some baked-on enamel finishes and paints can offgas, the other two are considered safe.

The gaskets are made out of rubber or PVC.

2. Wooden Window Frames

Wood windows are usually treated with fungicides, pesticides, and insecticides. You could use a sealer that seals those chemicals like AFM Safe Seal, AFM Transitional Primer, or Zinsser Shellac (the Bullseye Shellac is waxed and harder to paint over, the SealCoat is dewaxed and easier to paint over).

Safer Wood

Accoya wood used in some window brands uses a non-toxic process called acetylation to naturally provide rot resistance.

They use no chemical fungicides or mildewcides and they claim this process helps to reduce shrinking and swelling compared to most solid wood windows.

Loewen is one of the brands that uses Accoya wood and allows you to choose your paint brand.

Custom Wood

You could go with totally custom made wood windows, but they are more expensive and you still have to consider what kind of sealer you can tolerate on the inside and outside.

For an exterior sealer see my post on paints and sealers.

Problems with Wooden Windows

All wood (through and through) windows are not a good idea as they do not hold up well to moisture in the long run, Accoya wood claims to have solved this problem.

You can also consider ones that are wood on the inside and a more weather resistant material on the outside if you like the look of wood inside. 

Consider also the glue that is used in conventional wood windows could be irritating for the sensitive person.

Chemical Wood Treatments

Marvin’s wood windows (which have aluminum on the exterior) are treated with TimberTreat pesticide, tebuconazole, and propiconazole fungicides, an unlisted insecticide and mineral oil.

Pella and Anderson also make wood windows that are treated with the same or similar chemicals (they are also aluminum on the exterior).

3. Fiberglass Window Frames

Fiberglass offgasses VOCs and some sensitive people do report reacting to it. Though it may be tolerable for some.

Some types and brands are better than others (in terms of offgassing) and this could result in a preference of fiberglass over vinyl or vice versa.

Marvin’s Ultrex was not tolerated by the very sensitive though some less sensitive have done well with it.

Marvin has two different kinds of fiberglass, one has an acrylic component and one has a polyurethane component. You may find them to be different – with the polyurethane one being better tolerated. Pella fiberglass is tolerated by some sensitive folks.

Kolbe has their own fiberglass called Glastra which is mixed with another polymer (plastic).

4. Vinyl Window Frames

Vinyl is generally not healthy, but since this is a hard plastic, many very sensitive individuals report tolerating it. I did not pick up any offgassing on the vinyl windows I tested (and used in a little camping trailer).

I can pick up the offgassing in some of them used in apartments under one year old. Others have reported reacting with new ones. Some let them offgas for a while before installing.

Personally, with a bit of time to offgas, I find these to be good. Better than fiberglass, but not as good as aluminum.

Fibrex is a PVC and wood composite made by Anderson which some sensitive folks have reported being too high in offgassing for them.

Vinyl Components

Vinyl components can be used in any window frame type. Look into the gasket, window stops, jamb liners and tracks which can all be PVC.  I have seen some companies (like Alpene) replace the PVC stop with aluminum.

More details on Alpine (which makes fiberglass and vinyl windows) and other low toxin “High Performance” windows in this post on Passive Houses.

Window FAQs

What are High-Quality Trusted Window Brands?

High-quality window companies recommended by architects include: Marvin, Kolbe, Anderson, Pella, and Wasco. Alpene for High-Performance windows.

Are Gas-filled Windows Non-Toxic? 

Windows filled with argon or krypton gas have a higher insulative value and both gasses are considered non-toxic.

Are Low-E Coatings Non-Toxic?

The two main types of Low-E coatings are both non-toxic. The “soft coat” is a mechanically applied silver coating that is within a double pane window system. You will have no exposure to the silver. A “hard coat” is a layer of tin oxide that is applied while the glass is still hot. The tin is a more integral part of the glass in this case, and is therefore not a risk.

Sealing Around Windows

Caulking

The first two I would test out are AFM Caulk and silicone. Silicone caulks all have different odors/offgassing and rates of curing. My top pick is a neutral cure silicone – Chemlink. GE is also quite good.

I have a post on caulking that goes into more detail.

Sealing Around the Frame

Plastic backer rod (polyethylene) can be used to seal around windows. This is a non-toxic and odorless alternative to polyurethane canned spray foam.

Many people do tolerate the canned spray foams after some offgassing (give it 24 hours to cure or more). Great Stuff is a common one to find easily online and in stores.

Handi-Foam is another brand, that is certified with Greenguard Gold for more assurance (but I cannot tell the difference between the two).

Some people use wool around windows. I prefer not to have wool around windows. The sealing around windows is meant to be airtight to prevent moisture issues, so wool would not suffice.

Window Flashing

For zero-VOC window flashing use TYPAR AT.

They do not recommend this being used in the rough openings, and it doesn’t fit all building codes.

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Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist Practitioner with 6 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.

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Non-Toxic Kitchen Cabinets: Complete List of Types and Brands

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Conventional Cabinets & VOCs

Conventional cabinets can be a significant source of VOCs in the kitchen – with all of the low and mid-range brands using particleboard or MDF at least in their lower-end lines, which offgas formaldehyde.

There are pressed wood products with no added formaldehyde now, and some cabinet makers mentioned in this post are using these. I don’t always think the alternative glues are better.

The move towards CARB II and GreenGuard Gold has greatly improved the formaldehyde levels in the conventional options in recent years.

Regular plywood-based cabinets (as opposed to particleboard or MDF) offgas quite rapidly, while at the same time more companies are offering formaldehyde-free options.

Paints and varnishes are not likely to be zero-VOC unless that is stated. But the brands here are offering natural finishes, custom finishes, or factory cured finishes which I found to be almost no VOC.

You may opt to finish them yourself with non-toxic sealers or non-toxic paint.

The best option for most people is the mid-range brands with the right healthy upgrades.

If you need assistance choosing the best cabinets for your sensitivities, please contact me for a one-on-one consultation. 

Healthy Cabinet Brands – Listed by Material 

Healthy cabinets could be made of solid wood, plywood, pressed wood without added formaldehyde, or metal.

Sometimes glass or MgO board can be used.

Of course, some are sensitive to the terpenes of wood, and wood can also pick up and hold onto secondary odors so I have included non-wood options on the list.

The cabinets in my tiny house are solid wood, but the reason cabinets are made of engineered wood products is that solid wood can warp in the kitchen.

1. Non-Toxic Metal Cabinet Brands

There are companies that make metal kitchen cabinets, and they can look quite cool:

Photo via imdcabinets.com

Bertolini (affordable, 100% metal).

Fadior makes stainless steel cabinets. The cabinets are made of all stainless with aluminum reinforcements, no wood or PVC.

IMD has no wood and no adhesives (North America and Europe).

Pedini (high-end) Italian company that was at the forefront of green cabinetry. They offer some metal options.

When shopping for metal cabinets you want to see if there are any non-metal components and what those are.

2. Healthy Solid Wood Cabinets

healthycabinetmakers.com

Healthy Cabinet Makers make solid wood cabinets aimed at the chemically sensitive.

It’s rare to find cabinets made out of solid wood, so I would certainly go with a company that has expertise with this type of construction. Even the boxes are solid wood.

Solid wood can be prone to warping in high humidity (if not constructed well by a specialty company like this).

This company also has a commitment to healthy finishes.

3. Low-VOC and Formaldehyde-Free Cabinets

Photo via kerfdesign.com

i. KERF makes modern looking cabinets out of Purebond (formaldehyde-free) plywood which has a zero-VOC finish. The edges are finished with Osmo which I review here.

ii. Neil Nelly Cabinets makes low-VOC wooden cabinets with no-added-formaldehyde cases/drawers (Purebond Plywood). They use low-VOC glues, adhesives, and finishes. You can ask them about a no-VOC finish option.

iii. Executive Cabinetry offers a choice between regular plywood and Purebond (no added formaldehyde plywood).

crystalcabinets.com

iv. Another very popular brand is Crystal Cabinets. They can use standard plywood or Purebond plywood (no added formaldehyde) for the boxes. They have an option for low emitting finishes, or you can finish them yourself.

You can also have them finish them for you with the varnish of your choice (though that option is fairly expensive).

Non-toxic cabinets finishes are listed here, and non-toxic cabinet paints here.

This is often the top pick for many in the high-end green market.

v. Bellmont Cabinetry offers a line called EcoCore that is melamine over a no added urea-formaldehyde particleboard (meaning it’s made with only phenol-formaldehyde). Their veneer plywood is a safer choice. They have doors that are solid wood (for stained finish only).

vi. Taylor Made Cabinets offers custom no added formaldehyde cabinets, with plywood boxes and solid wood drawers and doors. Their MDF is made without formaldehyde.

vii. Royal Cabinets makes a line called Green Leaf that is made with no added formaldehyde materials (solid wood fronts are an option) and low-VOC finishes.

viii. Barker Cabinets offers RTA cabinets made with Purebond plywood for the boxes. The raised panel doors (Windsor, Seattle, etc.) are made of solid wood panels (no MDF).

ix. PureKitchen uses Purebond Plywood for the boxes. They made a door style with plywood and solid wood (not MDF). The paint is Sherwin Williams Chem Aqua Plus.

  • Some of the same companies that make kitchen cabinets also make non-toxic bathroom vanities and closets.
  • Here is a company making solid wood closets.

4. Fully Custom-Made Cabinets

Custom cabinets are usually made by local craftsmen. This is usually the highest-end option. But for me in my tiny house, we kept it really simple with basic cabinets made by my carpenter builder.

Cabinets can be made with a combination of solid wood, plywood, Purebond (formaldehyde-free plywood), or formaldehyde-free particleboard.

Purebond plywood is made of “soy glue” which for some people is preferred over regular plywood.

Personally, I would have no problem using either plywood made with phenol-formaldehyde (which offgasses quickly and fully) or the formaldehyde-free alternatives.

Drawers can be made of mostly metal.

My cabinets, pictured, are custom made with solid wood on the doors/face. MgO was used for the boxes (a highly unusual choice!). IKEA ready-made metal drawers were used with MgO as the base of the drawer.

The wood did warp a little in my kitchen (this was poplar wood).

Some ideas to cut down on costs (while keeping the cabinets low in toxicity):

  • Use shelves instead of upper cabinets – either wood, glass, or metal.
  • Salvage cabinets and countertops from demolitions as they may have off-gassed or you may find metal ones.
  • DIY simple open shelving below the counter made of solid wood, concrete, tadelakt, metal, or glass.
  • Metal and glass cabinets you can custom make or make yourself – here is a description and instructions from Build a Healthy House. IKEA also offers some mostly glass options.
  • Incorporate affordable metal drawers or shelves inside of cabinets (like my IKEA parts).

5. Non-Toxic Big Brand Cabinets

KraftMaid Cabinets www.kraftmaid.com

i. KraftMaid Cabinets (Lowes and Home Depot)

KraftMaid cabinets are a great mid-range semi-custom option.

They offer all plywood cabinets boxes as an upgrade. The shelves are also plywood. Most plywood now quickly offgasses to completion. It’s a far better choice than particleboard.

The drawer sides are solid wood, with a plywood base.

The doors are solid hardwood frames with solid or veneer center panels, or laminate doors.

I like solid wood as my top choice followed by laminate doors.

You can order samples for $3 each to see the finishes. I personally found that the painted lacquer finish hit odorless very quickly, within days. I don’t think any instrument would pick up offgassing off these at that time. They said the samples are always newly produced.

The clear finished seemed even better to me right away.

KraftMaid cabinets cost you anywhere from $100 to $300 per linear square foot.

Merillat Cabinets

Merillat and Kraftmaid are owned by the same company, and Merrillat’s best line, their Masterpiece, is the exact same product as Kraftmaid.

Kraftmaid finishes

Other Home Depot Brands

Many folks have reported doing well with Thomasville brand cabinets from Home Depot.

iii. IKEA Cabinets

IKEA is obviously a very affordable ready to assemble (RTA) option.

From IKEA, the lacquered VEDDINGE cabinets and melamine-faced cabinets are preferred because those finishes block some offgassing.

The KUNGSBACKA cabinet fronts and side panels are made of PET plastic wrapped around particle board, which is also a great way to block offgassing from the particleboard.

More on that below.

Formaldehyde Levels in Big Box Store Cabinets

Many people are finding that since CARB II came into effect, which drastically reduced formaldehyde in nationwide brands, regular cabinets work fine for them.

You may want to compare some of the brands at IKEA and Home Depot. If you find GreenGuard Gold certification you know it’s extremely low formaldehyde.

With most particleboard and MDF, the main adhesive is formaldehyde. You can see the typical levels in the chart in this post.

I would avoid MDF and particleboard, opting for brands that offer an upgrade to all plywood boxes and solid wood doors.

My second choice after that is a melamine or laminate finish which blocks most of the formaldehyde.

Melamine Versus Laquer – Which is Safer?

IKEA has two main finishes on the doors.

Melamine is one option. This is a plastic exterior that is fairly thick and does not have noticeable offgassing.

The other option is the painted (lacquered) finish. This is made with a base of particleboard.

Lacquer paints do have some ability to seal in offgassing, but this doesn’t block the formaldehyde as well as the melamine or laminate does.

How to Block & Seal in Formaldehyde

In cabinets with a melamine or plastic laminate finish on the outside (like many IKEA cabinets) this does block most of the formaldehyde offgassing.

If the edges are sealed in by the finish, that is even better.

If the edges are not sealed with melamine, the formaldehyde offgassing from the edges can be sealed with AFM Safeseal or Zinsser Shellac. You should also seal up the unused shelving holes with shellac as well.

If you go with the lacquered finish you can seal the edges with Safeseal or Shellac.

Metal and Glass Cabinet Components from IKEA

The IKEA drawers have metal sides which is a great feature. The fiberboard base can be swapped out for another material.

IKEA also sells glass cabinet drawers and glass shelves for inside cabinets. The JUTIS line is metal and glass.

I used their metal drawers and metal corner cabinet shelving in my tiny house and put my own fronts on them.

You can really cut down on costs and toxin exposure but using many IKEA parts.

If you want to dig down deeper into materials – my post on Laminate, Melamine, and Thermafoil goes into more detail.

6. Plastic Kitchen Cabinets

werever.com

Non-toxic outdoor kitchen cabinets can be made of polyethylene or metal. The above cabinets are from Werever Outdoor Cabinets.

Folks who have not found a suitable material in the indoor options might use the outdoor styles inside. You could, of course, use these outside as intended, as well.

One benefit here is you might find modular options in this category quickly and easily at big box stores.

One company, Reform, which makes doors and accessories to fit on the IKEA base cabinet frames, makes a solid polyethylene (HDPE) door line called MATCH. That would be an awesome option for many sensitive folks. You would need to check out the above section on IKEA to see if the base cabinets could suit you.

If you need assistance choosing the best cabinets, countertops and other kitchen items for your sensitivities, please contact me for a one-on-one consultation. 

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Truly Non-Toxic Paints, Vetted by the Chemically Sensitive

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Which Paints are Truly Safe?

There is a myriad of paints claiming to be “green” or zero-VOC, but most don’t list their ingredients, others list the main components, while some only list what has to be legally disclosed on a safety data sheet (SDS).

This post covers interior wall paints and primers, metal paints, cabinet paints, and floor paints.

VOC-Free Paint

We know that zero-VOC is a legal term and does not always mean it really has no VOCs (chemically).

Keep in mind there are products that are higher in VOCs that will “flash off” and cure quickly, while other low-VOC, or even zero-VOC, formulations can take longer to cure.

Exempt VOCs, meaning those that are not counted in that term legally, include ammonia and acetone.

Other Chemicals of Concern: APEs

Apart from VOCs, alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), which are surfactants used in acrylic paints, can disrupt the hormone system.

Preservatives & Mildewcide

All paints except Milk Paint have preservatives. A few brands in the post disclose which ones they use. With others, we can only guess based on the list of commonly used preservatives/mildewcides.

Chemical Sensitivities

Those who are chemically sensitive should test multiple brands for tolerance after looking through the ingredients and reviewing what works best for the most severely sensitive folks.

In my view, a truly eco-friendly paint is zero-VOC at two weeks’ time but is also ideally low VOC and low odor when wet.

This post contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

There are two main categories of safe healthy paint:

1. Acrylic Paint (often called latex paint)

This is the most common type of paint used in homes. The main binder is of course acrylic. This is widely used due to the ease of application and durability against water and stains.

I list my top picks in the acrylic-latex category with a price comparison.

2. Mineral Paint

This category includes paints that have a more natural base. This category is very diverse. Mineral paints include silicate paints, clay-based paints, lime paint or lime wash, chalk paint, and milk paint.

I have a separate post dedicated to those mineral paints!

Top Picks for Interior Acrylic Paint

What is “latex paint”? This is a general term that means acrylic paint. Paint used to contain styrene-butadiene rubber (synthetic latex). Standard use acrylic paints do not contain this ingredient today. Though only some paints are made with a 100% acrylic binder and some contain polyvinyl acetate (PVA).

1. ECOS Paints

ECOS primers and paints are zero-VOC and are certainly the most popular paint for the chemically sensitive.

Like most paints, they are zero-VOC after 14 days of curing under normal conditions.

This paint is highly tolerable and is my go-to pick for both healthy and chemically sensitive folks in 99% of cases.

This is the only synthetic paint I know of that releases its ingredient list in full, so they are the most transparent.

It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t do well with ECOS, though the extremely sensitive need to air it out longer and may want to test out a number of brands as well as the more natural mineral options to see which one works best.

The paint performs well, has good pigments (great ability to color match), and good coverage.

Free of mildewcide: They removed mildewcides from the formula in 2017, however, they do use 1-hydroxy-2-pyridinethione as a preservative. 

Free of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs).

Note: Both Lullaby Paints and Quiet Home Paints are both ECOS brand paint. Though Quiet Home is $12 more per gallon because they have “curated colors”. This is the exact same product as ECOS paint (and ECOS claims they can match any color).

Cost and Where to Buy:

You can buy it online from their website. It’s $65 a gallon with free shipping over $100 in the US. They sell samples, 3 for $10, including shipping.

They ship to everywhere in the US as well as Canada and Mexico.

In the UK this brand is called Lakeland Paints.

2. AFM Safecoat Zero-VOC Paint 

Tintable to thousands of colors. Safecoat is 0-VOC with no-VOC colorants. (Though the primer is low-VOC).

This is a well-known brand that has been around for longer than most others.

It does not have as good coverage as ECOS.

They make it a focus to have no hazardous air pollutants (HAPS) – since “zero VOC” means it can still contain some hazardous substances.

This brand makes fantastic products, but the paint is not usually my top pick, especially for the severely sensitive. Though you may want to use AFM Transitional Primer and their paint to seal in offgassing since it does a better job at sealing in offgassing than other brands.

The preservative is an isothiazolinone (BIT).

This is an acrylic paint. The Pearl sheen also contains PVA.

Cost and Where to Buy:

You can buy this online. It’s $64 a gallon +  shipping. You can buy samples here for $6 each. They ship to the US and Canada.

3. Mythic Paint

This was the fan-favorite before they went out of business in North America. This paint is still available in the UK with some use in Asia.

In attempting to track the sale of this formula in North America I looked at a few possibilities:

A commenter believes American Pride (by the same parent company as Mythic) may be similar, though the company was not responsive to attempts to contact them.

ECOS, the new fan favorite, is tolerated as well as Mythic was. This is definitely my pick for a replacement paint. I have heard from multiple industry sources that the same scientist was involved in both brands, but there is sufficient evidence that they are not the same formula.

Much Smarter Paint claims to have Mythic matched, but that appears to be a marketing statement, it is not a statement about the formula. I don’t know that this company has any basis to say that they matched the formula.

It is my understanding that none of these companies bought the formula.

Costs and Where to Buy:

You can buy American Pride in select stores in the southern United States.

Much Smarter Paints you can buy online. The smallest quantity is a quart for $17. It’s $50 a gallon + shipping (only ships within the US).

These two are smaller brands and I’m not convinced they have ECOS beat, but everyone is different, so you may still prefer them. You can buy ECOS paint online.

4. Durasoy

This paint is a little different. Although it’s an acrylic paint, the acrylic is naturally-derived (and not from petrochemicals).

Green Planet Paints is a similar type of paint, also made with a bio-acrylic binder.

Costs and Where to Buy:

You can purchase Durasoy online through their website. It’s $45 a gallon plus shipping.

Green Planet Paints also sells their paint online through their website. It’s $50 a gallon.

The most common preservatives in paint include isothiazolinones and/or pyrithione zinc.

5. Benjamin Moore 

Benjamin Moore makes a number of zero-VOC paints, one of the original non-toxic paint lines is their Natura.

It is high-quality, and comes in great colors.

It does contain a mildewcide (isothiazolinone). It is free of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs).

Natura is being phased out in March 2021 so grab some quick if this is your favorite paint.

They have many more zero-VOC lines added now, like Regal Select and ben. The company reps claim that their Eco Spec is the closest paint to Natura.

If you want something you can go out and buy from a store right now or on Amazon, this might be your best option.

Costs and Where to Buy:

Benjamin Moore stores can be found all over the US and Canada. You can buy samples online – samples only ship to the US.

Costs per gallon: Natura $80, Regal Select $70, ben $60.

6. Sherwin Williams Harmony 

Sherwin Williams Harmony is another easy to source zero-VOC paint with zero-VOC pigments.

This paint claims to reduce formaldehyde. Based on patents by this company, it’s likely this paint contains sodium bicarbonate, zeolite, and possibly cyclodextrin.

It does have a mildewcide/preservative which is not disclosed.

Sherwin Willians ProMar 200 and their EcoSelect are other affordable lines that are zero-VOC.

Most Sherwin Williams lines are confirmed free of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs).

In terms of a durable enamel paint, ProClassic Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel has been reported by moderately sensitive folks to offgas relatively quickly.

Costs and Where to Buy:

You can buy this at Sherwin Williams paint stores. Sherwin Williams color samples that you can buy online are not the real paint, you have to get this in-store to sample the paint itself.

Some SW lines have quart sizes, but Harmony does not come in quart size.

Harmony $60 per gallon (sometimes on sale online for $42), ProMar $70.

7. Dunn Edwards

Spartazero is zero-VOC with zero-VOC pigments. Their Everest is also no-VOC and has a HPD that reveals all ingredients.

They are free of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) and the mildewcide/preservative is a isothiazolinone.

Let me know if you have any feedback on it.

If you like to buy local, support smaller companies, and you have this near you, you may want to test it.

Costs and Where to Buy:

You can find this at smaller chain hardware and paint stores. The cost is $50 per gallon.

8. Valspar Simplicity

Valspar Simplicity line is the most affordable of the zero-VOC non-toxic paints, and it is wildly available.

Because it’s so affordable this could be a good option when you need to convince a property owner or management company to use a healthier paint.

Costs and Where to Buy:

It’s available at Lowes in the US and Canada. It starts at $26 USD/gallon in the US and is only $18 CAD/gallon in Canada.

9. Farrow & Ball

Despite being just slightly over the threshold for what is considered zero-VOC, Farrow & Ball in my opinion is the most tolerable paint in this section.

It is much lower in offgassing and odor when wet than any other paint I have tried.

This is a good reminder that VOC levels don’t always correspond to how good a product is in reality.

This is partially because there can be exempt VOCs in paint, because the rate of offgassing can vary greatly, and because we are all different in which chemicals are the most triggering.

This to me, seems to be the safest paint when wet in the conventional category. And it also cured quicky.

The binder in this paint is a vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer (PVA). It does contain isothiazolinones.

It’s extremely similar to BioShield paint, in my opinion, but it is much easier to apply.

Costs and Where to Buy:

This UK based company has stockists around the world. You can order online with paint shipping out from the US, UK, France and Germany to most countries around the world. A sample pot is $8.

It’s pricy at $110 a gallon. No delivery charge.

Honorable mention: as of 2021 almost all big brands have a zero or close to zero-VOC paint. Delux brand, available all around the world has a close to zero-VOC formula and Behr has one now as well. Clare is a new online brand of no-VOC paint that sells peel and stick color swatches. Some of their paints contain mineral oil.

Eco-Friendly Paint Price Comparison

BRANDCOST PER GALLON (USD)IS SHIPPING INCLUDED
ECOS$65Over $100, yes
AFM Safecoat$64No, unless you buy in store
Much Smarter Paints$50No
Durasoy$45No
Envirosafe$44No
Farrow & Ball$110Yes
Ben Moore Natura$80Buy in store
Ben Moore REGAL select$59-70Buy in store
Ben Moore ben$60Buy in Store
Sherwin Williams Promar$70Buy in Store
Sherwin Williams Harmony$60Buy in Store
Dunn Edwards$50Buy in Store
Valspar Simplicity$26Buy in Store

Natural Mineral Paints for Interior Walls

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is bioshield-1.png
  • 1. RomaBio is the only one that is technically called a “mineral paint”, which means it’s a silicate-based breathable paint. Although lime is the filler, this paint is still a mostly synthetic paint, which to my nose was even higher in offgassing than ECOS.
  • 2. BioShield is one of my top picks in this more natural category. The binder in this paint is PVA. It has a high percentage of natural ingredients, the least amount of concerning additives, and the lowest odor. The extremely sensitive usually do well with this brand. All ingredients are disclosed. However, Farrow and Ball is just as tolerable, easier to access, easier to apply, and in my experience, more durable.
  • 3. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint was also surprisingly low odor. I really liked this paint and it seemed very non-toxic to me. It has great coverage and does not need a primer on most surfaces. Though in contrast to BioShield, we don’t know much about what is in this paint.
  • 4. Milk Paint is another one that should be in this category. True milk paint is 100% natural (the only paint that is 100% natural and biodegradable). It comes in a powder and is made of casein, lime, clay, and pigments. Over new drywall, it does not require a primer. For durability, it needs a topcoat, which would be a natural oil, wax or varnish.

If you want to see what these four actually look like see my post on natural paints.

Non-Toxic Interior Wall Primers

  • 3. ECOS makes great zero-VOC primers (no mildewcide). Their general wall primer is used on new drywall, and wood primers. I like their Air Purifying Primer (APP) which is low odor. The APP primer has a similar level of odor to the low luster paint.
  • This primer contains zeolite which absorbs VOCs, and I believe this is bringing down the odor of the primer itself (I doubt it can do anymore to absorb odors in the room). Their Stain Blocking Primer sample arrived solid when I ordered it, though it did seem higher odor than APP. This would be used on woods with high tannins, for example.
  • Their Universal Primer is the one with the strongest bonding power. You can use this on more difficult to prime surfaces like vinyl, stained wood and metal. ECOS is my top brand here if you don’t mind ordering online.
  • 4. Sherwin Williams Promar 200 is a zero-VOC primer (no mildewcide).
  • 5. Benjamin Moore – Natura Primer is zero-VOC. That one is being phased out. The Ultra Spec 500 is a good zero-VOC primer that works on new drywall.

Non-Toxic Metal Primers

  • 1. AFM MetalCoat Primer is a low-VOC formula that can be used on interior and exterior metal including galvanized steel, aluminum, and non-ferrous metal.
  • 3. Tung oil can be used to rustproof some types of steel. More on tung oil in a dedicated post. If you prefer an all-natural solution, this might work for you.
  • 4. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint can be used over some metals as a primer. I really liked this paint, despite a lack of transparency on what is in it. I discuss that paint in the mineral paint post. Rustoleum Chalked also works over metal and you can find it on Amazon and Home Depot. It’s slightly higher odor than Annie Sloan (but cheaper!).

Non-Toxic Kitchen Cabinet Paint

  • 1. AFM Safecoat Ecolacq is an acrylic lacquer that works particularly well on cabinets. Ecolacq line has a primer and needs to be sprayed on to cabinets to get a professional look.
  • 2. Annie Sloan Paint works particularly well on cabinets – and it usually doesn’t need prep or primer (though you really should sand first). You do have to finish it with a topcoat. I look more deeply into Annie Sloan in my mineral paint post.
  • 3. Farrow & Ball’s Full Gloss paint works well on cabinets. This is my favorite zero- VOC paint brand. It is easy to wipe down and wash with a 95-percent gloss.

Non-Toxic Floor Paint

  • 1. Farrow and Ball makes a floor primer. Their Modern Eggshell line is then used on top of that. This works on wood and concrete floors. More info on substrate prep on their site.
  • 2. ECOS Paints Floor Paint is formulated for wood and concrete floors. Their Porch & Floor Paint which is more durable is made for exterior and interior concrete floors (not wood!).
  • 3. AFM Safecoat Concrete Floor Paint – This is acrylic paint with PVA. It’s mostly used on concrete floors, but there are some conditions in which you can use it on wood.

Related posts:

PS. This less-toxic paint stripper comes highly recommended by sensitive folks.

Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist Practitioner with 7 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.

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Guide to Non-Toxic Flooring 2021

by 258 Comments

Updated Summer 2021

The best options are real hardwood, polished concrete, and tile. But specific brands of natural linoleum, carpet, and engineered wood are excellent choices as well.

There are many choices for non-toxic flooring suitable for the chemically sensitive or the health-conscious homeowner.

I will look at a few options that are still non-toxic, but not quite as healthy, like luxury vinyl plank, laminate, cork, and bamboo.

If you need assistance choosing the best floor for your sensitivities, budget and area of the house, please contact me for a one-on-one consultation. 

[Read more…] about Guide to Non-Toxic Flooring 2021

Non-Toxic Insulation: A Complete Guide

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There are so many excellent choices for non-toxic, healthy, green insulation, there should be one to fit everyone’s needs.

Look out for Greenwashing

There are many new options that claim to be “green” “soy-based” or are formaldehyde-free – this does not mean that they are VOC-free or safe. Look very closely at what’s in it. Also, flame retardants and mildewcides are not counted as VOCs.

Green Certified?

On top of that, certifications are not that useful: almost every insulation now qualifies as GreenGuard Gold, which for sensitive folks is not enough information.

The post includes the best of green non-toxic insulation and includes a cost comparison as of 2020.

What is the Safest Insulation?

Well, that depends. Technically, the options with no offgassing and no additives are the purest. But the natural odors in the organic options might not agree with everyone. Neither will the cost or availability.

Mineral wool is my top pick for most people, in most cases, because it’s simple in its composition and comes to a complete cure, leaving a 0 VOC product.

The types are outlined below organized by where they are used in the home, and in the order in which I would consider them in.

I recommend all of the products here, some products have affiliate programs and some do not. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission through affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

For assistance with choosing the best insulation for your needs, sensitivities, and budget, you can contact me for a one-on-one consult. 

Options Used in Wood Framed Houses

1. Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass is the most common insulation used in standard stick-framed houses in Canada and the US. For this reason, I am starting here. It’s not actually my top pick in the batts category.

You can use it between wooden studs of a house, between floor joists and in the attic. It is used in many trailers, but I don’t recommend that.

This option has improved dramatically in recent years, and the following brands are now extremely low in VOCs.

Formaldehyde-Free Fiberglass Brands:

1. Knauf EcoBatt is recommended by many extremely sensitive folks who could not tolerate polystyrene, cotton, or wool. They are formaldehyde-free and their declare label lists all ingredients down to 100 ppm.

2. Owens Corning Ecotouch fiberglass insulation has GreenGuard GreenGuard Gold certification. The binder is formaldehyde-free and “made from widely available plant materials”, according to the company. All ingredients except the pink dye are listed. The patent can be found here.

3. Certainteed Fiberglass insulation is also made with a plant-based binder.

4. Johns Manville Fiberglass insulation is GreenGuard Gold and uses a formaldehyde-free acrylic binder. A patent by the company that is likely related to this product can be found here.

What are BioBinders in Fiberglass Insulation?

We don’t know much about what bio binders actually are, but by looking at this patent you can tell that they look mostly safe. However, it’s hard to zero in on what it is.

There are some preservatives in there, and when they use a biobased binder it looks like they are adding a biocide. (According to patents the acrylic binders might also use biocides, but which type is unknown).

Are there Flame Retardants in Fiberglass?

Fiberglass insulation is made with boron but I don’t see any other flame retardant added, especially in the batts that do not have paper backing, and in the spray in type.

Neither Declare labels nor the companies’ patents suggest flame retardants. Pharos also does not list flame retardants as a component.

Blow-in fiberglass that I have looked at recently contains borates, soda ash, lime, siloxanes/silicates/silane, mineral oil, and an unknown anti-static additive.

Owens Corning unbonded loose-fill and Knauf Jetstream Ultra look similar. A client reported a “strong smell” from JM Climate Pro Fiberglass blow in, but I don’t see the ingredients for that one, so I cannot compare it to the other two.

  • R-Value
    • 3.5 inches is R-11-R-15.
  • Cost USD (2020)
    • Knaff Ecobatt is 0.49/sq ft and you can buy it at Home Depot or through your contractor.

2. Mineral Wool Insulation

Mineral wool is my top choice for batt insulation. It is in widespread use by builders who build green or high-quality homes and is the most obvious alternative to fiberglass. It is also easy to source.

  • The batts can be used between wood studs anywhere in the house.
  • It’s very good at staying in place with compression fitting, so it fits well between framing.
  • It fits and holds up well in ceiling joists.
  • It can be used in an attic if detailed really well and if you don’t do well with any of the blown-in options.
  • It can be used on basements walls.

Non-Toxic Mineral Wool Brands

1. Rockwool (formerly Roxul) is the most common and accessible mineral wool insulation.

They have a newer version called AFB evo, that does not contain formaldehyde. The binder is an undisclosed polymer (a plastic, likely acrylic), it also contains mineral oil. It’s much harder to source than their standard batts.

The standard Rockwool ComfortBatt does contain phenol-formaldehyde which will cure completely and quite quickly if it’s not already cured by the time it gets to you.

Rockwool ComfortBatt is the type for perimeter exterior walls, Safe N Sound, their soundproofing version is for interior walls, and ComfortBoard is exterior insulation (outside of the sheathing). All three contain the same binders/additives: <3% phenol-formaldehyde, <1% starch, and <0.2% mineral oil Source.

You could try both options (the regular and AFB evo), but there are few situations in which the regular Rockwool does not work for someone after airing it out for a short time.

2. Thermafiber by Owens Corning is a brand that has a regular phenol-formaldehyde line and a formaldehyde-free line (you will see the letters FF), which usually has to be special ordered through a store. They also have a blown-in option as well.

3. American Rockwool is a brand that is harder to source (in 2020 they stalled production). The company claims no chemical additives or binders, and that would be a bonus for the extremely sensitive. They also have a blown-in option.

Other Info

An easy way to cut through mineral wool is with an electric carving knife.

This insulation has good soundproofing qualities. The Safe n Sound version can be used on interior walls for soundproofing between rooms.

The fibers can cause a contact allergy if you are not using gloves, but the insulation itself is hypoallergenic for most people.

  • R-Value
    • 3.5 inches is R-15.
  • Cost USD (2020) 
    • $0.95/ sq ft for Rockwool (Comfortbatt, 3.5 inch)
  • Where to Buy
    • You can find Rockwool and Thermafiber at hardware stores across the US and Canada, or through your contractor.

3. Wool Batt (and Blow-In) Insulation

Havelock Wool Insulation via www.havelockwool.com

Less common and more expensive, wool batting might be the next insulation type to consider if you want a non-fiberglass option and you have ruled out mineral wool.

It can be used between wood-framed walls and in the attic floor.

Top Brands of Wool Insulation

1. Havelock Wool has no synthetic fibers and no binders. It’s only wool and boric acid. They provide a Declare Label for all of their ingredients. This is the purest of the wool options (and really the most natural insulation all around).

It’s definitely a favorite in the environmentally sensitive community. You can buy it online which makes it the most accessible option.

2. Oregon Shepard adds boric acid, sodium pentaborate dehydrate, and a proprietary component that includes a natural protein, last I checked with them.

3. Black Mountain NatuWool which is 95% wool and 5% polyester binder and is treated with borax.

Blown-in Wool Insulation

The purest option here will be the blow-in wool insulation.

Some extremely sensitive folks have done well with Oregon Shepard blow-in and another extremely sensitive person did well with Havelock loose-fill. I tested Havelock and found that it did have a noticeable wooly smell, though others have barely noticed it.

The natural oils of the wool have an odor that may not work for some sensitive people, although it is not an additive or chemical smell.

While none of them claim organic certification, wool is one of the purest options.

As for borax/boric acid, I’m mostly concerned about inhalation, ingestion, and absorption through touching eyes and mouth. I’m not very concerned about it once it’s behind the wall.

  • R-Value
    • Wool in batts has R-13.7 in 3.5 inches
      Blow in dense-pack R-value: can be 15.3 in 3.5 inches
  • Cost USD (2020)
    • Havelock Loose Fill is $1.97/sq ft
      Havelock Batts is $1.62/sq ft
  • Where to Buy

4. Recycled Cotton Batt

Ultratouch Insulation is what my builder used in my chemical-free tiny home. If you rule out fiberglass and mineral wool, this would be something else to consider.

It used to be made from new denim scraps, but they have moved to recycled denim now. It does contain boric and ammonium sulfate and an olefin binding fiber (similar to rayon).

You have to test for your own sensitivities. I became more sensitive to fabric treatments after I moved into my house (and I had the type made from new scraps).

I would not use this insulation again due to its poor ability to hold itself tight in the walls, the potential for mold if it gets wet, and the slight odor I picked up.

It can be used between wood-framed walls though it does not hold itself up well in ceilings/between floor joists, especially compared to mineral wool. I personally would not use it in a basement.

  • Other Info
    • Wear an N95 mask while cutting and installing as it does get extremely dusty when working with it.
  • R-Value 
    • For the 3.5” thickness, you get an R-Value of 13
  • Cost USD (2020) 
    • $0.79/sq ft
  • Where to Buy
    • This had to be special ordered when I built my house. Now, you can buy it at Lowes and Home Depot.

5. Hemp Insulation

Hemp insulation is the newest alternative insulation in the North American market. It’s been used for much longer in Europe.

I think it is very promising. It’s harder to source and more expensive than some of the other options in this category, but it could be really great for someone who wants something natural and who hasn’t done well with the other options above.

Brands

1. Thermo-Hemp out of Europe was one of the first brands.

2. NatuHemp Semi-Rigid panels are available in the UK and Canada. Canadian NatuHemp, which can be shipped throughout Canada and the US, is made of 88% hemp fiber and 12% polyester fiber, with no chemical binders and no off-gassing (they claim).

3. HempWool is 92% wool and 8% polyester. It’s available through their website and ships within the US (not to Canada).

Companies have been coming and going out of business rapidly in the hemp insulation industry.

Ask them what they add to it, apart from hemp: alternate fibers, binders, flame retardants, and if it’s organic. And always test a sample first!

  • R-Value
    • It is R-13 for 3.5 inches
  • Cost USD (2020)
    • NatuHemp is $1.80/sq ft
      Sunstrand batt is $1/sq ft
  • Where to Buy
    • Contact the companies on where to source it.

Blown-In Insulation

1. Cellulose

Recycled cellulose is an option often slated for those with chemical sensitivity. It is a blown-in insulation made with recycled newspaper that contains a fire repellent like boric acid.

Newspapers are made with “soy-based” inks but they still contain many other chemicals in the inks apart from soy, and there are additional additives in the insulation, usually mineral oil.

Dense packed cellulose is often used in Passive House design, which have great attention to details around moisture management and green healthy materials.

It is used in both walls and attics.

Safe Brands of Cellulose Insulation

1. Greenfiber brand from Lowes and Home Depot is 85% recycled newspaper. It contains boric acid, sodium poly borate, sodium tetraborate pentahydrate, amylopectin, and mineral oil.

2. Ecocell makes batts that are a mix of cellulose and cotton. It also contains PET plastic, very small amounts of boric acid, as well as sodium poly borate, and ammonium sulfate. You can find this insulation without ammonium sulfate – that may be special order. This used to be sold at Home Depot but now it’s not clear where to source it.

3. Weathershield brand by Rona in Canada.

  • R-Value 
    • 13.3 for 3.5 inches
  • Cost USD (2020)
    • $0.32/sq ft

2. AirKrete Cementitious Insulation

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5S7DjoBMSk/

AirKrete is a cementitious blown-in insulation that claims to be VOC-free. It has passed the “sleep next to it test” of many an MCS patient.

The company, however, has declined to participate in the industry-standard VOC test as well as the proper R-value test, so there is some doubt around this product’s claims.

We don’t know what the undisclosed 2% of this product’s ingredients are, but many with severe chemical sensitivities have chosen to go with this option and done well with it.

Because it is a foam, it will get into all the cracks and crevices and therefore give you a higher “real life” R-Value than the batts.

Some people have reported shrinking, crumbling, and trouble drying. Here is the source for the concerns.

Paula Baker-Laport continues to recommend this insulation, so I’m assuming that many are still doing well with it.

It can be used in walls and roofs. (Consult with an architect when designing an unvented roof).

Non-organic options like AirKrete are more likely to be hypoallergenic.

  • R-Value
    • R-13 for 3.5 inches
  • Cost USD
    • Around $2.25/sq ft including installation costs
  • Where to Source
    • You would have to check to see if you have a certified installer in your area before proceeding.

3. Real wool, mineral wool, and fiberglass

These three insulation types can be blown in as well. Fiberglass (pictured) is the most common blown-in insulation, followed by cellulose. Mineral wool and real wool blown-in are less common but are healthier choices.

Brand names in those respective sections. 

Exterior Insulation for Houses 

1. Styrofoam/Rigid Foam

i. Polyisocyanurate “Polyiso” Foam Board Insulation

Polyiso is one of the insulation types that is used on the exterior side of sheathing.

Typical current blowing agents for polyiso are CO2 and pentane. There is some “thermal drift”, meaning the blowing agents offgas over time. The offgassing is extremely minimal.

This is going to become a very common exterior insulation as building codes move to require exterior insulation.

It can be used in trailers and metal structures as well.

Flame retardants are a bigger concern than trace pentane. The most common flame retardant is TCPP. It’s best to look for brands that use a phosphate-based FR instead of TCPP, as it’s safer.

Though the foil does block the FR, the edges are unsealed and it will never be perfect.

Healthy Brands of Polyiso Foam Insulation

1. Johns Manville Foil Faced Polyiso has been the most popular brand among those who are sensitive, but they have discontinued Energy 3E, which was the one made without TCPP (it used organo-phosphorus FR instead).

2. GAF polyiso EnergyGuard-NH uses a halogen-free flame retardant (which is phosphate-based, like Energy 3E was). “Unlike TCPP, the flame retardant becomes part of the polymer backbone of the insulation—so there is no free flame retardant that can leach out, according to GAF’s director of sustainability Martin Grohman. TCPP, by contrast, is not chemically bonded to the polyiso polymer, so it can more readily escape.” Source

3. ZIP System R-Sheathing is the Huber Zip OSB sheathing, polyiso and weather-resistant barrier all in one. Though you can use the above two brands as exterior insulation on the outside of the plywood or OSB, “ZIP-R”, as this type is normally called, integrates it into the sheathing, on the interior side.

  • R-Value 
    • Technically it’s R-6/ inch but it’s really about R-5.6/inch over its lifespan because it loses R-Value over time. It also loses R-value the colder it gets.
  • Cost by R-Value (R6)
    • R-6 is $0.60 / sq ft

ii. Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)

XPS (extruded polystyrene) is another common exterior insulation outbound of the sheathing. It is also used on exterior concrete basement walls, underneath the slab, and in trailers.

XPS, like polyiso, has some “thermal drift” i.e. some very slow offgassing of the blowing agents over time.

“Over a long period of time (50 to 75 years), the blowing agent slowly diffuses through the thickness of the foam” (source).

Typical blowing agents for XPS are CFC-12, HCFC-142b, and HFC-134a, but they change their formulas over time. HFC-134a was eliminated from extruded polystyrene on January 1, 2021.

XPS insulation was treated with the flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) until recently.

The two main brands, Dow Styrofoam (Lowes) and Owens Corning Foamular (Home Depot) no longer contain HBCD.

Most are now using a butadiene styrene brominated copolymer as the flame retardant (Source). DOW lists a brominated flame retardant (FR122P) in some of their XPS.

How Concerning are These Flame Retardants in Rigid Foam?

Flame retardants are sometimes considered non-volatile and sometimes semi-volatile. They leach out in dust form as opposed to gas. If they become dust borne in the house, the main route of exposure is hand to mouth, though you can also inhale them.

My post on Flame Retardants goes into more detail.

  • R-Value
    • R-5/inch
  • Cost by R-Value
    • R-5 is 0.60/ sq ft

2. Mineral Wool Board 

The other common and easy to source exterior insulation used in the US and Canada is Rockwool in board form.

The Rockwool Comfortboards will be used more and more as many codes across the US shift to requiring exterior insulation.

Foam and Rockwool will be the two main exterior insulation types to consider since they will be familiar to builders and easy to source.

The boards can also be used on interior basement walls. They are also being used under the slab, as the only alternative to foam insulation there.

  • R-Value 
    • R-4/inch
  • Cost by R-Value (R6)
    • R-6 is $1. 24 sq ft

3. Cork

Thermacork insulation, unlike cork flooring, does not contain adhesives. It is held together by compressing it with heat which releases a natural binder in the cork.

The cork does give off a smoky smell that dissipates with time, as well as the natural odor of cork.

This is a newer product in North America and is more expensive than the more conventional options.

If you can afford it, it is my top pick for non-toxic exterior insulation due to a lack of additives and flame retardants.

It can be used as exterior insulation or even the facade of a house which serves the purpose of siding, insulation, and noise reduction.

See this post as an example or cork used as the facade.

  • R-Value
    • R-4/inch
  • Cost by R-Value (R8)
    • R-8 (doesn’t come in R-6) it’s $4.93/sq ft for the insulation type (rougher than the facade)
      R-8 in the facade grade, which covers your exterior insulation and your siding in one, is 10.77/sq ft
  • Where to Buy
    • You can buy this through green building supply stores.

4. Wood Fiberboard Insulation

Wood fiberboard is often used in High Performance/Passive House designs as exterior insulation. It can be used closer to the interior as well.

One popular brand in North America is Gutex. It is 95% wood (spruce/fir, post-industrial, recycled and new wood), 4% polyurethane, and about 1% paraffin. The total VOC level is 187 μg/m3.

  • R-Value
    • R-3.7/inch
  • Cost
    • R 5.8 is $1.81/sq ft
  • Where to Source
    • You can buy this through 475.

Insulation Typically Used in Trailers, RVs, and Vans

1. Rigid Foam

EPS (Expanded Polystyrene aka Styrofoam)

EPS (expanded polystyrene) is often used in trailers and can be referred to as “block foam” by the companies.

It can also be used as exterior insulation, insulation over concrete basement walls on the interior, and under the slab. Though you are far more likely to see the XPS type of styrofoam under a slab.

Blowing Agents

EPS usually is made with pentane as a blowing agent, the final product has trace amounts of pentane which dissipates rather quickly and completely. Some butane can also be used as a blowing agent.

Sometimes the only blowing agent is carbon dioxide (based on DOW xnergy Declare label).

Zero-VOC

EPS, despite the name (polystyrene), does not offgas styrene under normal conditions.

It is considered 0-VOC (pentane and styrene are not exempt from the VOC testing).

What about Styrene?

The concerns over polystyrene (Styrofoam) and styrene comes from the following a) chemicals released during the manufacturing of the product b) the product is very toxic if you burn it and c) the styrene can leach if you drink beverages especially hot or acidic beverages out of Styrofoam cups.

In the form of insulation, I would consider this product to be non-toxic, zero-VOC, odorless, and stable, with the only risk being the flame retardants.

This is a very old product with a long track record. Here are a couple of links to back up the claims.

Flame Retardants

EPS used to be treated with hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), but luckily it no longer is. Polymeric FR (a copolymer of polystyrene and brominated polybutadiene) is now the most common FR.

The foil faces of these insulations block the flame retardants. However, the foil and plastic-backed versions can have some offgassing odor. Some EPS is not backed with anything.

EPS used in packaging and cups does not contain a flame retardant and people have sometimes been able to source this type of foam for small structures.

If using EPS in a living space I would recommend borate treated foams to prevent ants that love this insulation.

R-14 for 3.4 inches EPS.

2. Reflectix and Prodex Insulation

Reflectix is a bubble foil made of aluminum over polyethylene bubble wrap. It is flexible, very thin, and claims to have a very high R-value. The thicker version claims R-21 (which is higher than 5 inches of wool).

These claims are disputed by Green Building Advisor and the Government of Canada. The former states that the 3/8th-inch foil has an R-value of only 1 (the same as a single pane of glass).

This would hardly be useful anywhere unless it is in a curved trailer or other RV or vehicle where all other options have been ruled out. Sometimes it’s just used to insulate windows, which can be a great help.

Prodex is another similar material – foil and polyethylene-based – that also has a disputed R-value.

Many similar brands can be found easily on Amazon or Home Depot.

3. Aerogel Insulation

Aerogel is a fairly new product – unusual, extremely expensive, and harder to source.

The term itself can refer to a variety of materials from the original silica translucent product to polymer-based products that may include the addition of fibers.

The original Aerogel insulation was developed by NASA.

Aspen Aerogel collaborated with NASA to make their polymer enhanced aerogel combined with fibers.

Some companies are selling insulation online that they claim is Aerogel. I would look closely at what’s really in it. Look for proper studies on the R-Value of it.

They claim an extremely high R-value of R-10 to R-30 per inch.

They may be ideal for small, round, and difficult to insulate places.

4. Thinsulate Insulation

3M Thinsulate (SM600) is insulation used in vans, other vehicles, and RVs.

It is made of polyethylene terephthalate (a type of polyester) and polypropylene fibers which will be tolerable for most people. The backing is polypropylene.

One percent or less of the additives are proprietary and therefore unlisted. The health rating is 0 which is good.

What I don’t love about using this product in vehicles is that the insulation itself is vapor permeable and it is attached to the walls with 3M 90 Spray (GreenGuard certified, not GreenGuard Gold, not reported to be very tolerable by many chemically sensitive).

You may find this insulation tolerable and it may be a good product for a tiny house or structure. You can buy it on Amazon and Ebay.

R-value

5.2 for the 1.65 inch

NB I have seen similar but more unusual insulation made from polyethylene and polyester for homes in batts. (It is more popular in some countries outside of North America.) It may be tolerable depending on what is added to it.

5. Vacuum Insulation Panels 

Vacuum Insulation Panels have the highest insulation value of any of the insulation materials.

These Panasonic panels have an R-Value of R-60 per inch. They were used in the latest Leaf House design (tiny house). This could allow you to build a tiny house for almost any climate. Though this introduces a tricky vapor barrier which needs to be carefully thought out.

The foil vacuum pack will block any VOCs from migrating through, but your moisture management system would have to be planned carefully here.

These won’t work in most houses. You might consider them in some trailers or metal framed homes.

They are very pricey and harder to source than almost all of the others.

6. Non-Toxic Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam that is used to fill cavities of walls is two-part polyurethane. Some of it may have soy added, but it’s still mostly polyurethane foam.

This insulation has to be mixed perfectly, under the right conditions (there are many), and applied correctly. When looking for a good spray foam you are looking for an excellent installer (the best one you can find) and not a specific brand.

The companies have claimed that it is no-VOC, or close to that once cured, but many individual tests and many individual noses of those sensitive have shown otherwise.

I know moderately sensitive folks who have looked at many houses with spray foam and been able to pick up the odor for two years.

And that’s when it’s done right. When it’s done wrong it’s a massive disaster that can end in a lawsuit against the company, plus an expensive imperfect removal of all the foam.

If you are extremely sensitive you would lose the whole house if this goes wrong, as the VOCs will soak up into other materials. This has happened to two of my clients.

Brands:

Icynene and Demilic are both 2 part polyurethane spray foam.

Whether they have soy or castor oils in them is insignificant in my overall view.

Icynene OC No Mix is still a 2-part polyurethane foam and although it appears to mix in the gun, the installation still has to meet all of the other parameters.

One part polyurethane:

One part polyurethane, which is the canned stuff discussed below, is much easier to tolerate, it’s used in small quantities, and it doesn’t have the same challenges and risks as the two-part foam.

Insulating Around Windows and Doors – Non-Toxic Options

Spray foam is often used around windows and doors. HandiFoam is GreenGuard Gold and will be tolerable for many folks after curing. In Canada the best source is Organic Lifestyle.

I find this spray foam to be odorless once cured.

Other brands like Great Stuff, which you can find anywhere, seem very similar to me, if not the same.

Great Stuff does contain a flame retardant in some of its lines and Handi-Foam has declined to answer whether it contains a flame retardant or not.

Instead of using spray foam around windows and doors you can fill in the gaps with Backer Rod and seal with non-toxic caulk if needed.

I have a post on caulking if you need to test multiple brands.

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Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist Practitioner with 6 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.

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Choosing a Non-Toxic Engineered Wood Floor

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There are three types of construction and two main finishes to consider when choosing a non-toxic engineered wood floor.

The first thing to note is that engineered wood flooring always refers to a floor with a real wood layer on top and an engineered wood layer as the base.

When looking for a zero-VOC, healthy engineered wood floor, the most important part is the construction type, so let’s start there then go on to the finishes.

[Read more…] about Choosing a Non-Toxic Engineered Wood Floor