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Green Nontoxic Remodeling Ideas for Common Home Upgrades

July 20, 2012 By: Anna18 Comments

We worry about the toxicity of our personal care products, pesticides in our food, and leaching of chemicals.  However, shouldn’t we be equally worried about the chemicals contained in the building products we install in our homes?

I am no stranger to writing about green building products.  Just to give you some background about me for those new to the site, hubby and I built an energy star house starting 2003 with a mission to source only low toxic or non-toxic materials.  Back in the early 2000s this was no easy feat.

Sourcing green building products has gotten so much easier.  To make your journey easier than mine, I did some legwork for you.   Listed below are some chemicals dos and don’ts for these common household upgrades.

Use No or Low Toxic Paint:  There is nothing like paint to give new life to a room. There are many low and non-toxic paint options on the market in every color you can imagine. However, consider one without biocides, fungicides, nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs,) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs.)

Why? Paint can contain harmful chemicals such as solvents, biocides (to extend shelf life,) fungicides (to prevent mold,) and VOCs.   The chemicals can cause a variety of health problems such as nausea, eye and respiratory tract irritation, heart, kidney, and lung damage and even cancer.

In addition, a recent study by the Environmental Health Strategies Center and Safer Chemicals revealed that several paint companies failed to reveal nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) in their paint. According to the study, NPEs are highly toxic to aquatic life and are long lived chemicals that can build up in our food chain.  Moreover, NPEs may cause reproductive and development damage in humans.  HealthyStuff.org provides a database of paint products in which NPEs were detected in certain paints.

Note, if your house is older than 1978, lead might be in the paint.  See here on the proper technique to wet sand the walls to reduce dust.

Ventilation is very important when re-painting.  If you can, open your windows.  All paints off-gas depending on the amount of VOCs contained in the product.  For tips for healthy indoor painting, see HERE.

Non-toxic Caulks, Sealants, and Adhesives:   Adhesives, caulk and sealants are routinely used throughout a house remodel.  For example, adhesives are used for tile installation, and caulk is used around the shower and tub as well as window and doors, and sealants are used on wood floor or stone.

Avoid products that contain “butyl rubber, chlorinated hydrocarbons, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, neoprene and solvent-based acrylic.” Opt for water based latex, low odor, formaldehyde free and fungicide-free products instead.

Kitchen Re-do:  The kitchen is the heart of the home.  Many people opt to re-do their kitchen since according to Remodeling Cost Value Report of 2011-2012, minor and major kitchen remodels garner a 65% (major) to 71% (minor) return on investment.

Choose cabinets that are made of no added formaldehyde-free plywood, particleboard, or medium density fiberboard. The EPA has classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen.

If you are unable to source no formaldehyde added cabinetry, look for cabinetry that contains the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing Association logo (KCMA).  KCMA certified cabinetry must meet the formaldehyde emission level set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB.)

All stains, glues, epoxy and sealants should be low toxic as well.

Forget PVC laden Wallpaper and Flooring:  A 2010 study found that PVC laden wallpaper was 2-30 times more likely to contain hazardous chemicals compared to its non-vinyl counterparts, which includes phthalates and heavy metals, lead, cadmium, chromium and antimony.    Such hazardous chemicals have been linked to asthma, birth defects, learning disabilities, reproductive problems, liver toxicity and cancer. Cork, Bamboo, hardwood, and linoleum all tested free of the above heavy metals.

However, be careful when choosing even the above safer flooring option.  Inquire whether or not the product contains formaldehyde adhesives.  Floating cork floors and bamboo can contain formaldehyde.  Opt for no added formaldehyde free or phenol formaldehyde based adhesive products.

Carpet:  New carpet, padding, and adhesive might off-gas benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and other chemicals.  Opt for low VOC Green Label or Green Label Plus certified carpets, cushions, and adhesives.    Carpet, carpet backing, adhesives, and cushions that contain this seal are independently third party tested for 13 different chemicals.

With any product that you bring into your house, be sure to do your homework.  Read product Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for harmful chemicals; ask questions of the manufacturer, and research alternative low or no toxic products.  Most importantly, ask your congressional leaders to support the Safe Chemical Act so no one has to worry about toxic chemicals in their products.  (For more information about the Act, read her.)

Note, exerpts of this post was re-posted on Safer Chemicals, a not for profit organization that I totally support.

Join the Conversation:

  • Have you recently remodeled any part of your home? If so, did you choose a green product?  If not, why?
  • Are you diligent about the toxicity of the products you bring into your house?
  • Did you recently re-paint?  Source low or non-toxic paints?  Why or why not?
  • If you could remodel or upgrade any part of your home, what would it be?
Photo by Bree Bradley

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About Anna

Anna Hackman is the editor of Green Talk, and owner of The Naked Botanical and a avid (okay obsessed) gardener. She also loves video and podcasting and hosts Green Talk TV and Green Talk Radio. Her most important role is being a mother of four boys.

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Comments

  1. 1

    Josh says

    July 21, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    These are some great tips that definitely should be considered during any home improvement project or remodel. It is getting harder and harder for end consumers to fully comprehend what is toxic or not in products such as paints and sealers. Potentially toxic nanoparticles are being added to paints to realize benefits such as antibacterial properties or better water resistant, and we just do not know the long term effects. The options seem to be to completely avoid these products all together or to assume an inherent risk.

    Reply
    • 2

      Joan M S says

      September 12, 2017 at 10:04 am

      An important topic, and some corrections are required. I’ll focus on one that incorporates the comment about nanoparticles, which relates to the poor blanket advice to avoid biocides and fungicides. Why would I say that? There are several reasons: 1) Harmful VOCs are produced by bacteria and fungi. Over 250 have been identified. We do not know what all of them do, though we know that they include endocrine disrupters, carcinogens, neuro-toxins, etc. 2) There are safe biocides & fungicides that thoughtfully & painstakingly incorporated and help keep homes & businesses from building up more of these pathogens. 3) That, in turn, helps to reduce the need for using remedies for mold in these indoor areas, many of which are also produced with toxins (not all, just do your research). 4) This brings me to the important topic of “nanoparticles.” There is a great body of research on nanoparticles, and we do know what they do! Mainly, they have been incorporated because they safely are beneficial. Nanotechnology can not only prevent hidden mold from insidiously spreading in hidden areas, they can also be extremely effective at breaking down VOCs and cleaning up indoor air. Like everything else, proper use matters (I.e., Don’t fog them and breathe them in). It is far better to buy low or no-VOC products with nanotechnology incorporated to begin with, that continually clean your air, than to end up trying to break them down with a separate product after your home is poisoned. There are excellent cleansers using nanotechnology. A caveat is that if you have bought paint and flooring while avoiding these responsible manufacturers, it may be the paint or floor itself that would have to be broken down. Don’t buy toxic products, and if they are in place and you cannot remove them, find a sealant that can encapsulate them until they can be removed (APC Safecoat is an example, and is compatible with cleansers using nanotechnology to safely break down toxins). Nanotechnology is the safest approach known to break down mycotoxins, VOCs and sVOCs without making matters worse). Please do not fear-monger about this essential tool, while failing to warn people that substitutes like the widely used tea tree oil (as an example) is a powerful endocrine disrupter that kills cats, too. It is a mistake to think that matters you do not understand are not understood. The scientific literature is there!

      Reply
  2. 3

    Carl Watson says

    July 23, 2012 at 8:22 am

    Wow, these are really some great ideas that you have provided in this post. Thanks a lot for sharing these amazing ideas with us.

    Reply
  3. 4

    Mike says

    August 3, 2012 at 1:37 am

    Using non-toxic and eco-friendly material for home remodeling is a great idea. It will benefit both human and nature. Thank you for sharing these great tips. They are really helpful.

    Mike

    Reply
  4. 5

    beth says

    August 5, 2012 at 11:29 pm

    What is in your attic?

    We had a hard lesson learned in doing our green remodel back in 2009. We used low to no voc everything, avoided MDF, and tried to use as many natural materials as possible. We opted for a soy foam insulation that was green guard certified, thinking we were doing another good green thing (at the time it was touted as a green building darling due to it’s energy efficiency). Well, come to find out that this insulation is highly toxic and offgasses all sorts of nasty stuff, including flame retardants. Now we have this stuff stuck to our roof , ceiling and walls, and it is a huge challenge to remediate (removal releases a lot of toxic dust). Green remodelers beware!

    Reply
    • 6

      Joan M S says

      September 12, 2017 at 10:19 am

      What an awful experience! Please keep trying to keep your home safe. Technologies are available, though not used enough by manufacturers. Insulation is a particular problem! Fiberglass is no better than what you chose, as it feeds fungi that produce mycotoxins and are infectious, and can deliver the pathogens to your lungs on glass shards carried in the air. The shards penetrate and stick in lung tissue. Your comment is years old, and we still have a dearth of safe choices. Ask manufacturers to provide products that incorporate boron, which is a SAFE fire-retardant, pesticide, and antimicrobial. It is also an essential nutrient to avoid arthritis, which those of you who are afraid of pesticides across the board may wish to ponder. We can have sanitary and nontoxic buildings!

      Reply
  5. 7

    Mary Hunt says

    August 8, 2012 at 11:27 am

    I’m in the middle of repainting four rooms and went with Natura paint by Benjamin Moore. LOVE IT. No VOCs, coats well, and dries fast. It’s maybe $10 more a gallon than quality level VOC paint, a small price to pay considering the years it will be in place and the resale value it will add. I won’t have to sign a “known lead paint” waiver on the disclosure papers.

    Reply
    • 8

      Anna@Green Talk says

      August 8, 2012 at 12:44 pm

      Mary, when I painted years ago, I used EcoSpec low VOC paint. This is before there was no VOC paint. The yellows smelled terrible. It is good to know that Benjamin Moore is producing this great paint. Anna

      Reply
  6. 9

    House painting Phoenix AZ says

    August 13, 2012 at 11:43 pm

    Very nice post. I think, in our time now that global warming is really messing our weather, we should start concerning about our environment. Thanks for this nice post you have here.

    Reply
    • 10

      Marina says

      November 21, 2013 at 1:41 pm

      Guys, since you’re concerned with your environmental footprint, why don’t think a bit more about your home’s impact on the environment? My dissertation study is about housing and the environment, and I’d like your help in participating. Here’s the study description and the survey link is at the end. Thank you!!!

      Housing and the Environment
      Informed consent: The purpose of the study is to find out what are the most common residential green features. You qualify to answer the survey if you: a) own a residence (house, coop apartment, duplex, condo, mobile home, town house); AND b) have added at least one environmentally-friendly/green feature to it. Examples of green features are: fluorescent light bulbs, non-toxic paint, repurposed furniture, high efficiency heating and cooling, low flow faucets and shower heads, and double/triple insulated windows.
      It is quick and will take approximately 6 minutes of your time. You will be asked to indicate which green features you have added to your home. There are also a few demographics questions and questions about your overall opinion of environmental issues and homes in general. Your participation is anonymous.
      Participating in this study does not present any risks beyond those experienced in everyday life. The data will be stored and secured at the University of Missouri, Columbia, in a locked room.
      Your decision to participate is voluntary. You can stop at any time. You do not have to answer questions you do not wish to answer. Refusal to take part in or withdrawing from this study will incur no penalties. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the researcher at mmtzd@mail.missouri.edu.
      You must be 18 years of age or older to consent to participate in this study.
      If you agree to participate in the study, please open the Qualtrics link below

      https://missouri.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_e3a11zZTgDMuzJ3

      Reply
  7. 11

    Rudy Fernandez says

    August 14, 2012 at 11:44 pm

    I am into this idea and I think countertops utah is fully aware about this as far as the proper adjustments and the amount of materials to be used on this project.

    Reply
  8. 12

    James Paulson says

    November 15, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    Excellent to see that they are eco-friendly versions of many of the products we use in our home. But my question is how much more expensive these products are!

    Reply
  9. 13

    Kevin Carney says

    June 16, 2014 at 7:03 pm

    It’s too bad the eco products such as you list are still more expensive than the more toxic varieties.

    Too many people (and I’ve been guilty of this as well) choose a more toxic solution if it saves them enough money.

    Reply

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