Toxic Homes & Solutions: Building Materials, Finishes and Appliances

It is about time I wrote more about toxins in our homes. After all, getting toxic from construction materials, interior finishes, and furniture is how I found my way to becoming a Holistic Health PhD and the world of frequencies as a means of healing.

You see, my first career was as a corporate interior designer. At the peak of my career, I had my own firm, working on various new office spaces along the U.S. East Coast and providing design and project management services. It was a lot of fun, but it made me sick.

I was visiting construction sites and breathing in drywall dust, paint fumes, and other construction and finish particles. I was overseeing the installation of furniture. I was “punch-listing” spaces before the tenants moved in. All the while being exposed to the off-gassing of these materials and finishes. In a commercial setting, this included many extra chemicals like fire retardants, sealants, and other protective finishes.

If you are a highly sensitive person like me, you need to be very selective. However, everyone should attempt to lower their toxic exposures when possible, especially if they have children or pets. Every little bit helps, especially when you are trying to heal. In fact, you may find that one particular item in your home is affecting your health more than you realize.

In this article, I will highlight some of the worst culprits, concentrating on typical construction materials, interior finishes, and appliances. However, as you will see, there are all sorts of places where damaging EMFs and wireless technology can be hidden as well. (I will write about toxic furniture and home goods in a future article.)

Wall and Ceiling Building Materials

Your typical new home is built with wood studs and joists unless you live in an area that has hurricane-related building codes that require steel framing. It is the drywall (or gypsum wallboard) that is installed on the interior walls and ceilings that can be a problem for some, especially drywall that has additives to make it more fire-resistant or moisture-resistant.

However, the worst culprit is usually the drywall joint compound (mud) that is used to seal the drywall seams. Common mud ingredients include limestone, talcum, and crystalline silica. (Premixed options will have additional additives.) Multiple coats of mud are needed with sanding after each coat. These small particles spread everywhere in the home and are easy to get into the lungs. 

The old-fashioned plaster over wood or metal lath that was common years ago was a much healthier option. It became too time-consuming and therefore too costly to continue and today’s drywall techniques were developed. If you are building a new house, stay away during this phase of the project. If you are having drywall work done in an existing home, I would suggest putting plastic up to contain the area. Even in small do-it-yourself projects, it is good to have a vacuum turned on to catch the dust when sanding.

The next thing you need to consider is what is going to be placed inside the walls. Building codes require rated insulation to protect your home from the outside temperatures. Certain walls, like those between the house and garage, must be fire retardant as well, which is typically obtained with added chemicals that can off-gas.

The newest trend is to use spray foam insulation, most of which is petroleum-based and can potentially off-gas toxins the life of the house. Also known as spray polyurethane insulation (SPF), most common ingredients include polyol resin and isocyanate, but it can also contain things like formaldehyde and fire retardants. These create volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause a wide variety of health problems when breathed in continuously, as I will discuss in more detail in the next section. (Closed-cell options are typically known to off-gas less than open-cell spray foam.)

Spray foam insulation is typically recommended on metal roofs and metal walls but it is becoming more popular in all types of homes since it is water-resistant and creates a tight seal in the home. However, a tight seal is not necessarily a good thing. It limits airflow which can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide and radon as well as contain other toxins in the home. It can also create additional moisture/humidity inside the home, which can encourage mold growth.

The older insulation options like fiberglass batting, dense-packed cellulose (paper), and rigid foam board might be better options. More natural insulation options include mineral wool, rock wool, hemp, cork, and cellulose made from recycled cotton material. These are usually more expensive and each one has its pros and cons.

If you are a highly sensitive person, I would recommend not using spray foam insulation unless you are using only a very limited amount. If you already have spray foam in your home, you may want to consider adding a special ventilation system and/or an air purification unit in your home to help limit the off-gassing effects. (I will talk about the wiring inside these walls below.)

Wall and Ceiling Finishes

When it comes to wall and ceiling finishes in a home, there are two main options: paint and wallpaper. Both have their drawbacks. Some people cannot live in a newly painted house as paint has a strong odor and off-gasses chemicals for quite a while.

Paint has changed a lot since they removed the lead in the 1970s. What people do not realize is that the lead had a purpose, making the paint pliable, increasing durability, accelerating drying, etc. When the lead was removed, other ingredients needed to be added to do this. These ingredients might be other toxic metals (like cadmium) as well as other potentially toxic ingredients like titanium dioxide, strontium, and/or various plastic-like chemicals.

That is when you started hearing about toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paint as well as many other finishes. These VOCs can come from several man-made sources such as petroleum-based products, industrial processes, chemicals, and pesticides. They are also found in fragrances such as plug-in air fresheners. However, you should know that you may not necessarily be able to smell a VOC.

VOCs can cause headaches, respiratory issues, skin irritation, and many other potential health issues when breathed in or exposed to the skin.

You can find more natural paints, such as clay-based or lime-based paints, and paint brands that are plastic-free. Choose wisely, especially if you are a highly sensitive person. The worst of the paint smell might be gone in a few days or a few weeks but the VOCs can continue to off-gas for months and sometimes years.

When it comes to wallpaper, you need to consider the material. Is it made with paper, vinyl or something else? Is there a backing that you need to be concerned about? What are the types of inks used to make the pattern? What glue will be used to secure the wallpaper to the wall? Does the glue have gluten in it? Any of these items can off-gas, vinyl more so than paper, but the inks and glue can off-gas as well.

Floor Building Materials

Most floors used in residential buildings are created using plywood subfloors installed over the wood floor joists. Essentially plywood is engineered wood using adhesives and layers of wood to create a composite. If you are highly sensitive you may need to upgrade the plywood to a more natural or “green” version. You should also make sure pressure-treated or marine-grade plywood is not used unless absolutely necessary (such as in damp areas), as chemicals are used to make this plywood decay and insect-resistant.

A concrete slab, often found in basements, garages, and slab homes, and sometimes used to add heated floors (which is beyond the scope of this article) is often considered more natural. It is best not to be around when the concrete is being poured as the silica powder used in the concrete mix is bad for the lungs. And, make sure the pouring is done on a day with good weather or the dust created to grind the floor smooth will get everywhere. (Another thing I learned from personal experience.) You also need to consider the quality of the finish used to seal the floor, to minimize off-gassing. A sealant will keep concrete dust to a minimum.

Floor Finishes

Floor finishes are a more complicated topic. If I were to select my favorite healthy flooring, it would be real hardwood with a water-based stain. However, water-based stains do not hold up well to spills. So the alternative is to find a good top coat that seals quickly, staying out of the house while it dries and cures (typically a few weeks). Like paint, it can continue to off-gas, but it will not be as bad as the initial fumes.

My second healthy floor choice would be a tiled floor. There are several types of tile available such as ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone. The tile itself is inherently fire retardant and does not off-gas. Traditional tile adhesives are more natural. Thinset mortar, for example, is basically cement, sand and water and mastic was originally made of the resin from the mastic tree. However, newer thinset might include latex-based ingredients and newer mastic could be anything that acts as a glue so has more potential to off-gas. The grout that fills the space between the tiles was traditionally made with cement or cement and sand but there are also acrylic options. (Silicone-based caulk may be used at inside corners, especially around shower floors and tub surrounds, which might off-gas for a while.)

More common today is engineered floors. Your typical bamboo floor, for example, is engineered, which means that each plank is made of multiple layers of pressed wood with a top bamboo layer. Same with other “engineered” wood-like floors. Many of the glues and resins used to create these are toxic. The top finish may be as well. You usually need to pay a little extra but there are better quality and less toxic engineered floors out there. (See last section).

On the other end of the spectrum, I would consider your typical carpeting and vinyl floors to be the most toxic floor finish options. When selecting a carpet you need to consider the type of fiber used, the carpet backing, and the type of padding used underneath. For example, you can get wall-to-wall carpet and carpet padding made from real wool (or jute), which would be a good but very expensive option. However, I would not do it for the fact that any carpet can hold onto dust and other particles, which can contaminate the air in the house over time.

A better option would be to use a more natural floor finish and add wool area rugs with a natural backing, avoiding plastic-based rug pads.

Most other carpet materials use petroleum and other plastic-like chemicals to make the carpet fibers, which again creates VOCs that can off-gas in your home for years. They also often contain flame retardants (see below) because these synthetic materials are typically more flammable. Then there is the plastic-based carpet backing and toxic padding (which also often contains fire retardants) that need to be considered.

We once built a two-story home, putting hardwood on the first floor where we slept and spent most of the time. We installed carpet upstairs, knowing we would not be up there that often. It turned into a little bit of an experiment. . . It took over two years before the carpet smell went away, even with us forcing it to off-gas by alternating heating the space and airing out the area.

If you smell it, you are breathing it into your lungs where the toxins ultimately get into the bloodstream.

You also need to consider the chemicals added to typical carpeting for stain resistance (which are often similar to Teflon), color fastness, fire resistance, etc. Many of these chemicals are known as perfluoroalkyl (and plyfluoroalkyl) substances, or PFASs, and are often called “forever chemicals” because of how long they persist in our environment. Commercial-based carpet tiles have also become popular in residential settings, but these often include additional chemicals and/or a heavy-duty synthetic backing that is typically more toxic.

Vinyl floors are also quite toxic. They are made with chemicals to include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins, plasticizers, and stabilizers all of which will emit high VOCs. If you walk through a vinyl floor area of a big box store, you can smell these chemicals off-gassing. When installed in your home, it will continue to off-gas for quite a while, just like synthetic carpet. The glue that holds the vinyl in place can do the same. The best vinyl-like alternative is using real linoleum. This is made from natural material and usually has a minimal backing. We used this in two of our houses and it wears great in kitchen and laundry room areas.

Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry

My husband had a kitchen cabinet business for close to 20 years, so I know a little about this too. Any type of cabinetry or custom built-in can off-gas. Most cabinets are no longer made with real wood but rather plywood, particle board, MDF, and other manufactured or engineered woods. That means that glues and resins are used to hold the wood particles together, all of which can off-gas. In the past, formaldehyde was a big issue. Many companies have stopped using it, but it can still be found in cheaper cabinets and furniture (in mattresses as well).

And, it begs the question, what was used in its place? You see, when an industry uses a chemical of some sort that becomes banned, it often gets replaced with another potentially toxic chemical. I mentioned this when I discussed paint earlier. Another good example is BPA found in plastic. When BPA was found toxic, you started seeing all sorts of plastic products claiming “BPA-free.” Yet, BPA was replaced with BPS, another chemical, which is now being found to be just as toxic. One man-made chemical was replaced with another.

So, when it comes to cabinets (or any other finish or furnishing), you need to consider the source and the composition of the materials used to make them. What are the cabinets, drawers, and shelves made of? Are the cabinets made with cheap plywood that will likely off-gas for a while or quality plywood that meets higher standards (such as CARB II Complaint as explained below). When it comes to drawers, for example, hardwood drawer boxes are typically a better option than cheaper materials.

What about the cabinet doors and drawer fronts? What type of wood is used: hardwood or plywood/MDF with wood veneer? How are they finished? Are they painted or stained and, if so, what is the quality of the finish? For example, epoxy-type finishes will cure faster and have less off-gassing. Or, are the door and drawer fronts made with plastic veneer or acrylic that could potentially off-gas?

These are all questions you can ask a cabinet shop or manufacturer before you commit to purchasing. Once your cabinets are installed there is not much you can do unless it is new construction and the cabinets have time to release at least some of their chemical fumes before you move in.

Kitchen Appliances

You also need to consider the equipment and appliances you bring into your home. This includes kitchen appliances.

Most people do not realize that kitchen ovens are wrapped in fire-retardant insulation. This off-gasses for a while, especially the first few times you use the oven. When I get a new oven, I will run it empty on high (400-450F or 200-250C) while I leave the house for a couple of hours and then use a fan to air out the house when I get home. Do this several times before using it to cook while staying in the house.

Dishwashers are also typically wrapped in insulation, mostly to dampen the sound and contain heat while running. However, different brands will use different materials. Examples include fiberglass, polyester fiber, and cotton. You may need to consider the insulation depending on how sensitive you are. Any off-gassing would more likely occur when high heat settings are used on the dishwasher. (Make sure the installer does not use any foam spray.)

When it comes to cooktops and ranges, you also need to consider gas versus electric. Gas stoves will put gas fumes into your home which at a minimum contain benzene and methane. Gas burners can also create nitrogen dioxide and increase carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the home. Therefore, if you use gas, you must also use your exhaust fan. Make sure the exhaust fan is rated for the type of gas stove you have and is connected correctly. Commercial stoves need much stronger exhaust fans. (Gas fireplaces also need good ventilation.)

Electric cooktops are not optimal either as they put off high EMFs when the burners are turned on. When you are standing next to the cooktop while cooking, you are getting exposed. Instead, stand back as much as you can while cooking and limit your time at an electrical cooktop. EMFs are even worse with induction cooktops which use magnets and additionally emit high magnetic frequencies. Keep your distance from these burners as well.

You should also be aware that many new appliances are now Bluetooth-ready, which is putting needless wireless radiation into your home. It started with smart refrigerators: the refrigerator can communicate with your cellphone to monitor your foods, provide recipes, etc. Now ranges and cooktops can communicate with your exhaust hood, your dishwasher can start remotely and monitor how clean the dishes are, and ovens can be controlled by an app or voice commands.

You may have to go out of your way to find an appliance without the extra technology. If you already own something like this, you can usually contact the company’s technical department to find out how to turn off the wireless signals.

And, let’s not forget microwaves. I used to be able to say, “I have never owned a microwave,” but my current house came with a built-in one, which I use for storage. 😊 I recommend ditching the microwave because it puts off high radiation when it is turned on. Plus, when heating your food in a microwave, you are destroying the food molecules, so it is no longer healthy for you.

Electrical Wiring and Wireless Devices

How your electrical wiring is run and where your meter and electrical panel are located can make a big difference. You should also know that the plastic sheath around electrical wire can be very toxic. Many contain lead and/or other chemicals so that the plastic can bend more easily and not deteriorate over time. Once inside the walls this should cause few problems, but I would stay away during installation.

If you are building a new home, locating the meter and panel as far away as possible from living and sleeping areas is optimal. I once stopped construction on a house we were building when I realized that the meter was about to be placed on the wall outside my home office. We had to get code approval but it was worth it. The meter was put in the outside garage wall right near the electrical panel, which also eliminated the need for a large run of cables going from one side of the house to the electrical box on the opposite side.

That was before smart meters. Now, if I were to build a new house, I would have the smart electrical meter, as well as any gas or water smart meter, be located away from the house. You can have a detached wall built specifically for this purpose. Usually located near the street, keep it as far away from bedrooms as possible.

When it comes to electrical wiring, it is optimal to have the wires encased in metal to help shield the electrical current so there are fewer EMFs. One way is to use metal conduit. Most commercial buildings (including many apartment buildings) are done this way. Conduit will add to the cost and can only be done in new construction. Alternatively, you can use metal-clad wiring, often called armored or BX cable, which will do much of the same thing, especially if metal electrical boxes are used at all switch and outlet locations.

If conduit or armored cables are not used, wires should be run very neatly, running perpendicular to each other as much as possible for the least electrical interference. Preplanning the route of your wires is also a good idea so that wires are located away from bed headboards and seating areas whenever possible. Also, consider the location of wires running under or above bed locations.

It is also optimal to wire your house for the internet, using ethernet cables, to all computer and TV locations, so you do not need a wireless router. I explain this more here. Metal encased ethernet cables are also available. Known as shielded cables, they provide extra grounding and reduce interference which in turn reduces your exposure to EMFs.

It is also best to wire other home systems that have in recent years converted to wireless technologies, things like security systems, sound systems, doorbells, etc. You will have a healthier home and a better sleep environment. (Learn more about EMFs here.)

Heat and Air (HVAC)

Most new homes use central heat and air, but there are actually many options for your home, including the floor heating systems I mentioned earlier. There are also window and wall units, baseboard heating, heat pumps, and so much more. I am not an HVAC expert but there are a few things I would like to mention and most of them relate to EMFs.

You need to consider where the motorized parts of the HVAC system are located. Is the exterior part of the unit on the other side of your bedroom wall, near your bed? If you have a split system, is the inside part of the unit in the basement or attic, directly below/above where you sleep and/or hang out the most? Are you sleeping next to a window/wall air conditioner or electrical baseboard heaters? Where is the heat pump motor located, is it somewhere inside or under the house?

These motorized and electronic components emit high electrical and magnetic fields that can affect your health. If you are building a new house, you can better control where these things are located. Otherwise, you can rearrange the rooms in your home as necessary to limit exposure.

And, you should also know that newer HVAC systems (even window and wall air conditioners) now include wireless components. So, for example, your thermostat can communicate with the main unit without wires. This may be less expensive to install but you need to consider the long-term health effect of having another wireless system in your house. You can request a newer unit to be wired instead. We recently had a dehumidifier installed in our crawl space, for example, and they were going to automatically install wireless sensors. Instead, I requested wired versions – they had to order special sensors but they made it work.

What Can You Do?

Sustainability and “green products” were becoming popular in the construction and design industry when I closed my interior design business years ago. Back then, I could already see the potential issues as there were few industry standards and there were many ways to market a “green product.”

Not unlike the food industry, good marketing and use of keywords can make you think a building material, finish, or piece of equipment is healthier than it is. Just because a product is considered better for the environment, or “Ecofriendly,” does not mean it is healthier for you. You need to concentrate on how natural or health-giving a product is, considering all the “ingredients” that go into making it.

So, instead of falling for the “greenwashing” marketing, you need to learn to be your own detective. You can request what is known as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from manufacturers and can often find them online for a particular product. The SDS is supposed to list all materials, chemicals, etc. used in that product. When you do not recognize one of the items listed, ask more questions and do your research.

Some manufacturers are also providing Health Product Declarations (HPDs). (You can learn more here.) And, if you want to know how a particular product is affecting the environment, you can ask for an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). However, I would caution you again to concentrate on the health of your home first as this is where you spend the most time.

It is nice to always be able to select finishes and furniture that are good for the environment and your health, but when you are forced to make a choice the health of you and your family should take priority. A green product does not necessarily mean it is a healthy product. This is an important fact to remember.

Today there are more third-party organizations and testing facilities that can check products, but not every manufacturer uses these services. For example, you can find building materials that are CARB II Complaint, U.S. Green Building Council® approved, and LEED® approved. Greenguard® is another certification given to products with low VOC and chemical emissions, with Gold Certification being the preferred option. Remember, however, that low emission does not mean “no emission” of chemicals. You still need to select wisely.

As new certifications become available, make sure they are from third-party organizations, not the manufacturer itself, and that there are no conflicts of interest.

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As you can see creating a healthy home is a huge topic and can get overwhelming quickly. If you are building a new home, do your research and select wisely in all areas of construction. Sometimes healthier options will be more expensive. Others such as non-smart appliances can be less expensive.

As you learn more, you will know where to put your extra time and money.

If you are in a home that needs some help, take it one step at a time. Remove the most toxic sources that you can live without. Often this will consist of the newest items that still need to off-gas, especially cheap carpets and rugs. Consider where you spend the most time, which is typically the bedroom. Make one change at a time. It is an ongoing process.

If you are in the process of building a house you can purposely off-gas it as much as possible before occupying it by (1) turning the heat on high with all the windows closed and then (2) opening all the windows and using a fan to pull air out of the house. . . alternating these steps as much as possible before you move in.

NOTE: Lighting is another huge topic when it comes to the health of your home. If you want to learn more about how light fixtures and light bulbs may be creating what is known as “dirty electricity” in your home, see my previous article here.