Monday, October 29, 2012

Eco Friendly Cabinets Protect Health

By Allyson Hellwig


Many kitchens nowadays do not have eco friendly cabinets. Kitchen cupboards tend to be constructed using materials that contain urea formaldehyde. As a result, people are exposed to harmful fumes, often without even knowing it. The fumes from these materials increase environmental pollution.

Formaldehyde is also carcinogenic. One way to lower the risk of cancer would be to opt for any of a number of non-toxic alternatives. For example, people may choose to buy and use water-based wood finishes. In most cases, they are low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and some are VOC-free. Look at the product labels, or ask an expert when you go shopping.

Another approach is to use only wood products that have been certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC plays a key role in ensuring that the wood used to make the material was harvested without damaging the environment. These materials are often more expensive, but some dealers have begun selling them.

It might be easy to think that an environmentally safe choice will detract from the overall beauty of a home. This is far from the case. Fairly recent technological developments have led to a durable material called Lyptus. This fine grain product is made from a hybrid species of Brazilian eucalyptus, and bears a resemblance to cherry or mahogany.

For a more exotic look, bamboo products may be used. Bamboo is a grass, not a wood, but it is sturdier than a lot of hardwood materials. In addition to being renewable, bamboo is also grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. FSC-certified bamboo products are non-toxic, which is in the good interest of overall health.

When looking for kitchen cabinets San Francisco experts suggest that a urea formaldehyde-free wood composite be used. The composites form the inside of the building material, and a wood veneer is fused onto it. If the composite is toxic, the fumes will escape, posing a health risk. Although one would expect that pure wood materials are better for the environment, safe composites actually protect it as well. More trees are need to make pure wood products, which can lead to deforestation.

Certain metal cupboards are also ecologically safe. If the cupboards are made from solid metal, they will not give off any toxic gases. In some instances, a toxic wood product is covered with metal. Such products should be avoided.

There is more to consider than how to immediately save the most money. Choosing a hazardous option, because it is cheaper, may end up costing more in the long run. Any option that is friendly to your health will ultimately be friendly to your pocket.




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