Wrinkle Free Textiles and Formaldehyde

Wrinkle free fabric treatments have just been listed on the FDA's list
of known carcinogens. We all know that feeling of crispness on new textiles.
The main reason why we wash new clothes before we wear them, is getting
rid of the "sizing" that is put on textiles before being cut and sewn into clothing.

Now I want you to take a step back and think about the interior environment.
Every textile, or fabric that is being used to create a beautiful interior goes through
the same kinds of treatments. Added to this is the additional need for stain resistance
and we have a double jeopardy of treatments that can affect human beings.

Both treatments typically carry a Formaldehyde chemical in their makeup.
We touch textiles, all day every day, in the work environment and the home
environment. Without these treatments textiles can become wrinkled and dirty
faster.

As we make adjustments in our thinking to live toxin free, we have to create a new
picture in our interior lives. Organic textiles, usually cotton, or linen are not wrinkle
free. That means that our lives will be a bit more shabby chic if we choose to eliminate
toxins and create a neutral living space for our families. Wrinkles hang out in draperies,
especially if old fashioned steaming is used in the installation process. Organic cottons
press out from sitting, but pooling can be created where people sit. Again, a shabby
chic kind of look that must be embraced!

Another choice is vegetable dyed leather. This is a wonderful choice for this environment
because the hand is as soft as butter, and cuddly when used over soy foam. It can be taught
and tight on headboards for that look, or benches for more utilitarian uses. We use
alot of leather on barstools, dining chairs, and family areas where heavy use and the
introduction of food can be a maintenance headache. But remember, these are vegetable dyes.
Which means more subtle colors. More natural colors. No strong colors, or strong contrasts.
Those do not exist in vegetable dyes to date. This market will develope, but we will be limited to
colors that occur in nature and can be captured consistently in leather products.

Organic fabrics made into slip covers and totally washable is a great solution. A good upholsterer can make slipcovers look very fitted and can be attached with velcro for a snug fit. This gives the client the option to have the slipcovers laundered in soap of their choice by laundries that still exist. These slipcovers are hung to dry so that shrinkage does not routinely occur.

Formaldehyde: Who needs it?

Formaldehyde is not a safe interior material.

It is now a known carcinogen and causes cancer in humans.

The biggest culprit in interior environments that have an unsafe
presence of formaldehyde, is bonded wood products. MDF board now
on the list of known carcinogens ( by the FDA) is part of the story, but
plywood, and bonded woods used routinely for underlayment, and
structural stability are very common. Non - toxic plywood and bonded
wood board is available, but more expensive than regular material of this
kind.

In specification in Interior Design the designer must take the lead and
ensure to a client that non toxic materials are being used. As the director
in the construction and implementation phases, proof must be given by each
trade, that all materials used in the environment are in fact tested and do
not contain formaldehyde.

As the specifier, it is important for the Interior Designer to demand to see
materials before being covered with drywall, or finish materials. Our specifications
are for naught if ignored. That is why it is imperative that the Certified Healthy
Interior Designer has control over the purse strings of a project. In controlling the
budget and the sub contractor, we can insure to a client that our specifications
are being met.