Kitchen Cupboards - Safe Cabinet Options

By Li Thomas

Kitchen cupboards, or cabinets, are just as much of a "staple" in modern kitchens as bread or milk, it seems.

Kitchens are typically the hub, or center of family life today. Storing food, especially in today's economy, is vital for most families. With the cost of food rising, and even fast food taking a big bite out of the family budget, eating at home is becoming more and more appealing.

Because you likely spend a lot of time in your kitchen, you will want to be sure that the air is safe for breathing.

Why wouldn't it be?

Unfortunately, most of the wood cabinets made today are made with plywood or particleboard that contains formaldehyde based glue. Many are also finished with products containing Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOCs), which may emit formaldehyde as well as other chemicals for years to come.

Do you remember your high school biology lab where the frogs (and other creatures you would dissect) were soaking in an extremely pungent smelling preservative solution? That is formaldehyde!

Kitchen Cupboards Outgassing Concerns

Below are some cabinet options listed that most likely contain formaldehyde - a toxic gas that will seep into your living space for a long time to come. Some people react to the gas within minutes of inhalation - and various symptoms such as headaches, watery eyes, scratchy throat, and respiratory difficulties are not uncommon.

Even if you are unaware of any chemical allergies either in yourself, or other family members , I strongly recommend that you do your best to avoid products containing VOCs or formaldehyde glues.

Formaldehyde is a known cancer causing agent - which is best avoided in your living space.

Kitchen Cupboards Likely to Contain Formaldehyde

  • Conventional "wood" cabinets
  • Melamine cabinets

These cabinets, as well as others, are likely to be infused with formaldehyde gas.

Safer Kitchen Cupboard Options

  • Solid wood kitchen cabinets (check for VOCs used to stain or seal the wood)
  • Metal kitchen cupboards

There are other safer alternatives which you can read more about on the site listed in the resource box.

With more and more options available, you can choose a healthier "green" choice of cabinets for you and your family. I have received e-mails from people who are suffering from the gas emitted from their new cabinets - and I'm alarmed and saddened by the resulting health problems. In some cases, even the food has absorbed the gas and is consequently inedible.

Healthy air (as well as healthy food and water) will transform your dream kitchen into the safe haven your family deserves. Please choose wisely.

Li Thomas provides information about non-toxic green homes that help homeowners protect their health and wealth.

Please tell us your story about kitchen cabinets (positive or negative) and share your experience with the world.

Be sure to sign up for your free Dream Green Bulletin and snag energy saving tips, non toxic options, and a "Green review of the month" - hassle free directly to your inbox

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