Useful Links

Useful Links

25 thoughts on “Useful Links”

  2. Tawnya says:

    Hi Andy! In building our new home I didn’t realize we would also have to decide if we wanted the cat5 in home wiring that is standard in homes now, or the new Cat6 wiring. Which would you suggest? I don’t know if there are more harmful effects from the Cat6. Thank you so much for your help!
    Tawnya

  3. Tawnya says:

    Hi Andy! I’m so thankful for you… only wish I would’ve thought of looking at your site sooner! We found a lot we loved on a wooded forest and lake but it is in a subdivision that has its own builders that you are required to use. We chose Perry homes, but they aren’t willing to bend from the products they have for you to choose from. 🙁 I am trying to do the best I can and choose either their Interceramic brand ceramic tile, or Relik wood floor option that says it is genuine oak hardwood, Carb2 compliant and sealed with aluminum oxide. Would you choose the ceramic tile or wood flooring? Thank you so much for your help! I will be purchasing your paint etc once we move in!

    • Andy Pace says:

      Thanks for contacting us Tawnya and Im so glad you are finding our information helpful. Choosing between these two specific products is hard to do , as they both have their pro’s and con’s. All porcelain/ceramic tile is inert, apart from the occasional leaded glazes still used on some imported tiles. You also have to understand that the mortar and grout that are used to install tile will also have offgassing issues. Pre-finished solid wood flooring is typically okay, as long as the finish is UV-cured. You’ll have to check with that manufacturer, as I do not know them. All in all, any hard surface will be better that 99% of soft surfaces such as carpet, so you’re certainly doing better than most no matter what you chose. If you are concerned, you can always have samples of the wood sent to us for doing our FRAT testing, which will reveal any hidden formaldehyde offgassing. ~ Andy

      • Tawnya says:

        Thank you so much for your reply! I really appreciate your help! Unfortunately, I do not have the luxury of sending you samples because we are on a time frame and have to make a decision this week. I am leaning toward the tile because of the durability and ease of cleaning, but the website does warn you of the grout and mortar. One of our choices does have a glaze, but hopefully is not lead based. The tile is also “green squared” and Leeds Certified, but I am not certain if that really means “green”, but does give a little peace of mind. 🙂
        Again, thank you for this wonderful website and for all your insight, and help. I know you are a blessing to many people!
        Tawnya

  4. Marie says:

    Hi my family and I are looking for a good builder in Illinois who will offer allowances on materials, such as the ones you recommend and be completely open to what we want to use . We want the least toxic home for humans as possible while still staying within a budget we can afford and I’m worried with all of the choices I have to request that I will have a hard time finding one that does not go much over what we can afford. I prioritize this though , as it is VERY important to have a healthy home . Any tips would be much appreciated. Thank you.

  7. Mary Toller says:

    Can your interior paints be used to paint a wood floor in a bedroom ?
    I’m so glad I found out about your products !
    Thank you ,
    Mary Toller

    • Andy Pace says:

      Hi Mary… For painting a wood floor, I recommend one coat of the AFM Transitional Primer, 1-2 coats of the AFM Exterior Satin paint, then 2 coats of the AFM Polyureseal BP Clear. The surface needs to be sanded and ready to receive paint. Please call if you need any additional information.

  8. Marian says:

    Andy,
    I listened to your segment on the Toxic Home presentations. It was very informative and helpful.

    I am currently getting ready to move into a condo where there used to be a smoker. When I go in, I still smell the remnants of smoke. Two months ago they painted all the walls with latex paint, 2 coats. But, you can still smell it.

    As you suggested, if I clean the walls and then paint with the AMF paint, do you think that might help. People are suggesting using Kilz as a primer but I am concerned about the chemicals.

    I appreciate any thoughts. Thanks so much.

    Marian Dorna

    • Andy Pace says:

      Unfortunately, the latex paint application probably re-emulsified the smoke smell. The walls should have been thoroughly washed and rinsed first. You could apply one coat of the AFM Transitional Primer, then 2 coats of Safecoat paint. I recommend a REALY good air purification system as well. HealthMate+

    • Andy Pace says:

      Hello Lauren… we do not help design floor plans, but certainly work with several individuals who do. Do you have a builder yet? Where is the project?

        • Andy Pace says:

          OK… So your best bet is to see if this builder has any floor plans that are close to what you want and can be customized for you. Then, you’ll have to see if he is willing to work with a consultant (me) who will be approving all materials used, to make sure they are the healthiest options.

  10. Karla Boudreau says:

    I am finishing hardwood floors and wanted a product that is lowest in VOC’s for my asthmatic child. The floors will get a great deal of direct sunlight. I noticed that there are no UV inhibitors, is this a concern given the direct sunlight

    • Andy Pace says:

      Hello Karla…thanks for reaching out. Clear finishes themselves really dont provide any UV protection….even the products that claim to have this feature are pretty disappointing. In order to keep the wood (and more importantly, your furniture and wall art) from fading, you must install good window treatments. Also, if you plan on staining the wood prior to applying the AFM Polyureseal BP, remember that the darker the stain, the better the UV protection.

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