Wallpaper is a popular way to add personality and style to a space, but its important to be aware that many wallpapers and pastes contain chemicals that could be harmful. Here are some details about wallpaper for walls:
Positive:
- There are many beautiful nontoxic wallpapers on the market that are safe for use.
- Some eco-friendly wallpapers are produced in an environmentally conscious manner, using renewable materials from controlled cultivation and water-based printing inks.
Negative:
- Many wallpapers (and pastes) contain chemicals that could be harmful, such as PVC (polyvinylchloride), toxic metals, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
- Most wallpaper is coated in PVC/vinyl which contains harmful plasticizers that are not counted as VOCs or measured in certifications like Greenguard Gold.
Ingredients or Materials:
- Nontoxic wallpaper options include cellulose paste, organic fibers, wood, and recycled materials.
- Water-based inks are generally safer than other types of ink used to create wallpaper designs.
- Non-woven wallpapers do not contain vinyl and are made from natural and synthetic plant fibers.
- Pollutant-free wallpaper is free of carcinogenic substances, softeners, harmful fillers, binding agents and solvents, various preservatives, VOC, azo dyes and formaldehyde.
- Flame-retardant-free wallpaper is made only of organic fibers: 65% flax and 35% viscose, and no chemical additives are used.
Its important to be mindful of the materials and ingredients used in wallpaper and to seek out nontoxic and eco-friendly options when possible.
