Approved by Subject Editors on September 09, 2004

Reviewed by Miriam Landman

These products use organic, plant-based ingredients and are free of toxic driers, preservatives, and solvents. Simply by virtue of using less toxic ingredients, its products are more ecological (in terms of manufacturing inputs and releases): better for public health, as well as occupant health.

AFM is one of the only companies making low-toxic stains in the United States (other similar products are made in Europe). AFM's manufacturing plant is in Los Angeles, which is relatively close to the Bay Area (compared to many other manufacturers), so this reduces the transportation distance to ship it to our region.

Approved by Subject Editors on May 19, 2005

Reviewed by marycordaro

Unlike the raw materials for synthetic paints and finishes, the raw materials for Auro paints are derived from renewable resources from plants and minerals. Given the vast amount of paints and finishes used by consumers, these plant derived finishes contribute to lower dependency on resources from the petroleum industry. In addition, because certain plant ingredients preserve the products naturally, Auro paints and finishes do not contain synthetic chemical biocides, necessary in small amounts in most conventional paints and finishes. Auro finishes also do not contain glycols, a class of chemicals found particularly in polyurethane coatings. Both biocides and glycols escape the designation of "VOC", because they have much higher boiling points. However, these chemicals found in many low odor, synthetic finishes can nevertheless affect indoor air quality by introducing small amounts of pollutants over longer periods of time, often with no detectable odor. Auro paints and finishes do not pose the problem of long term pollution from glycols and biocides. During curing, Auro paints and finishes may introduce low aldehyde levels due to turpene containing ingredients, such as linseed oil. However, this is a short term problem until the product stabilizes, and is usually only a concern for those suffering from multiple chemical sensitivities. Regarding durability and maintenence, if the right product is carefully chosen for a given application as well as lifestyle, these products should perform well, and require little maintenence. Finally, like all natural surfaces, Auro paints and finishes do not create an "electrostatic charge" in the room, so surfaces stay cleaner longer, as dust does not stick to the same degree as to synthetic surfaces. They also promote a better "electro-biology" balance by promoting a better balance of negative and positive ions. Since all natural paints and finishes can be substantially more expensive than synthetic products, I recommend using Auro paints in the bedroom at a minimum, for a more healing environment in the most important room in the home.

Approved by Subject Editors on August 11, 2004

Reviewed by Cassandra Adams

This product is manufactured in a fairly similar manner to non-environmental products in terms of energy consumption and raw materials inputs. However, it differs in that it contains as few toxic ingredients as possible, no formaldehyde, and no VOCs (volatile organic compounds), so it is much less harmful to those who work with it during the manufacturing and installation phases, as well as to the end user. It is well tolerated by many people who have chemical sensitivities. This product is among the most environmentally mindful sealants available

Approved by Subject Editors on September 23, 2004

Reviewed by Marian Keeler

The AIA's Environmental Resource Guide estimates that the total embodied energy for traditional varnishes is 503,668 BTUs/Gal, including transportation activities. There are VOC and particulate emissions during the growing and extraction of plant oils necessary for some products: Sox, NOx, CO2, CO, among others. Many water based wood floor finishes are not as durable as their oil-based counterparts, but the trade-off is compromised indoor air quality. It would be a worthwhile investment to re-apply the sealer more frequently than one would ordinarily apply it in the interest of protecting a young family and reducing their chemical burden.

Approved by Subject Editors on August 09, 2005

The Subject Editor review of this product is in process. Please check back.

Approved by Subject Editors on September 22, 2004

Reviewed by Marian Keeler

The AIA's Environmental Resource Guide estimates that the total embodied energy for traditional varnishes is 503,668 BTUs/Gal, including transportation activities. There are VOC and particulate emissions during the growing and extraction of plant oils necessary for some products: Sox, NOx, CO2, CO, among others. This floor finish has one of the lowest VOC contents on the market, rated at 70 (assumed grams/liter is the unit of measure). But, again, content does not equal emissions. Many water-based wood floor finishes are not as durable as their oil-based counterparts, but the trade-off is compromised indoor air quality. It would be a worthwhile investment to re-apply the sealer more frequently than one would ordinarily apply it in the interest of protecting a young family and reducing their chemical burden.

Approved by Subject Editors on August 09, 2005

The Subject Editor review of this product is in process. Please check back.

Approved by Subject Editors on April 15, 2005

Reviewed by Cassandra Adams

The MSDS for Naturel indicates that it contains no toxic ingredients and is biodegradable. However, it states that the product has a piney scent, so it may negatively affect some people with respiratory problems. We suggest that people especially sensitive to indoor air quality check their own reactions to the product before using it.

Approved by Subject Editors on September 22, 2004

Reviewed by Marian Keeler

A solvent, albeit a 100% naturally derived and renewable solvent, is still a solvent. The AIA's Environmental Resource Guide estimates that the total embodied energy for traditional varnishes is 503,668 BTUs/Gal, including transportation activities. There are VOC and particulate emissions during the growing and extraction of plant oils necessary for some products: Sox, NOx, CO2, CO, among others. People with MCS may still encounter problems with this product, even though it is the result of 5 years' worth of R&D, yielding lower toxicity driers and a 100% citrus derived renewable natural solvent. Many water bourne wood floor finishes are not as durable as their oil-based counterparts, but the trade-off is compromised indoor air quality. It would be a worthwhile investment to re-apply the sealer more frequently than one would ordinarily apply it in the interest of protecting a young family and reducing their chemical burden.