DEBRA'S ANSWER:

Readers? (I don't have a dog).

Debra :-)

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

I just use a space heater or the central heat. And it doesn't need to get to 100 degrees.

But it shouldn't take three months. Exactly what kind of paint did you use?

Debra :-)

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

According to the Damp Rid MSDS, the freshener pack is mostly natural bentonite clay, plus a little silica gel (glass is silica), and a few polyethylene fibers ( which are not toxic).

MSDS generally don't list any fragrance that may be in the product, as it is not considered hazardous by the MSDS regulations.

Aside from any fragrance, there's nothing else in this product that is a toxic chemical. These ingredients are listed as a dust hazard.

Debra :-)

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

Please contact the manufacturer to ask them this question.

Debra :-)

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

Corian is made from acrylic plastic with natural minerals added. Acrylic plastic itself is fairly toxic, but Corian is only part plastic and part natural minerals, so it is less toxic than if it were 100% plastic.

Also, it is a hard plastic, which outgasses less than soft plastics. The MSDS for Corian states "Material is not known to contain Toxic Chemicals under Section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
of 1986 and 40 CFR part 372..."Corian" Solid Surface Material is not hazardous as shipped. However, operations such as sawing, routing, drilling and sanding can generate dust. High concentrations of dust can irritate eyes, nose and respiratory passages and cause coughing and sneezing."

The MSDS also states, "Exposure limits may be applicable for the following:
Methyl Methacrylate and Butyl Acrylate" but these are very small, less than one percent of the material.

I would say that Corian isn't particularly toxic to the end user, but it also isn't natural or made from renewable resources. It's likely some hazardous waste would be generated in it's manufacture, and I have no data on how that waste is handled.

Since there are many natural stone and tile options available for countertops, I would go with a natural material. Some salvage yards are great sources for reclaimed old stone. In the first house I remodeled, I installed marble countertops that had been removed from an old building in San Francisco, where the walls were lined with marble. Five dollars a square foot. My handyman cut the piece to fit with a skill saw. Don't have such materials here in Florida. Look around where you live and see what kind of salvage materials you have available. There is LOTS of salvage tile...even here.

Debra :-)

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

I would say very toxic, but it is likely to cure fairly fast in the hot summer sun.

Any possibility you could stay someplace else temporarily, with family or a friend, or, best..how about a little seaside vacation where there is clean air?

Debra :-)

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

I have personally seen this furniture on display and found it beautiful and well-made as well as nontoxic. I would buy this furniture myself if I were in the market for furniture. I don't have any long-term experience with owning it. Readers?

Debra :-)