Question
Is TPO Olefin toxic? I am looking for non-toxic window shade fabric.
I am about to order custom roller shades for large windows in my home. I have chemical sensitivities and I am very concerned about indoor air quality and outgassing of chemicals. I just discovered that the shade fabric I chose (Phifer SheerWeave 4000) contains PVC. The manufacturer (Phifer) offers one fabric line that they say is PVC-free, but the "PVC-free" coating is TPO Olefin. Does anyone know if TPO Olefin contains harmful toxins? Or know of any similar shade fabric that is non-toxic? Also, does anyone know how objective, accurate, or stringent Greenguard certification is?
Answer
Andreas,
Perkins + Will maintains a good resource called the "Precautionary List" here.
- This information is organized as an Architect would specify a building product. So your interest in shades would be found in Division 12.
- There is also an alphabetical list of substances, so you can look-up PVC, for example.
An alternative listed for PVC coatings on shades is Thermoplastic Olefin.
As of 2011 Greenguard is a business unit of Underwriters Laboratories, which is a is an independent product safety certification organization.
Good luck with your research,
Edward
