New Refrigerator Off-Gassing

April 7, 2015 by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Dee

Hi Debra,

Your book Non-toxic and Natural became the cornerstone of the filtration system for "all things entering my domain" in my first home as a mother back in the early 90's.

It is still my reference point as I evaluate products. The "alternatives" sections became the recipes that I still use. THANK YOU.

I have been in my current home for 12 years with the same refrigerator that was here when we moved in… I'm considering a new refrigerator, yet am stalling, due to the off gassing of new units. (I've been "considering" a purchase for 6 years!)

I have searched the web and found very little discourse and no refrigerators that are manufactured with materials that do not off gas.

Are you familiar with with any manufacturers addressing this issue? Frankly, I am blown away that with all the discourse (finally) about our polluted food system that no one is talking about how we put our "locally grown organic" produce in a toxic box whose vapors infuse this clean food with toxic gases.

I am considering purchasing a new refrigerator before my existing 'fridge poops out. I thought I could set it in the sun for a few months–before I need it.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance and thank you for your enduring work.

Debra's Answer

I wish I could give you the brand and model of a safe refrigerator, but unfortunately there are no "toxic free" refrigerators.

I bought a new refrigerator ten years ago. It's a Kenmore "Trio" and I love it. I bought it new but it was a floor model so it had more time to outgas.

The best I can tell you with all appliances is to buy used or floor models that have had time to outgas.

A reader has suggested that placing a refrigerator outdoors in the sun could void the warranty and ruin the compressor.