Non-Toxic Plantation Shutters

February 24, 2011, by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Breathegreen

Hi Debra I need to purchase plantation shutters for a bedroom. I had mcs and need a non toxic alternative so that there is no off gassing! Can you help?

Debra's Answer

The choices of material for plantation shutters are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic (also called "vinyl" or "fauxwood") or solid wood finish with stain or paint, or unfinished.

You want to not get the vinyl or fauxwood shutters because these are plastic and can outgas.

The wood shutter will be more expensive but less toxic.

Prefinished paints and stains are applied and then baked on. There may be residual vapors that continue to be released when you buy these new. How long they might outgas depends on how long it's been since they were finished, and how well they were cured in the baking process. You can leave them outdoors to finish releasing emissions.

Or you can purchase the wood shutters unfinished and leave them unfinished or apply your own less toxic paint.