Many products that are used in fabric, carpet, paint and furniture contain pesticides, carcinogenic arylamines, heavy metals, formaldehydes and allergenic dyestuffs. Such products have an impact on the human immune system.

During the past 10 years, more research has focused on the harmful effects these ingredients used in the textile industry have on humans and the environment. Design and textile industries now make products that either do not carry these unhealthy chemicals or carry lower, less toxic levels.

The terms used to label these products are often confusing. Most people are misled by the terms "green," "eco-friendly" and "organic." These words do not mean the same thing.

"Green" or "eco-friendly" may not be what it seems on the surface. Most allergic reactions come from more natural or sustainable products like cotton, silk, linen, bamboo or down feathers. Many of these products are grown with pesticides or had other chemicals added to them. A better product for people with allergies and other ailments would be a synthetic product or combined products.

Fabrics are now being produced that are free from potentially harmful chemicals and are skinfriendly. Some of these fabrics also carry an environmental plus label, which has the added benefit of being environmentally friendly.

When seeking out "green" products, keep in mind what to ask for. Do they carry allergenic dyestuffs? Have they been treated with pesticides and chlorinated phenols? Do they contain heavy metals? Are they free from formaldehydes? Are they skinfriendly?

Draperies, furniture, bedding, flooring and paint no longer have to contain toxins or cause allergies. The design industry has provided healthy fabric.

The more consumers demand, the more the industry will make. When decorating a home or reupholstering furniture, one doesn't have to sacrifice one's health.

Dawn Michael Interior Design at 2829 Townsgate Road, Ste. 110, Westlake Village, seeks out ecofriendly fabric and furniture companies and carries healthy products in the design studio.

For more information, call (805) 777-7747.