I just finished reading “Why Vinyl Stinks” (Whole Dog Journal April 2007). While I think the article is wonderful, there is a problem with the reference to “vinyl linoleum flooring.” The descriptions “vinyl” and “linoleum” are frequently and incorrectly interchanged or combined.
Linoleum is a natural material, made from linseed oil (flax oil) and wood pulp or cork dust and backed by burlap or canvas. It is considered a “green” or “sustainable” building material. If there is anything synthetic added, it is no longer considered linoleum flooring.
This may seem silly to point out, but since the idea of “green building” and “sustainable design” are still in the infancy stages among most people, this case of mistaken identity could really turn people off to a great material. Armstrong, maker of arguably the best-known linoleum flooring, in fact has a partnership and is certified with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), an organization created by the U.S. Green Building Council, which sets the benchmark for “green” design. I hope that you may clear this up to the readers so those who may have linoleum flooring can rest easier and those who don’t might be introduced to this safe alternative to vinyl flooring.
Julie Gianesini Via e-mail
Thanks for pointing out my editing error. I know that linoleum and vinyl flooring are different, and that linoleum is considered safe and vinyl is questionable. Still, somehow, I let the phrase “vinyl linoleum flooring” get past me. Maybe it was the fumes from all the vinyl products I had in my office for research for the article!
Your article about vinyl may have solved a mystery for me, but one regarding my finches, rather than my dog. I have enjoyed keeping caged finches in my home for many years. Until recently, I had seven Society Finches and two Star Finches in one very large cage. One morning, I awoke to find five of the finches had died; no explanation presented itself that I could determine. After reading your article, I realized that one thing was new: About five days prior, I had placed a flexible “plastic” mat over the cage bottom. The material has a distinctive, strong odor. I am now wondering if this material released a volatile toxic gas, resulting in the death of my finches.
Letitia Annis Green Pond, NJ
The material you enclosed obviously contains plastic softening agents, which can release toxic compounds. I can’t say that this is what killed your finches, but I share your concern and suspicion, and avoid buying products like these for my home.
Thanks for the articles on EFT, directed energy, and acupressure in your series on energy medicine (October 2007-February 2008). A combination of these therapies has helped a chronic problem my dog has had for about six years. She was evaluated for intermittent vomiting and/or loose stools by five conventional veterinarians. Until early March, I was giving her Metronidazole two times a week, but it was only a temporary fix. In a short time after she received healing energy and acupressure, the problem was remedied. I went for two EFT sessions to help with my own shoulder condition and found relief.
Antoinette, Rochester, NY
