Vallebona Country House was built following the indications of Clinical Ecology and of the Environmental Medicine. In particular, two books by Dr. William J. Rea, a cardiac surgeon who himself had Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, were used as reference.
Dr. Rea created the first Environmental Controlled Units (ECU) in his clinic at Dallas to welcome patients with MCS.
His book "Optimum environments for optimum health and creativity" explains in detail which materials have to used for the structure of the house, for the finishes and for the furniture in order to reduce the toxic load as much as possible and in order to avoid allergic and sensitivity reactions to chemicals.
The materials used in the Environmental Controlled Units are:
- lime masonry or white cement,
- porcelain stoneware tiles,
- solid wood with a low terpene content (such as poplar, maple, chestnut, walnut, cherry and beech),
- glass,
- metals,
- rigid plastic.
Wood
Glass
Metals
Masonry furniture
Rigid plastic
Rigid plastic is also an excellent material for the Environmental Controlled Unit because it does not release odors and particulates, but it is essential to choose types of hard plastic that are phthalate-free.
Phthalates, in fact, serve to soften plastic and they are responsible not only for hypersensitivity reactions, but also for carcinogenic risks.
Rigid odorless plastics are suitable and allow you to store clothes, food, books, with the advantage of protecting them from the risk of humidity.
At Vallebona Country House we have chosen different types of chairs with a metal structure and plastic seat, which is warmer and more comfortable than metal.
@ Casa Vallebona
To find out more, you can read Francesca Romana Orlando's book "The House of Good Health" (Libreria Editrice Fiorentina, 2022) available in online bookstores and to order in any physical bookstore.