Amara Naqvi
From the start, we’ve crafted our interiors to be safe havens, whether for rest, work, or other needs. It’s troubling to realize that the materials and furniture we rely on today could be filled with harmful chemicals.
Navigating product safety can be exhausting, especially when regulations fall short. This straightforward guide will help you identify and avoid harmful chemicals in your furniture.
Knowledge and vigilance are key. It is possible to reduce our exposure to harmful substances in our built environment by making informed choices.
We should all demand non-toxic alternatives and advocate for higher standards, pushing the market toward safer, more affordable solutions as the norm. This will benefit everyone, especially our environment, as these chemicals not only harm our health but also damage our air, water, and soil.
When buying healthier materials or products, the initial cost might be higher, but the long-term health benefits are invaluable. Let’s take this step together toward cleaner, safer interior spaces.
Types of Wood Used In Furniture
- Solid: Very durable, natural appearance, more expensive.
- Engineered: Types of engineered wood that differ in composition:
Plywood: Made from layers of wood veneer glued together in alternating grain directions, offering high strength and stability.
MDF: Composed of wood fibers bonded with adhesives under heat and pressure, known for its smooth surface but less durable and prone to water damage.
Particleboard: Created from wood chips or particles bonded with adhesives, it is less dense and weaker, often used in budget-friendly furniture.
In terms of toxicity, solid wood is generally the safest option, while particleboard has the highest potential for emitting harmful chemicals. MDF and plywood products fall in between.
Many wood products contain chemicals that can be harmful when released into the air and these chemicals are often found in:
- Wood construction: Adhesives, varnishes, and finishes used in plywood, MDF, and particleboard can contain formaldehyde, isocyanates, and resins.
- Upholstery and fillings: Flame retardants, often containing harmful chemicals like PBDEs, TCPP, and TDCPP, are added to foam, feathers, and fibers.
- Wood treatments and finishes: Paints, stains, and finishes can contain heavy metals (like lead, cadmium, and mercury), formaldehyde, plasticizers (often containing phthalates), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Stain-resistant and water-repellent treatments: These often contain PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), a group of harmful chemicals linked to various health issues.
Wood Construction
Toxins That May Be Present:
Chemicals that are harmful when released into the air are often found in adhesives, varnishes, and finishes.
- Formaldehyde in adhesives, varnishes and finishes for plywood, mdf, and particleboard
- Isocyanates in polyurethane foams and adhesives
- Resins (urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde) for binders in engineered wood products like particleboard and MDF.
Health Risks
- Respiratory issues and skin irritation
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
- Carcinogen (Formaldehyde)
- Causes asthma (Isocyanates)
- Long-term health concerns: Some chemicals are linked to cancer, reproductive harm, developmental issues, and endocrine disruption.
How to Avoid or Minimize Exposure
Formaldehyde:
- Choose solid wood furniture, which typically doesn’t use formaldehyde-based adhesives.
- Look for furniture labeled as “formaldehyde-free” or “low-formaldehyde emissions.”
- Opt for products certified by standards such as CARB Phase 2 or Greenguard, which indicate lower emissions of this harmful chemical.
Isocyanates:
- Select furniture made with natural latex foam instead of polyurethane foam.
- Choose adhesives labeled as “isocyanate-free.”
Resins
- For a safer choice, purchase furniture made from solid hardwood.
- Look for engineered wood products with formaldehyde-free resins.
- Choose items labeled as “low-VOC” or “no-VOC.”
More Alternatives and Options:
- Consider NEW engineered wood, made from natural materials like bamboo and wheat straw.
- For particleboard, insist on low- or no-VOC glues.
- Look for certifications like GREENGUARD or OEKO-TEX.
Upholstery and Filling
Components: Furniture cushions are often filled with foam, down feathers, polyester fiber, or springs.
Toxins that may be present
Flame retardants, such as PBDEs, TCPP, and TDCPP, are commonly used in these fillings to reduce flammability.
Health Risks
These chemicals are linked to various health issues, including endocrine disruption and neurological problems.
How to Avoid or Minimize Exposure
- Choose natural fillings like wool, cotton, or. natural latex foam, which do not require chemical flame retardants.
- For fire-resistant wood, consider species naturally resistant to fire, such as teak or acacia. Also, mineral-based fire retardants like borax or alumina are generally safer than traditional chemical treatments.
- Look for furniture without labels like “flame retardant,” “stain-resistant,” “water-repellent,” or “odor-resistant.” These often indicate chemical treatments.
Wood Treatments and Finishes
Purpose: Wood treatments protect furniture from decay, insects, and enhance its appearance.
Toxins That May Be Present
Many finishes contain heavy metals (such as lead, cadmium, and mercury), formaldehyde, plasticizers (often containing phthalates), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Polyurethane coatings used for durability can also be toxic.
Health Risks
- Heavy Metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury): Can cause neurological damage, kidney issues, and developmental problems, especially in children.
- Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen that can also cause respiratory irritation and allergic reactions.
- Plasticizers (Phthalates): Linked to hormone disruption and reproductive health issues.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Can cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory problems, and long-term exposure may contribute to more serious health conditions.
- Polyurethane Coatings: Can release harmful chemicals during application and may continue to off-gas over time, affecting indoor air quality and causing respiratory issues.
How to Avoid or Minimize Exposure
- Choose naturally resistant wood species like teak, cedar, or oak, which don’t require as many treatments.
- Opt for low-VOC or VOC-free paints and finishes.
- Natural oils like linseed, tung, or walnut can protect and enhance wood without harmful chemicals.
- Use mineral-based preservatives like borax or copper naphthenate and consider natural pest deterrents like cedarwood or neem oil.
- Beeswax, plant-based alternatives, and water-based finishes can provide durability and protection without toxic plasticizers.
Stain-Resistant and Water-Repellent Treatments
Toxins That May Be Present:
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are often used in stain-resistant and water-repellent treatments.
Potential Health Risks
These chemicals are linked to serious health risks, including cancer and liver damage.
How to Avoid or Minimize Exposure
- Avoid PFAS-based treatments.
- Choose natural wood dyes or vegetable-based stains.
- Look for upholstery labeled “PFAS-free” or made with natural, untreated fabrics.
- Be wary of terms like “stain-resistant,” “water-repellent,” or “odor-resistant” as these indicate chemical treatments.
Things to Consider Regarding Wood Finishes and VOCs
Short-Term Concerns: Wood finishes often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that act as solvents, keeping the finish liquid until applied. Solvents evaporate after application, leaving behind cured finishes. During this curing process, proper ventilation is crucial to prevent exposure to harmful fumes. These fumes can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, and other health problems.
Long-Term Concerns: Even though many VOCs evaporate quickly, some VOC’s like formaldehyde off-gas slowly over time, remaining in the air long after furniture is placed indoors. Even after most the evaporation (curing), chemical residues may be trapped within the wood or finish, possibly leaching out over time.
Some individuals are more sensitive to chemicals, and even low VOC levels can trigger health problems. Repeated exposure to low levels of VOCs can cause health issues over the long term.
Recommendations: To minimize both short-term and long-term exposure, choose furniture with low or no VOC finishes and ensure proper ventilation during the application and drying process. This approach helps protect your health by reducing VOC risks.
Which Chemicals Off-gas for years?
Certain chemicals commonly found in furniture can continue to off-gas for years, impacting indoor air quality. These include:
- Formaldehyde: Commonly used in adhesives and resins for particleboard and MDF.
- VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): Found in paints, varnishes, adhesives, and certain fabrics, VOCs can include benzene, toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde.
- Phthalates: Often used as plasticizers in furniture components, these chemicals can leach out over time.
- Flame retardants: Some flame retardants, particularly older formulations, have been linked to long-term off-gassing.
E) Key Certifications and Labels to Look For to Avoid Harmful Chemicals in Wood Furniture
Detailed Health Risks Caused by Above Chemicals and Toxic treatments
Flame Retardants
- Endocrine Disruption: Flame retardants disrupt hormones, causing reproductive disorders, thyroid issues, and hormonal imbalances.
- Neurological Damage: Some flame retardants are neurotoxic, leading to cognitive impairments, lower child IQ, behavioral changes, and developmental delays.
- Cancer: Certain flame retardants, like PBDEs, are possible or probable human carcinogens, increasing the risk of cancers like breast and thyroid cancer.
- Birth Defects: Flame retardants can affect fetal development, potentially causing abnormal physical or mental traits.
- Reduced Sperm Quality: Flame retardants are linked to lower sperm quality, impacting fertility and reproductive health.
- Weakened Immune System: Flame retardants suppress the immune system, making individuals more prone to illnesses and infections.
- Lingering Environmental Impact: Despite regulations, flame retardant chemicals persist in the environment and food chain, posing ongoing health risks.
PFAS (stain and water resistant chemicals)
- Increased cholesterol levels: Linked to elevated cholesterol levels.
- Thyroid hormone disruption: Interferes with normal thyroid gland function, causing hormone imbalances.
- Immune system effects: Dysregulates the immune system, reducing antibody responses and impairing immune cell function.
- Birth & Developmental effects: Effects fetal development, including low birth weight, birth defects, developmental delays, and altered immune responses in children.
- Cancer: PFOA classified as a possible human carcinogen, potentially linked to kidney and testicular cancer.
- Impaired liver and kidney function: Interferes with liver and kidney functioning, reducing their ability to remove toxins.
- Endocrine disruption: Disrupts the endocrine system, causing hormonal imbalances and negative effects on bodily functions.
- Liver disease: Linked to liver damage, inflammation, and the development of tumors.
- Oxidative stress and inflammation: Induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage in the liver, contributing to liver diseases and related health issues.
Polyurethane Foam
- Respiratory Irritation: Can cause breathing difficulties and discomfort, irritating the respiratory system.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Releases VOCs during manufacturing and afterwards, leading to indoor air pollution and potential health problems.
- Flame Retardants: Flame retardants in polyurethane foam increase its toxicity, raising the risk of adverse health effects.
- Allergies and Sensitivities: Some individuals develop allergies or sensitivities to polyurethane foam, experiencing symptoms like skin irritation, itching, or respiratory reactions.
- Off-gassing: Emits toxic chemicals into the surrounding environment, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
- Environmental Impact: The production and disposal of polyurethane foam is not good for the environment. The manufacturing process relies on petrochemicals and energy-intensive methods, contributing to carbon emissions and resource depletion. Improper disposal leads to pollution and the release of harmful substances into ecosystems.
VOC off-gassing
Short-term Effects:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Headaches, dizziness, loss of coordination
- Nausea
- Allergic skin reactions
Long-term Effects:
- Liver and kidney damage
- Central nervous system damage
- Increased risk of cancer
- Respiratory issues (asthma, allergic rhinitis)
- Immune system dysfunction
- Developmental and reproductive problems
- Endocrine disruption.
Note: The severity of these effects depends on the type of VOC, exposure level, and individual susceptibility.
Formaldehyde
- Respiratory irritation: coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, worsened asthma, hampered breathing.
- Allergic reactions: skin rashes, itching, hives in sensitive individuals.
- Eye and nose irritation: redness, itching, watering; runny or congested nose, sneezing, nasal irritation.
- Headaches and dizziness: linked to prolonged or high-level exposure.
- Weakened respiratory defenses: increased susceptibility to respiratory infections like colds and flu.
- Skin sensitization: redness, itching, swelling with long-term contact.
- Worsened asthma symptoms: increased coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath.
- Carcinogenicity: classified as known human carcinogen;
Retailers and Brands Offering Healthier Furniture
Finding retailers and brands committed to sustainability and health is becoming easier. Here are a few to consider:
Online Retailers
- West Elm: Offers a range of furniture with a focus on sustainable materials and modern design.
- IKEA: While not exclusively eco-friendly, IKEA offers a selection of sustainable furniture options and transparent material information.
- Rove Concepts: Known for modern furniture with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials.
Sustainable Furniture Brands
- Floyd: Offers modular furniture made from sustainable materials with transparency in the supply chain.
- Article: Provides modern furniture with a focus on affordability and sustainability.
- Boll & Branch: Specializes in organic mattresses and bedding but also offers furniture made with natural materials.
References:
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity | Johns Hopkins Medicine
hopkinsmedicine.orgHealth Effects of PFAS | ATSDR
atsdr.cdc.govPFAS: What NIEHS is Doing
niehs.nih.govUnderstanding the Risks of PFAS | EPA
epa.govWood Stains & Finishes | EWG’s Healthy Living Guide
ewg.orgFormaldehyde: Evidence of Carcinogenicity | NIOSH – CDC
cdc.govCopper Chrome Arsenic (CCA) Treated Timber | Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.auThe Complete Guide To Fire Retardant Wood | Curtis Lumber & Plywood
clp-inc.com
