Organic Furniture Matters
Off-Gassing is Off-Putting: Many conventional furniture items, hardwood floors, mattresses, and baby cribs are made with synthetic materials and treated with chemicals that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over time. These VOCs, known as off-gassing, can pose significant health risks, especially for infants and young children.
1. Dangers of Volatile Organic Compounds: Off-gassing from furniture can lead to various health issues such as respiratory problems, allergies, and skin irritations. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can include formaldehyde, flame retardants, and phthalates which can compromise indoor air quality and negatively impact our health.
The foam in most conventional cushions is made of petroleum-based polyurethane, a highly flammable product. To rectify this, toxic, cancer-causing flame retardants are added. This synthetic foam breaks down over time. The result is dust containing fire retardant chemicals polluting the indoor air which everyone breaths. These chemicals have become ubiquitous in the environment.
Most wood used in typical furniture products is not solid. It is comprised of particleboard. Particleboard manufacture involves the use of formaldehyde. This chemical has been identified as a known carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program.
The half-life of formaldehyde outgassing from particleboard is about one year. Heat makes it outgas faster. However, long term studies indicate that significant outgassing continues for at least 5 years and possibly longer.
2. What You Can Do: A few brands boast organic cotton upholstery, but watch out for the materials underneath as they can still be made from synthetic and toxic materials. Greenwashing happens frequently in the furniture industry.
Avoid leather: Real, genuine leather undergoes a tanning process that involves many carcinogenic chemicals and solvents that would make any environmentalist cringe. The process is so toxic to both the environment and the workers, in fact, that the EPA and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have closed most USA tanneries.
Avoid faux leather: Faux leather is made from a fabric base. This base is chemically treated with wax, VOC emitting dye, or polyurethane to achieve the desired color and texture. No thanks.
Avoid catchy terms: Watch out for “engineered hardwood” which uses plywood construction (all plywood contains formaldehyde glues which outgas over time)
Buy smart sealants: Purchase Safecoat Safe Seal.This unique product is applied to particleboard to block the off-gassing of formaldehyde from processed wood products such as plywood, particleboard, and pressed wood
Buy pre-loved: Purchasing previously owned furniture is a great option to ensure you’re not exposed to off-gassing chemicals from brand new furniture. Estate sales are a great option to find genuine pieces of furniture. I love these pre-loved furniture website:
Buy an organic mattress: Sleeping on all organic mattress is of utmost importance as you’re spending 7-9 hours per night doing nothing but breathing and sleeping. No one wants to inhale fire retardants all night. I love these brands:
Avoid PVC: Avoid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is often found in linoleum, upholstery, and shower curtains, there’s pretty much nothing redeemable about the health properties of this product. Healthy Child Healthy World claims that PVC is one of the most toxic plastics out there.
Buy organic furniture: Opting for organic furniture made from natural, non-toxic materials can significantly reduce the risk of off-gassing. Organic furniture is typically crafted from sustainably sourced wood, natural fibers, and non-toxic finishes, ensuring a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. Your thyroid will thank you. I love these brands:
I do not promote Nestig, as they use foam fillers and are using a greenwashing marketing method
Conclusion: As we strive to create a safe and nurturing home environment, it is crucial to be aware of the potential dangers of off-gassing from furniture, hardwood floors, and baby cribs. By choosing organic furniture crafted from natural, non-toxic materials, we can minimize the risk of VOC exposure and create a healthier indoor space for ourselves and our loved ones. Investing in organic furniture is not only a wise choice for our well-being but also a sustainable decision that supports both our health and the environment.
