Children’s Health Environmental Coalition
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Furniture makes our homes comfortable, livable spaces. But whether we're talking about the sofa or a baby's crib, there are a few things to consider about materials used to construct furniture. Both wood and upholstered furniture...
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Furniture makes our homes comfortable, livable spaces. But whether we're talking about the sofa or a baby's crib, there are a few things to consider about materials used to construct furniture. Both wood and upholstered furniture can contain unhealthy glues, particleboard, chip board, pressed wood and plywood. All of these can emit formaldehyde and other VOCs for months. Wood furniture finishes, particularly those that are oil-based, may also offgas chemicals. Upholstered furniture typically contains polyurethane foam, which may offgas VOCs, as well. This foam and covering fabrics are often treated with chemical-laden finishes for stain-resistance, waterproofing and flame retardancy. New evidence is showing that one type of commonly used flame retardant, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), may be as persistent and dangerous as DDT and PCBs. Researchers have found that PBDEs accumulates in human breast milk. Another chemical, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), used to guard against stains in many fabric treatments, has become widespread in the environment because it doesn't break down easily. PFOS has even been found in polar bears and dolphins! Toxicity information is incomplete due to inadequate testing. 3M, the primary manufacturer of products containing PFOS, is phasing out the use of PFOS by the end of 2002. Other unhealthy substances in furniture includes the dust, mold, and animal dander that accumulates in upholstery. These can cause or contribute to your children’s allergies. And, forests worldwide are in serious decline, being harvested at unsustainable rates. Unsustainable forest management is causing biodiversity loss and negatively affecting the economic future of communities around the globe. To avoid contributing to deforestation, purchase sustainable, nontoxic furniture. If you’ve had your furniture for a few years, it’s probably offgassed most of its VOCs. When you are considering new furniture, though, you should pay attention to the materials that it’s constructed with. Sticking to untreated, natural woods, especially those made of sustainable woods, makes for beautiful, long lasting and safe furniture. The most deceiving furniture looks like natural wood, but internal pieces, such as drawers, backs and bottoms may be made of particleboard or plywood. Natural veneers are sometimes used on cheaper, manufactured wood products. Inspect carefully. Unfinished edges are particularly telling. For shopping tips, see What to Look for When Buying New Furniture. For upholstered chairs and couches, you can have sofas, loveseats and chairs custom-made with organic cotton and wool fill by Furnature and The Natural Alternative. Wool is flame retardant and substitutes well for foam used for that purpose. The cost can be high, but prices are usually in line with those of high quality furniture in general. For example, a custom-made, all-organic chair may cost $500 to $1,000, while a sofa might be made for $2,000 to $3,000. Futons that convert to sofas and chairs are a less expensive option. While you might not want your entire house to be furnished with futons, a piece here and there, especially in family rooms, will do double duty as safe seating and extra beds for guests. And you can easily change futon covers for new decorating looks and washing. Make sure you buy futons made of 100% cotton. Avoid those with foam cores. Seeking used furniture, which has already offgassed, provides a welcome excuse to go antique hunting. Even if you don’t find bargain-basement, mint-condition pieces, you may happen upon treasured heirloom pieces that will give your home a unique look. Old upholstered furniture may have accumulated dust, mold and animal dander. Using a HEPA vacuum cleaner or steam cleaning will help get rid of embedded allergens. Make sure the fabric and fill dry thoroughly to avoid mold growth. Mold spores are almost impossible to get rid of in upholstery, so if it smells moldy or looks mold-stained, you shouldn’t keep it. For more used furniture tips, see What to Look for When Buying Used Furniture.
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Highlights:
Growing children are vulnerable to pollutants in our homes. Some products expose children to harm. Limiting toxins is important for your family. Small changes make a big..
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