If you're an eco-friendly consumer looking for the safest, healthiest furniture options, chances are you've encountered some conversations and questions about formaldehyde.
What is formaldehyde? Should I be worried about formaldehyde in furniture? Is avoiding it worth the effort?
It's important to consider all angles before making any decisions…and that's where I come in!
I've combined my years of product testing experience and my dogged approach to research to put this article together for you.
Read on as I discuss what formaldehyde is, how it's used in furniture, and provide tips on shopping with confidence so you can make the most informed choice in the future.
Contents
Formaldehyde (HCHO) is a colorless, flammable gas with a distinct pungent odor.
It's used in various products and processes, including building materials, medical supplies, insulation, furniture manufacture, and in the production of many chemicals and plastics.
It can also be found naturally occurring in small amounts in our atmosphere.
Lower levels can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, but at higher concentrations, it can be toxic.
Formaldehyde is used as a bonding agent in the production of various furniture products (particularly particleboard and plywood).
You can also use it as a preservative for fabrics, carpets, and textiles.
It's a cost-effective chemical that provides strength and longevity to the finished product.
The frightening fact is that formaldehyde can be found lurking in many items around your house, such as:
Of course, the guaranteed way to avoid these toxic chemicals in your home is to buy non-toxic products in the first place.
But what about items you may already have - should you panic? Not so fast…let's look at the facts first!
Formaldehyde exposure from off-gassing furniture can cause various short-term health issues, such as:
And the EPA has stated that it considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (meaning it's likely to cause cancer).
Infants, children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with respiratory issues may be at greater risk from formaldehyde exposure.
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and SVOCs (semivolatile organic compounds) are two common types of chemicals found inside homes and other buildings.
Both can affect air quality, but they differ in how they are released into the air, what type of health effects they may have, and how they can be monitored and controlled.
VOCs are organic compounds that vaporize easily due to their low boiling points.
When exposed to the environment, they evaporate quickly into the air.
Common examples of VOCs include:
SVOCs are organic compounds with higher boiling points than VOCs, making them less likely to evaporate but more likely to accumulate on surfaces or become trapped in carpets and furniture over time.
Common examples of SVOCs include:
The best way is to research your potential purchases thoroughly.
Buy only from sustainable furniture brands that do not use formaldehyde or any chemicals in their products.
Check the labels for any indication that it contains formaldehyde or ask questions about what materials were used in its production.
Some low (or zero) formaldehyde options to consider include:
Looking out for green certifications also helps give you assurances that the item you're buying is as non-toxic as you think it is and the manufacturer is not greenwashing you.
For example, when buying composite wood products, only go for CARB ATCM Phase II or TSCA Title VI compliant ones.
Some leading green certifications that help protect you from formaldehyde (and other volatile organic compounds) include:
There are many simple ways you can help keep your indoor air clean and free from formaldehyde and other potential airborne contaminants. Some of my favorites include:
When new furniture is delivered, open it outside to allow the worst of the off-gassing to happen in the open air.
If you can leave the new item outside for a few days (or even longer), then that's even better.
This how to speed up off-gassing guide was written with mattresses in mind, but many of the tips also apply to furniture and other products.
Washing new non-iron fabrics (such as curtains and drapes) can help reduce the levels of formaldehyde in the material.
It's also worth washing all new items of clothing (and anything else that comes into contact with your skin), just in case!
Second-hand furniture is typically less likely to off-gas than brand-new furniture for several reasons:
Just be sure to research so you know precisely what your second-hand furniture was originally made from. High-quality solid wood furniture will contain much lower VOC levels than cheap pressed wood furniture full of glue.
Make sure to keep your chimneys and wood burner flue pipes clean.
A build-up of soot can emit formaldehyde and other hazardous pollutants into the air.
Also, ensure you only burn well-seasoned wood from reputable sources.
Testing the formaldehyde levels in your home is an important step in ensuring your family's safety.
There are several options for testing formaldehyde levels in a home environment, depending on the size and type of space you want to test.
You can purchase chemical test kits from local hardware stores or online retailers.
You can also hire a professional air quality assessment company to come into your home and gather samples.
Additionally, electronic formaldehyde detectors are available that can measure ambient air VOC levels.
Proposition 65 is a law in California requiring manufacturers and businesses to post warnings about the presence of toxins or chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
This law was established to protect consumers from potential exposure to these hazardous substances by giving them information before purchasing a product.
According to the IKEA website, "trace amounts of formaldehyde can be found in our products as it is a naturally occurring substance, however, we do not add formaldehyde to our range. As a precautionary measure, IKEA has phased out several chemicals that could potentially be harmful, often ahead of legislation."
Both are types of resin used in non-toxic furniture. NAF stands for 'no-added formaldehyde'. ULEF stands for 'ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde'.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is a state agency in charge of protecting and preserving California's air quality.
Established in 1967, CARB works to reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution and protect public health.
Formaldehyde is a potentially hazardous chemical found in many furniture types and can adversely affect our health.
There are ways to reduce the risk of exposure to formaldehyde, such as avoiding newly manufactured furniture made from particle board and looking for products with zero-VOC finishes.
To avoid bringing any toxic chemicals into your home, look for organic and non-toxic products that are free of synthetic chemicals.
If you are concerned about formaldehyde levels in your home, you should do testing to determine the source and concentration of the chemicals.
With this knowledge in hand, you can then make an informed decision on whether or not you need to take action to improve your indoor air quality and reduce potential health risks.
Are you aware of how much formaldehyde is potentially in your home?
Do you insist on only allowing solid wood furniture through your front door? Or are you happy to take the chance with cheaper medium-density fiberboard furniture? Drop me a line and let me know.
