Off-gassing is the process of chemicals being released into the air from a piece of furniture.
These chemicals can be harmful to your health, so it’s important to know what they are and how long they’ll be present in your home.
The chemicals that cause off-gassing include a large category of elements known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs).
VOCs and SVOCs include chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, toluene, and polyurethane.
This guide covers the expected duration of furniture off-gassing, the factors involved, and steps you can take to speed it up.
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Peak emissions from new furniture typically occur over the first day or so. They drop over days and weeks, but traces can persist for months.
In chamber tests of new household furniture, emissions “decreased constantly through time, approaching the equilibrium emission level.” The highest values were most commonly seen a day after installation (Ho et al., 2011).
For formaldehyde specifically, “Most formaldehyde is released by 2 years, according to ATSDR.
SVOCs off-gas at a slower and more consistent rate throughout the life of the furniture.
Some pieces of furniturefully off-gas within a year. Others may take as long as five years.
It’s also worth noting that off-gassing continues even after the ‘new’ smell disappears.
One of the most significant factors that can affect how long it takes for furniture to off-gas is the materials used in its construction.
The off-gassing from unprocessed natural materials is generally less than that of manmade materials.
For example, furniture containing artificial fabric such as polyester and cheap memory foam typically off-gases more significantly than furniture containing sustainable fabric and CertiPUR-US certified foam.
Also, furniture made from engineered pressed wood, such as MDF and particle board, off-gases more than furniture made from solid wood. This is because engineered wood is made up of many smaller strips stuck together with glue.
Most furniture is made from wood or metal, and coatings are often used on the surface to give it a polished look.
Coatings such as paints, veneers, stains, sealers, melamine, and laminates are all popular among furniture manufacturers. All of which can contain high levels of volatile organic compounds and semi-volatile organic compounds.
Another factor that can affect the off-gassing time is the size of the piece.
It stands to reason that usually (but not always) larger pieces of furniture off-gas longer than smaller pieces.
The temperature of the room can also affect how long it takes for furniture to off-gas.
Warmer temperatures typically cause chemicals to off-gas faster than cooler temperatures.
The levels at which off-gassing furniture releases VOCs and SVOCs are not generally considered toxic.
However, they can potentially lead to a variety of short-term and long-term issues, including:
Source: EPA.
These issues are often more common in the young and elderly, but can affect anyone.
There is no single federally enforceable “safe level” for all VOCs in non-industrial indoor settings.
For formaldehyde specifically, the WHO indoor-air guideline is 0.1 mg/m³ as a 30-minute average (WHO Guidelines).
For benzene, the WHO states that no safe level of exposure can be recommended. It says "the concentrations of airborne benzene associated with an excess lifetime risk of 1/10 000, 1/100 000 and 1/1 000 000 are 17, 1.7 and 0.17 µg/m³, respectively.” (WHO Guidelines).
Smell alone is not a reliable indicator of the presence or absence of VOCs.
An indoor air quality monitor can be used if required to check levels of substances, including formaldehyde and benzene.
However, the EPA cautions that inexpensive home kits are unverified, and that even valid tests can be hard to interpret or to tie back to a single source.
There is no official guidance specifying exactly when off-gassing furniture becomes safe to use.
The EPA advises staging new furnishings in a ventilated area before installation and then flushing the space with outdoor air. This reduces peak VOCs so the space is safer to occupy.
There are some steps you can take to help speed up off-gassing so you can safely use your furniture sooner.
If you are concerned about the off-gassing from your furniture, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process:
Because there is not much regulation around furniture off-gassing, unscrupulous manufacturers are free to employ greenwashing tactics to play down the level of chemicals coming off their products.
To help you navigate this minefield, look out for furniture approved and certified by respected independent third parties, such as:
See our list of green certifications to find out more about these (and many more).
Almost all new products around your home can off-gas and produce air pollution to some degree. Some you might want to keep an eye on include:
Wall paints have been known to be a household VOC off-gassing source for decades.
Thankfully, the paint industry has taken action, and you can now buy non-toxic paint with low (or even zero) VOC levels.
New carpets can also be a VOC source in your home.
The good news is that the CRI’s Green Label Plus program tests for and certifies low-emitting carpets.
So, if you’re in the market for new carpeting, look for the Green Label Plus logo.
Or, maybe consider a more eco-friendly floor covering option, such as bamboo or cork.
If you’re doing home renovations, be aware that many building materials are off-gas.
This includes insulation, drywall, adhesives, and more.
Look for green alternatives whenever possible (strawbale insulation, for example), and ensure you ventilate your home well during and after any renovations.
That new shirt or pair of pants might look great, but it could also be off-gassing chemicals.
The good news is that the problem is usually temporary. Just wash your new clothes and hang them out to dry in direct sunlight and clean air before wearing them to help air them out.
You can also help reduce the off-gassing from your clothes by avoiding fast fashion labels and looking for items made from sustainable fabrics.
A new car has that ‘new car’ smell for a reason…it’s off-gassing chemicals (mainly from the upholstery).
You can help get fresh air into your car by regularly opening the windows and doors.
Bamboo charcoal bags placed around the car will help absorb the off-gassing chemicals. Place the bags outside in direct sunlight for two hours to refresh them and release the VOCs.
Many mattresses are made from synthetic materials that off-gas.
There is nothing you can do to prevent synthetic mattress off-gassing, although you can speed it up.
The good news is that there are now many eco-friendly and natural options available, such as sustainable wool, natural latex, and organic cotton.
Organic mattresses typically off-gas at significantly lower levels than conventional mattresses because they are made without synthetic chemicals such as fire retardants and petroleum-based foams.
Some companies use the terms interchangeably, but they actually mean different things.
Off-gassing refers to the tendency of many manufactured goods and furniture (particularly foam) to emit gases after being opened or used.
When discussing indoor air quality, off-gassing is often referenced. On the other hand, outgassing is more frequently used in a manufacturing or laboratory environment.
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to off-gassing and furniture.
The best way to protect your family is to research before buying anything new for your home. Look for independent certifications, and avoid products made with harmful chemicals.
Whenever possible, opt for second-hand furniture or sustainable, eco-friendly options.
And, always remember to ventilate your home well to allow any off-gassing chemicals to dissipate quickly.
Do you have any experience with off-gassing and furniture?
Do you favor solid wood products? Or are you okay with the off-gasses of MDF? Do you have any killer tips for improving indoor air quality? Drop me a line and let me know.
