Is our furniture killing us?  

 

Not being a scientist or physician, I can only say that some highly educated experts think that some materials and toxic chemicals in our furniture may be the cause of allergies, asthma, endocrine disruption, cancer, and developmental disorders such as ADHD.

 

We have particleboard furniture (aka pressed wood, composite wood or MDF) that contains formaldehyde that many discount stores sell. The particleboard furniture is glued together and not built to last, which causes it to end up in a landfill within a few years. See more information below on diseases related to formaldehyde exposure.

 

We have antique furnishings and accessories that contain toxins such as mercury and lead paint. We also have furnishings with lacquer and stains containing toxic chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. If the manufacturer won't take them back and provide a refund, they end up in consignment stores or non-profit stores.

 

Then we have that "love to sink down in" upholstered furniture. This furniture is likely to contain a variety of chemicals including those in stain protectors (think Scotchguard™) as well as flame retardants. Stain protectors may contain PFCs (perfluorooctane sulfonate) or PFOAs (perfluorooctanoic acid). Although PFCs are being phased out they may still exist in older furnishings or used furnishings. Flame retardants used in furnishings may be PBDEs (Polybrominated diphenylethers) or Halogenated flame retardants.

Although PBDE is now outlawed in California it can still be present in furniture manufactured prior to 2004. As PBDE degrades it gets in the dust around your home and into the blood streams of our pets, UC Berkeley News Center reported that "Both animal and humans studies suggest that halogenated flame retardants - those containing bromine or chlorine - can cause endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, cancer, and adverse effects on fetal and child development and on neurologic function."

If you are in the market for furniture consider solid wood furniture with non-toxic or natural wax finishes and fabrics that are naturally fire resistant. However, only you can determine whether fire is a risk in your home and whether fabrics should be treated with chemical flame retardants.

 

 

The baby bed is probably the most important piece of furniture you will buy for the nursery. Purchasing a "built-to-grow crib" is the most sustainable option as the crib can be transformed into the "grown-up" bed as your child matures. You should consider a bed that is composed of real wood and avoid composite wood furniture (pressed board or MDF) that may contain "formaldehyde."

 

The Environment California Research & Policy Center released a report as far back as 2008 stating that "baby nursery cribs, changing tables, and dressers can emit formaldehyde at levels linked with increased risk of childhood allergies." The EPA reported in April, 2011 that formaldehyde is known to cause cancer in humans.

 

You should thoroughly research the crib you intend to purchase. If there are issues with the crib or it has been tested, chances are it will show up in an internet search. If you are shopping at a specialty store ask them for the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the crib so you can evaluate whether there are toxic risks for your newborn.