So, you have attractive furniture, and it is soft and comfortable. But what lies below the surface? The bottom line is that couches and chairs can be stuffed with almost anything. Unfortunately, usually, soft furniture is stuffed with the cheapest material possible, which typically means cheap chemical based foam or stuffing that has been impregnated with a variety of chemicals.

Is Comfort Really Everything?

If your couch is comfortable, that comfort may come at a high price in the form of exposure to various chemicals that have been linked to cancer, respiratory problems, weakened immune systems, learning disabilities in children, fertility problems and more. Of course, it is true that chemicals, including petroleum based chemicals, are everywhere, but that only means that one should be extra vigilant about reducing exposure whenever possible.

While it is true that there is no way to completely eliminate chemical exposure, it is also true that there are many steps that you can take to reduce your overall exposure and, in the process, boost your odds of maintaining or improving your health. Let’s take a closer look at the chemicals found in non-wood furniture and what you as a consumer can realistically do to avoid those chemicals.

As it turns out, simple choices can have a big impact on both your health and the environment. What you choose to purchase, and not purchase, has big ramifications in terms of what products will and will not be produced. When you say “no” to a dangerous or potentially toxic product, such as furniture, you are sending a powerful message to manufacturers around the globe.

Understanding Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is one of the most common chemicals found in non-wood furniture. Formaldehyde (yes, the same chemical used to embalm bodies!) degasses from many kinds of furniture, from chairs and couches to even tables and dressers. Formaldehyde can degas from furniture not for months, but rather shockingly for years. Sofas, chairs and even bedding can constantly release formaldehyde, which has clearly been linked to cancer, into your air for years.

Considering the amount of time that most of us spend indoor around our furniture this is a huge problem. So, what should you do?

The clearest way to avoid formaldehyde exposure is to simply not buy foam or stuffed furniture unless it is made from safe materials. Before you buy, do your research.

Choosing wood furniture is a great way to improve your indoor air quality and reduce your exposure to formaldehyde. Another step is to invest in air cleaning plants. Air cleaning plants, such Boston ferns, snake plants and peace lilies, are all excellent at cleaning and protecting the air that you and your family breathe each and every day. These plants are great whether regardless of whether or not you already have foam based furniture.

Snake plants, in particular, are remarkably robust and do a great job with low levels of care and light. Many have stated that snake plants are practically indestructible, which, of course, isn’t true. But these tough little plants are a must if you are worried about your indoor air quality. Snake plants are particularly good at breaking down harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde.

Understanding Flame Retardant Chemicals

When it comes to dangerous chemicals found in non-wood furniture few are more concerning than flame retardant chemicals. Flame retardant chemicals are put into everything from furniture to bedding, baby products and even electronics. In fact, flame retardant chemicals are a fixture in electronic products, and many fear that they are being overused.

In recent years there has been a push to do away with laws that require furniture manufacturers to put flame retardant chemicals into furniture. However, the lobbies that benefit from the sale of flame retardant chemicals are in no rush to say goodbye to what has been a remarkably profitable and consistent cash cow.

Research into flame retardant chemicals in furniture has yielded two findings: first, flame retardant chemicals are usually of minimal value and secondly, the chemicals used can cause cancer and other diseases.

Many experts have stated that flame retardant chemicals don’t actually stop fires from spreading. Other studies have pointed to the fact that some flame retardants work to mimic estrogen which can lead to a range of health problems including increased weight, hormone disruption and learning delays in children.

However, one fact is certain, furniture containing flame retardant chemicals will serve to produce smoke that is more toxic than it would otherwise be, potentially endangering both occupants as well as fire fighters and first responders.

Taking Steps To Protect Your Home

There are many steps you can take if you are concerned about the chemicals in your furniture. First, you can replace your furniture with as much wood furniture as possible. Or look for furniture that is specifically designed to be low VOC , flame retardant free, and eco-friendly. For most people, this will take time, as furniture expenses tend to be quite expensive, especially when you’re buying quality furniture.

Secondly, don’t assume that your furniture that looks like wood furniture actually is wood. Many consumers think they are buying wood furniture only to discover that they are buying MDF wood products which are essentially a mixture of sawdust, glues and chemicals. Such furniture is not real wood furniture. As a result, it will degas for years and it won’t last for too long either. This is not what you want.

Other steps can be taken to improve your indoor air quality such as buying air cleaning plants and even air purifiers; however, it is important to note that air quality isn’t the only problem with non-wood furniture. The harmful chemicals found in the majority of non-wood furniture also escapes into the environment where it mixes with dust and can be inhaled or most dangerously of all consumed by small children. The safest way to deal with non-wood furniture is to simply avoid having it in your house in the first place.