Learn how to create a healthier and safer home environment by choosing non-toxic furniture for your living space.
Non-Toxic Living Room Furniture
Since the coronavirus pandemic hit, people are spending more time in their homes than ever before in modern history. Our homes have been converted into offices, schools, daycares, and are the center of dates and family fun night. “Staying in” is the new “going out”. But, what does this mean for your health and wellness? Many people don’t realize that their home environment can have a significant impact on their overall health, particularly the immune system due to various chemicals and toxins that can be found in many of today’s household products and furniture. With this information in mind, and having a history of chronic health issues and allergies, I spent months researching and shopping for a clean couch for our new home. I decided to share my experience in this blog to help others with this process.
Did you know that your living room furniture could be toxic?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. I was pretty naive to this subject matter until this year. As a certified integrative nutrition coach, my education and experience taught me so much about the foods I consume, the products I use on my body, and the products I clean my home with, but I had not yet opened my mind to the possibility that the furniture I bring into my home could have an impact on my environment and health. This is one of those “you live and you learn” scenarios for me, and I did the leg work and am sharing my story in hopes that my experience can help others avoid these toxins and protect their air quality and home environment, especially as many of us prepare to hunker down in our homes for the foreseeable future.
What is that New Furniture Smell?
That new furniture smell is not what you may think it is. Many couches have 100% petroleum-based foams infused with flame retardants, formaldehyde releasing frames and chemical treated leather or fabrics. On top of that, couches can also contain toxic glues that make them even more harmful. My family learned about toxic furniture the hard way when we bought a sectional couch from a national furniture chain for our new home this year.
The couch we purchased was modern, affordable and fit our space nicely, but there was one major flaw—it came with a strong chemical fumes that did not go away. At first, we thought the smell was just because it was new and had been wrapped-up and we expected that it would dispute quickly, but we tried everything from opening windows (during below freezing temperatures in the Chicago winter), to vacuuming the couch with a HEPA filter, running a high-quality air purifier, diffusing essential oils, and setting out bowls of vinegar for days—nothing could overcome or even cover the strong chemical fumes coming from that couch. When I started digging into what those fumes could be, the stench became even harder to tolerate, and so did the physical issues. For starters, my husband (who never has health issues) fell asleep on the couch for two consecutive nights after watching TV and he woke up each morning with sinus congestion symptoms. My five-year-old spent a considerable amount of time on the couch as well, and he started getting bloody noses for the first time in his life. My allergy and neurological issues were also through the roof, seemingly out-of-nowhere, and I felt like my body was constantly having an allergic reaction to something. We all knew something was not right with our environment and we started avoiding the couch until we could dig into some details on the materials.
We found out that the lingering strong chemical fumes from the couch were most likely due to dangerous off-gassing from VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) such as formaldehyde and ethanol. If the fumes weren’t bad enough to smell, the physical irritation (nose bleeds, headaches, eye and throat irritation, dizziness) we experienced after sitting or laying on the couch for extended periods of time sent us over the edge, and we made the decision to return the couch as soon as possible. To our surprise, the well-known national furniture company refused to provide transparency about what materials were in the couch and how we could fix it. It became like a second job for my husband and I to try to get information from the company, we spent hours on the phone and we were passed around from department-to-department, and my husband even visited the retail location in-person to attempt to get answers, but we were met with continued frustration. Since they wouldn’t provide any concrete information on the materials in the couch we purchased, we assumed the worst, and decided this couch had to G-O! From that day on, I set out on my mission to find the cleanest, safest couch for our home evironment, and that is what led us to buying our clean couch at Room & Board.
The Health Dangers of VOCs in Furniture
When I started to research this topic on my own, I couldn’t believe the information that I found about what types of chemicals could legally be used in couches, especially those imported from other countries. I was appalled to learn that the off-gassing VOCs from couches have been known to cause cancer, immune system dysfunction, central nervous system damage, hyperactivity and even infertility! In fact, within the last decade, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and health advocates forced flame retardant chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, from the furniture market. These chemicals were showing up in alarming amounts in people’s bodies. The research suggested that they disrupted hormone signaling and children’s developing brains and nervous systems. In 2008, Environmental Working Group tests found that toddlers’ blood contained nearly three times the levels of PBDEs of their parents’ bodies. Previous studies have also shown that exposure to or ingestion of PBDEs may cause diabetes, liver problems, and thyroid disease, as well as adverse effects on the nervous, immune, and reproductive systems.
The scary part not everyone realizes is that the cancer risk from long-term exposure to these VOCs can show up down the road in the future. Chemicals and carcinogens don’t always cause an immediate reaction in a person, but they can build-up in our bodies and cause us to be at a much higher risk for serious health and immune system issues later on in life.
We Bought a Clean Couch from Room & Board
We (my husband, son and I) visited over 10 furniture stores and spent dozens of hours online viewing hundreds of couches from manufactures across the country in search of a non-toxic couch that was aesthetically pleasing, the right configuration we needed, and also fit our strict requirements for air-quality and health purposes. Room & Board was one of our very last stops, which when we decided to go with them—I of course wondered why didn’t we find them sooner! But, when all is said and done, I am glad we went through this extended search and challenge because it has allowed me to dig deeper and share my wisdom and acquired knowledge with others. Knowledge is power when it comes to your health and home environment.
How to Shop for a Non-Toxic Couch
According to the Environmental Working Group, Room & Board was one of the first furniture companies to lead the pack when it came to removing flame retardants from their products. When I learned about Room & Board, I reached out to them to see if they would like to collaborate with me to share my authentic experience, so I could get the full story on their company, take photos, and provide accurate and helpful information to others. Not only does Room & Board offer stylish and comfortable furniture, but some of the cleanest and most sustainable couch options I have come across. When you are searching for a clean couch there are several important details to consider.
Avoiding VOCs in Couches and Furniture
A big issue is that many furniture manufacturers still use toxic materials in their couches, from adhesives to foam to finishes. In fact, many of the materials used in furniture construction can contain carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals called VOCs. We can’t always avoid VOCs and toxic chemicals entirely because they are contained in so many products and places around us, but you can greatly minimize your exposure and risk at home by choosing safer products for your environment. It is important to know what materials to watch out for, and which furniture companies are ahead of the curve when it comes to these serious health concerns, such as Room & Board.
Toxic Couch Materials to Avoid for Safer Air Quality
Avoid PBDE/flame retardants
Look for the TB117-2013 label
According to a U.S. Government Publishing Office paper in 2017, Flame retardant chemicals are linked to cancer, reduced IQ, and hyperactivity. The Environmental Working Group says that looking for the label is a good place to start in order to avoid PBDEs. The label is typically found under a couch cushion or on the seat of the couch. It should read: “The upholstery materials in this product contain NO added flame retardant chemicals.” If it is unclear or you cannot find the label, ask the manufacturer’s customer service representatives whether chemical fire retardants were added to the product.
According to tests conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and other consumer safety groups, flame retardant chemicals weren’t very effective against fires when added to furniture in the first place, and it eventually became clear that they might negatively impact the health of the people who brought them into their homes. Fortunately, many companies have since complied with California's SB-1019, starting in 2015, to remove these harmful flame retardants from their couches and upholstered furniture. But, its always important to double-check on these potentially harmful materials, when in doubt ask questions.
Avoid Furniture with Stain-guard and Water-repellant Treatments
It is important to find fabric with no finishes or treatments. As enticing as these “Scotchgaurd” add-ons may be, it is in your best interest to avoid these treatments unless they are eco-friendly or proven to be non-toxic. To my knowledge, many national furniture stores have actually started to phase these processes out due to their harmful history. During our shopping experience, we were firsthand told by multiple furniture retailers that they are not using stain-guards anymore because of the cancer-risk.
These stain protectant treatments often contain perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs, which have been not only been linked to cancer, but also reproductive problems, birth defects, developmental delays and immune system suppression. To protect furniture from spills and pets, choose a washable cover or more durable material and fabric instead. It is a good idea to obtain information from the furniture manufacturer up front regarding best cleaning practices, so if an accident or spill occurs you can be ready and armed.
Avoid Formaldehyde Adhesives
Be aware that furniture made with plywood or particle board frames typically use glues that can emit potentially dangerous formaldehyde fumes. If you are unable to avoid composite wood, choose models that either have low-VOCs, no added formaldehyde or are certified by the California Air Resources Board to emit the lowest levels of the chemical. Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance so you may not be able to avoid it entirely, but you can definitely lower the emissions risk by choosing a brand that does adhere to the California guidelines. Today, there are safer alternatives such as water and soy-based resins. An easy and upfront way to approach this question is to ask if the furniture is “California Compliant” for Formeldahyde emissions.
Avoid 100% Polyurethane foam cushions
Polyurethane foam is a petroleum-by product that releases VOCs. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), exposure to some of the main ingredients of polyurethane foam – isocyanates – can cause a range of negative health effects, including asthma, lung damage and respiratory problems and damage and skin and eye irritation. If possible, it is recommended to try to avoid 100% poly foam cushions as they can contain higher levels of these VOCs. Companies are now offering poly-blend cushions which lowers the emissions risk. Some cleaner, more non-toxic options include down feathers, soy blends, organic latex, or rubber material to fill the cushions.
Avoid Particle Board and Formeldahyde-emitting Frames
Particle Board is contained in many couches and pieces of furniture, which often off-gasses high levels of formeldahyde due to the toxic adhesives and glues used in the manufacturing process to hold it together. Particle board is manufactured from wood chips, sawmill shavings, or even sawdust, and a synthetic resin. You can lower the level and risk of formaldehyde emissions by choosing a couch with a hardwood frame.
Engineered hardwood is another option, that is more prevalent today, that is highly resistant to warping, cracking and splitting. But, engineered wood still uses some type of adhesive and finish, so it is important to look for wood that is manufactured and finished with low or zero VOCs. Some better options include water-based or soy-based resins vs. traditional solvent-based glues and stains.
Avoid Chemical Emissions in Fabric
When it comes to fabric, finding material that is Greenguard Gold Certified can help lower your emissions risk. This certification adheres to the strictest emission guidelines to date when it comes to fabric and furniture materials, and is often used to help ensure products are safe for use in spaces like nurseries, schools, and healthcare facilities. All products that earn the Greenguard Gold certification are tested for chemical and particle emissions in dynamic environmental chambers. Measured emission levels are converted by calculation to air concentrations representing what a person will actually breathe.
In addition to the Greenguard Gold Certification fabrics made from natural fibers are a good place to start. Some cleaner fabric options include certified organic fabrics such as linen, cotton, hemp, and cotton/hemp blends.
Avoid Imported Materials When Possible
When it comes to furniture, made in the USA is usually your best bet. While it may not always be possible to get furniture entirely made in the United States, knowing the origin and manufacturing history and practices is a crucial part of determining the potential toxicity. Couches that are imported are more likely to contain toxic materials and chemicals used in the manufacturing and shipping process. Transparency is key, and if a company cannot or is unwilling to provide that information than that is usually a red flag as we learned from experience.
Our New Non-Toxic Couch from Room & Board
The York Sectional from Room & Board
Fortunately, there are some cleaner and safer options you can choose that will allow you to relax peacefully on your furniture. Adhering to our checklist, at the end of our journey, we chose The York Sectional from Room & Board. It was the perfect size, configuration and color scheme for our living room space (as pictured above). The couch is so chic, but still functional for our family area. Also, due to chronic neck and pain issues I deal with from nerve damage, comfort was also an important component in our couch search. I needed a couch that was firm enough to support my spine, but still comfortable enough for to lounge around on. The York was the combination of exactly what we needed, the cushions are supportive, but comfy. This couch is worth every penny for the aesthetic value, functionality, and safety it provides your home. A couch is something you are going to live with daily usually for a long time (sometimes decades), so why would you cut corners?
One of the other appealing features at Room & Board is that you can customize the couches to meet your needs including the fabric and color scheme. The fabric we chose for the York Sectional is called Sumner Linen, and it is Greenguard Gold Certified, which was important to us as mentioned above. The fabric does not have a stain-repellent finish and the cushions are filled with a combination of down and feathers instead of 100% poly-foam like many couches at national furniture chains. Fabric durability was also a factor with a child and pet, and we love the material—which so far has held-up great! We were actually able to put the fabric to the test this summer during a popsicle incident (we don’t eat messy food on the couch, so this was a freak accident that the popsicle got flung into the air). The small drip marks and spots came right off with just water and a microfiber cloth, no cleaners or stain removers were necessary, phew!
Ashley Iovinelli on The York Sectional from Room & Board.
Photo: Mary-kate Schaudenecker
Additionally, I love that the York Sectional was made in the USA, as that was another important component from our safe furniture checklist. We also were able to find very direct information regarding the materials and formaldehyde emissions from looking at the couch label located just under one of the couch seat cushions. Room & Board also provides transparency on their website and furniture collateral at their brick and mortar locations.
No New Furniture Smell
I can honestly say that there was no new furniture smell this time and zero VOCs when we received our new couch from Room & Board. We were able to fully enjoy the couch from the first day forward, without any hesitation. Everything from the customer service to the shopping experience was positive, which is another reason I felt compelled to share my authentic story and feedback.
Finding Non-toxic furniture can seem like an overwhelming process. But, if you choose a transparent company like Room & Board, it should be simple to answer the important questions on your checklist. If you can avoid many of the chemicals and materials mentioned above, you can lower your risk of being exposed to dangerous VOCs and can feel safer about the furniture you bring into your home environment.
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/fact-sheet-assessing-risks-flame-retardants
https://www.ewg.org/healthyhomeguide/upholstered-furniture/
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2017-09-28/pdf/2017-20733.pdf
https://greenactivefamily.com/chemicals-and-materials/polyurethane-foam-toxicity/