The Hazardous Handful: Top 5 Harmful Chemicals in Furniture

Many of us seek out clean beauty products, organic produce, and otherwise avoid toxic chemicals whenever possible. But what about the furniture we bring into our homes?

Facts about the harmful chemicals common in furniture aren't widely known. We believe knowledge is power, and in this case, the power to choose nontoxic options. Read on to learn about the "Hazardous Handful", the five chemical groups that are the main culprits. For each, we share why the substances are used, their health impacts, and how to minimize your exposure to them.

1) Volatile Organic Compounds, VOCs (includes formaldehyde and benzene)

Used to dissolve other materials.

VOCs enter the air as vapors that can continue emitting for years.

Found in adhesives, finishes, paint, coatings, composite wood (particle board, MDF).

Reproductive toxicity (lowered fertility), cancer, neurotoxicity (headaches, nausea, memory problems, fatigue), asthma trigger, damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system, respiratory illness, eye irritation.

Choose furniture made with low-VOC or no VOC finishes and materials.

2) Chemical Flame Retardants (includes PBDE, chlorinated tris and Fyrol)

Used to decrease flammability, but current studies show they are not effective and sometimes cause worse outcomes.

Chemicals enter the air as foam particles or attach to dust, which we can inhale or ingest.

Found in foam products (including mattresses, upholstered furniture, baby changing pads).

Cancer, reproductive toxicity (lowered fertility, lowered birth weight), endocrine disruption (hormone disruption, obesity, early onset of puberty), neurodevelopmental effects (lower IQ, hyperactivity, decreased memory and learning), immune impairment, diabetes.

Look for the labels required on upholstery known as TB1172013 tags. Read them carefully, and look for an "X" by the statement "Contains NO Added Flame Retardant Chemicals".

3) Fluorinated Substances (includes PFAS, PFOA, PFOS and PSFs)

Used on fabrics for stain, oil and liquid resistance.

Found in upholstered furniture fabrics, rugs, adhesives and sealants.

Chemicals rub off and enter the air as particles or attach to dust, which we can inhale or ingest.

Cancer (kidney and testicular), reproductive toxicity (lowered fertility, lowered birth weight, birth defects), endocrine disruption (obesity, thyroid disease), immune impairment, liver disease, elevated total cholesterol.

Choose untreated fabrics and rugs.

4) Antimicrobials (including triclosan and triclocarban)

Added to reduce microorganisms.

Found in mattresses, upholstery fabric, glues, finishes, paints, doorknobs.

Chemicals rub off and enter the air as particles or attach to dust, which we can inhale or ingest.

Reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption (thyroid problems), allergies, use can lead to resistant strains of bacteria.

Check product details, avoid antimicrobial treatments.

5) Vinyls (includes Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC)

Upholstery covering, flexible plastic home products

Found in many plastic furniture parts, upholstery fabrics, faux/vegan leather, air mattresses, wallpaper, and flooring.

Cancer, reproductive toxicity (birth defects), endocrine disruption (thyroid disruption), neurodevelopmental effects, immune impairment, asthma

Select alternative durable materials like linen, organic cotton, and hemp or other Oeko-Tex certified fabrics.

We hope this cheat sheet helps you select healthier home furnishings. To reduce your and your family's exposure to substances that may already be present, we recommend regular vacuuming and mopping, and using a high quality air filter. House plants can also be effective in filtering VOCs.

Remember, when shopping our collections, you can trust that everything is vetted to be nontoxic and sustainable.

Sources: Center for Environmental Health, Sustainable Furnishings Council