Both in the short and long terms, exposure to formaldehyde can result in a range of problems. Burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat, watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, nausea, and skin irritation are just a few of the short-term side effects. Cancer is one of the possible long-term exposure adverse effects. Your chance of being exposed to formaldehyde will be lower if you buy older furniture.
Living a nontoxic lifestyle is a growing cultural trend; on TikTok, the hashtag #nontoxicliving has received more than 200 million views. The best strategy to lessen toxins in the home, despite the fact that this lifestyle choice has numerous parts, is to select nontoxic furnishings wherever possible.
Your favourite couch, mattress, and even bookcase may contain toxins. Here’s how to remove poisons from furniture that are concealed.
Consider that Environmental Science and Technology detected over 30 chemicals in mattresses alone to give you an idea of how many chemicals are actually present in furniture. Just a few of them are discussed below:
- Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a chemical with no colour and a pungent odour that is frequently found in plywood, glues, adhesives, textiles, and product coatings.
- Acetaldehyde
Acetaldehyde is a chemical that is used to make polyester resins, dyes, rubber, tanning agents, and scents (imagine the “new-car” or “new-furniture” smell).
- Benzene
Although benzene is frequently linked to coal emissions and car exhaust, it can also be present in detergents and dyes that you might use on your furniture.
- Acetate Vinyl
Chemicals like vinyl acetate are used to make polyvinyl, adhesives, paints, films, and lacquers. Most of its symptoms, such as coughing and inflammation, are respiratory-related.
- Hexabromocyclododecane
When harmful flame retardants like hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) are employed, the likelihood that a fire will spread to your couch or mattress is reduced. According to the EPA, it “biomagnifies” in the food chain, accumulates in the environment, and is found in breast milk.
Although toxins in furniture aren’t a reason to redecorate right away, awareness of the potential risks of toxins in furniture is unquestionably something to take into account when buying new items for the house. Fortunately, now is the best time ever to purchase nontoxic household items. Sofas, desks, and dining tables are all growing more popular, fashionable, and cost-effective than ever.