Off-gassing is the process by which products release harmful chemicals into the environment, this occurs at room temperature but can be sped up when it gets hot. Furniture containing these chemicals will release the most at the start of their life but can continue to off-gass indefinitely. ‘VOC levels are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors’ according to the American Lung Association.
What are VOC’s?
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound, and no, organic doesn’t mean they’re nice and friendly. These chemicals are released into the atmosphere at room temperature as vapours and gasses. They are detrimental to your health both in the short and long term. In the short term exposure to VOC’s in the air causes; eye, nose and throat irritation as-well as headaches and dizziness, these symptoms can be made worse if you have asthma or a lung condition. Exposure to Formaldehyde (a VOC found in high concentrations in Plywood and MDF) causes cancer.
Who’s most at risk?
Children breathe more air relative to their body size, which means they inhale a higher concentration of VOCs. All of us are impacted by exposure to VOCs but children are the most severely effected and it can impact them for the rest of their lives, increasing the likelihood that they will develop certain allergies and sensitivities, exacerbating the symptoms of asthma and increasing their chances of developing cancer. I always strongly advise any parents looking for furniture for their kid’s bedrooms, to absolutely avoid any use of high VOC materials or finishes. Children sleeping on beds made entirely of laminated MDF will be breathing the chemicals in all night. It’s not surprising ‘In the UK, 40% of children have been diagnosed with an allergy’. Older people and anyone with respiratory conditions are at increased risk.
A Few Ways to Reduce Pollution from Furniture in Your Home
– Go Bespoke! When purchasing custom made furniture you have the ability to specify low VOC materials and finishes, you’ll pay a bit more but will end up with a much better outcome. Low VOC ply and MDF is available, or go with solid wood. You’ll also likely be working with a local company reducing the impact of transporting your furniture across the world.
– Avoid purchasing cheap laminate furniture from places like Ikea and Argos. If you do, open them outside or away from your living area and leave them there for a while before bringing into the home.
– Buy second hand, furniture releases VOCs at a higher rate at the start of it’s life so second hand furniture should be less harmful to you and the environment.
– Keep windows open as much as possible.
Further Reading & Sources:
American Lung Association — VOC’s in the Home
EPA — Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality
Allergy UK — Allergy in Childhood
Ikea’s View on Chemicals