Breathe Easy! The Truth About Couch Chemicals

Are you looking for a chemical free sofa for your living room? Eco-friendly materials and green construction processes are important aspects to consider when shopping for a new couch. After all, the couch is the place where your family gathers at the end of a long day. But how concerned should you actually be when it comes to the couch manufacturing process and the chemicals involved? We pull back the curtain on some of the big, scary scientific words to help you get a clear view of what you should—or shouldn’t—be concerned about when choosing an eco-friendly sofa.

What Chemicals Are in Sofas?

Everyone wants to feel comfortable on their sofa. Sometimes that comfort comes from knowing exactly what chemicals may be inside the couch itself. Here are a few of the most notorious couch construction chemicals. Not all manufacturers utilize all of these chemicals, so be sure to check the details and descriptions when couch shopping, especially when looking for a non-toxic sofa.

Flame Retardants

• Often used to meet safety regulations.

• While effective, some flame retardants can be questionable due to their potential health risks.

• Look for sofas labeled "TB117-2013" for a safer bet. This is a modern safety regulation that can allow sofas to pass a "smolder test" without requiring the use of chemical flame retardants.

• Non-toxic sofas often feature safer alternatives or are completely free of flame retardants.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

• Found in adhesives, finishes, and even some fabrics.

• VOCs can contribute to indoor air pollution.

• Opt for sofas with low-VOC or water-based finishes for a breath of fresh air.

• Most manufacturers have already made the switch to low-VOC options, reducing harmful chemicals emitted during off-gassing.

Formaldehyde

• A common adhesive used in many pressed wood products.

• If formaldehyde exposure is a concern, choose sofas labeled "CARB Phase 2 Compliant" to ensure lower formaldehyde emissions.

• Couches with natural materials, such as solid wood frames and organic fabrics, can further limit formaldehyde exposure.

PBDEs (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers)

• These chemicals are being phased out by manufacturers due to environmental concerns.

• Seek sofas that explicitly state they're PBDE-free.

• Avoid toxic chemicals often found in older furniture

How Do I Know if My Couch Has PFAS?

PFAS, aka per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are more colloquially known as "forever chemicals." Research into the health effects of PFAS is still in early stages, but there is some evidence to suggest it may impact growth development, reproduction, thyroid function, the immune system, and liver. To avoid PFAS in your furniture, especially if you're seeking an organic sofa, here's what you can do to be proactive. In the case of couches, these would be found in water-resistant fabrics most typically.

Steps to Identify PFAS in Your Couch

1. Check the Label: Look for labels like "PFAS-free" or "fluorine-free." Manufacturers proudly declare it when their sofas steer clear of PFAS. Sofas made from natural fabrics like organic cotton or organic wool are less likely to contain these harmful chemicals.

2. Inquire with the Seller: Ask the salesperson if the sofa contains PFAS. They usually have the information you need.

3. Material Matters: If the couch boasts water or stain-resistant properties, it might have PFAS. Seek alternatives like Crypton or nano-tech finishes for a PFAS-free zone. Natural materials such as coconut coir or natural coir are also good choices.

4. Online Sleuthing: Check reviews or the brand's website for product specifications.

5. To learn more: Our friends at Consumer Notice have a comprehensive info source that you can use to learn more about PFAS!

Wondering about PFAS in your sofa? Look for the labels, ask questions, explore materials, and do some online detective work.

Do All Couches Have Formaldehyde?

We've all heard about formaldehyde in furniture. It's a very common component that usually doesn't cause any significant harm to your health. But if you want to avoid formaldehyde in your couch, here's what you can do.

How to Avoid Formaldehyde in Your Couch

1. Check the Label: A "CARB Phase 2 Compliant" tag is your best bet for lower formaldehyde risk. If you’re concerned about formaldehyde levels, this is the label to look for.

2. Opt for Natural Materials: Couches crafted from solid wood frames or natural fibers like organic cotton or organic wool tend to sidestep the formaldehyde fuss. These materials often limit your exposure to chemical compounds like formaldehyde resins.

3. Ask About Adhesives: Water-based adhesives are a common alternative, offering a strong bond without the formaldehyde. This is particularly important if you’re trying to limit formaldehyde exposure in your home.

4. Go Vintage or Air It Out: Older couches might have already off-gassed their formaldehyde. If it's a new addition, ventilation can help reduce formaldehyde levels.

How Long Does Furniture Off-Gassing Last?

Curious when your new couch will shed its "new furniture" smell? Off-gassing is a common, less-desirable aspect of getting a brand new couch delivered. So how long will it take for your new sofa to fully off-gas? Let's find out.

Tips to Manage Off-Gassing

1. Material Matters: Different materials, different timelines. Solid wood tends to be a fast off-gasser, while synthetic materials like standard polyurethane foam may take longer to shake off that "new" aroma.

2. Ventilation is Key: Cracking a window or cranking up a fan helps speed up the off-gassing process by letting those odors make a swift exit.

3. Give It Time: Odors generally peak in the first few days but fully fade after a week or so.

4. Activated Charcoal Magic: Place a bowl of activated charcoal near the furniture to absorb lingering off-gassing molecules. Natural latex cushions, often found in eco-friendly couches, tend to off-gas less than petroleum-based foams.

How Toxic Is Formaldehyde in Furniture?

How much of a problem is formaldehyde in your furniture? Here's the real breakdown.

Understanding Formaldehyde Risks

• Amount Matters: Formaldehyde isn't harmful in small doses. It's an abnormally high dose that makes it toxic. Furniture with low emissions poses minimal risk.

• Read the Labels: A "CARB Phase 2 Compliant" label means your furniture meets strict emission standards. Couches with eco-friendly finishes can further minimize formaldehyde exposure.

• Ventilation Can Help: When you first receive your new couch, place it near an open window. This will allow for good airflow while it off-gasses.

• Choose Solid Wood: Opting for furniture made from solid wood or low-emission materials reduces the chances of formaldehyde being a factor. Certified organic sofas made from sustainable materials like FSC-certified wood are excellent choices.

Is my new couch making me sick?

While it's rare for new furniture to directly make you sick, some people with special circumstances may be more sensitive to off-gassing or the type of materials used within their new couch. Here's what you can do to mitigate any ill effects your new furniture might have on you.

What to Do If Your Couch is Making You Sick

1. Sniff Test for Off-Gassing: If the "new furniture" smell lingers as a strong, unpleasant odor, it could be more than just a scent. Persistent off-gassing might be a concern.

2. Listen to Your Body: If headaches, dizziness, or respiratory issues pop up around the time your couch arrives, it's a cue to investigate. Off-gassing can be particularly intense with conventional polyurethane foam, so consider natural latex or CertiPUR-US certified foams as alternatives.

3. Consider Material Sensitivities: Check if your couch contains allergens or irritants that could be causing health discomfort. For people with sensitivities, look for CertiPUR-US foam or latex foam options. You might be reacting to the makeup of the foam in the cushions, the use of down feathers, or dust mites. For people with sensitivities, look for CertiPUR-US foam or latex foam options. Also consider down alternatives like trillium.

4. Ventilate Your Space: Crack those windows open! Fresh air circulation helps disperse any potential indoor pollutants.

Should I Avoid Furniture with Prop 65 Warning?

If you've shopped for furniture recently then you're all too familiar with the Prop 65 warning on nearly every single listing. But what exactly does the Prop 65 warning mean and is it a deal-breaker?

Understanding Prop 65 Warnings

• Understand Prop 65: Proposition 65 is a California-based label that warns about potential exposure to chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.

• Check the Specifics: Not all warnings are created equal. Some might be about materials deep within the furniture that you're unlikely to come into direct contact with.

• Evaluate Your Risk Tolerance: Prop 65 covers a wide range of substances, and the risk can vary. Choosing furniture with non-toxic finishes, zero VOC finishes, and solid wood construction can help you avoid many of the concerns associated with Prop 65 chemicals.

• Explore Alternatives: If the warning gives you pause, consider furniture without Prop 65 notices. Many manufacturers offer products that meet stringent safety standards without the need for warnings.

Is Couch Foam Toxic?

Curious if your couch foam is secretly toxic? Here's a look at what your couch cushions may (or may not) be hiding.

Tips to Ensure Safe Couch Foam

1. Check for Certifications: Look for foams with CertiPUR-US or similar certifications. These labels assure that the foam meets specific health and environmental standards, keeping toxicity concerns at bay. If you’re looking for non-toxic couches, consider options with certified organic materials, including organic latex and organic cotton.

2. Opt for Natural Latex: Natural latex foam is a plant-based alternative that tends to be less toxic than petroleum-based foams. Organic natural latex is known for being a safer option for those sensitive to toxic chemicals.

3. Ask About Flame Retardants: Some foams may be treated with flame retardants, which can be a concern. Opting for chemical-free sofas is another way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Organic sofas often avoid the use of any chemical flame retardants.

4. Ventilation Is Your Ally: Proper ventilation helps disperse any odors and reduces the potential for indoor air pollution. Off-gassing is a natural process, but ensuring that it happens quickly can keep your indoor air quality high.

When it comes to buying a safer couch, a little due diligence can go a long way. Start by looking for reputable certifications like GREENGUARD Gold, OEKO-TEX, and CertiPUR-US. These certifications ensure that the furniture has been tested for low chemical emissions, promoting healthier indoor air quality.