Searching For Chemical Free Furnature

So after learning so much about flooring last week it made me wonder, so what about furniture?
I came across a couple of articles that shed a lot of light on couches in-particular.  I remember being told as a kid in the 80's how important it was to have flame retardant on our couches and chairs. Even though no one in my house ever smoked and we rarely used candles.  Fast forward ....ummm just a few short years and there's still no smoking and the candles have all been replaced with battery operated ones.
Well, as it turns out those flame retardant chemicals (plus a few others I'll mention below) that were supposed to protect us from possible fire were actually harming us.

The good news in all this is that some manufactures have stopped the use of flame retardants but there are other chemicals that are used that you might just want to be aware of too.

First off, Flame Retardants are chemicals that are added to things like upholstered furniture, some non-clothing textiles, plastics and electrical equipment and foam (foam by the way is made from petroleum-based polyurethane).

Then there's Formaldehyde, it can be found in things like wood smoke (wood stoves and fireplaces), wallpaper, cardboard and paper products, latex paint, adhesives, lacquers, varnish, carpet cleaners, some permanent press materials like curtains and sheets, Furniture, cabinets and other building material made from particleboard,medium density fiberboard, plywood panels, hardwood, and some molded plastics.

VOC's (aka Volatile organic compounds) can be found in building materials including adhesives, dyes, as well as many household products. In many cases you can use an impermeable sealant, polyurethane varnish or latex paint to seal the surface according to healthLinkBC.

 So what to stay away from?
 Flame Retardant and Foam - If your buying used furniture replace the foam with wool or polyester filling. There is also the option of latex foam that is made from rubber if latex allergies are not a concern.
Furniture made from formaldehyde containing particle board.  Look instead for solid wood furniture.

Ikea Pine Bed frame

This US site ceh.org has an extensive list of Furniture Companies that do not contain flame retardant including:
 Ikea
Ashley Furniture
Crate and Barrel
La-Z-boy
EQ3
Scandinavian Designs

The Canadian article at theatlantic.com lists the following Companies that do not contain flame retardant:
 La-Z-Boy
Ashley Furniture
Williams Sonoma
West Elm
Pottery Barn
Room and Board
Design Within Reach
Interline
The Futon Shop
Crate & Barrel
Ikea
             If you want to know more about the furniture you have or are thinking of buying. You can check the tags on the furniture (usually found under the cushion or frame).  Or contact the manufacturer to see what chemicals are used.

Duke University is doing a study (in the US only) on the use of flame retardants chemicals in furniture. To check out their findings and resources click on this link Duke University findings.


Sources:  
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-garden-safety/pollutants-furniture-building-materials.html
http://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2016/01/non-toxic-furniture.html
http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/organic-furniture-sustainable-nontoxic/
https://www.popsugar.com/home/Sofas-Without-Flame-Retardant-Chemicals-42200263
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/air-quality-VOCs