Author Topic: Volatile organic compounds in new furniture, carpet, etc....  (Read 786 times)

ObviouslyNotAGolfer

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Volatile organic compounds in new furniture, carpet, etc....
« on: October 21, 2021, 01:45:03 PM »
We are going to be buying some new upholstered (and non-upholstered) furniture and maybe some new rugs. (Those rugs will really tie the rooms together). I might buy a new wooden/metal desk. I will possibly have it custom made--out of real wood. I always avoid particle board if possible. We have had a few custom-made pieces done in the past. However, even for this really high quality stuff, I still worry about stains and varnishes used.

I am concerned about volatile organic compounds, including flame retardants, stain resistant compounds, and god knows what else, outgassing and having an adverse impact on my health. I realize there is very little regulation on this stuff.

Does anyone have any advice on reputable brands and brands to avoid? What about websites and other info of assistance in making decisions as to what to buy, and how to deal with it after it is brought into the home?

We want to get at least one air purifier, but I am kind of stumped because there are raging debates about ozone production and whether it is significant or not (but that is a topic for another thread).

Thanks for any advice.

« Last Edit: October 21, 2021, 01:53:29 PM by ObviouslyNotAGolfer »

the_gastropod

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Re: Volatile organic compounds in new furniture, carpet, etc....
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2021, 02:35:28 PM »
That's right, dude, they VOC'd on your fuckin' rug...

I don't have any good brand recommendations here, but I have heard it's a good idea to unpackage new furniture outside, and leave it out for a few hours to degas before bringing it inside. Probably a good idea, weather permitting, to just leave the windows open for a while.

I think you've got the right idea with the air purifier. I'd pick up one of those bad boys (you can find a California-certified one off this list: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/list-carb-certified-air-cleaning-devices to avoid the ozone nightmare). Pair that up with a monitor (not the most mustachian option, but I enjoy my Awair https://getawair.com) to keep an eye on your air quality readings.

ObviouslyNotAGolfer

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Re: Volatile organic compounds in new furniture, carpet, etc....
« Reply #2 on: October 21, 2021, 10:10:22 PM »
Hey, this aggression will not stand, man!

Anyway, thanks for the tip! I will look into these air purifiers.

NorCal

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Re: Volatile organic compounds in new furniture, carpet, etc....
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2021, 09:41:41 AM »
I can’t speak to upholstery, but I know a bit about wood finishes.

The VOC content in modern wood finishes is WAY lower than it was back in the 1970’s. This is a place where EPA regulations have had an impact.

Of course, the industrial laquers you’ll find on commercial furniture is the worst of the bunch because it’s the most durable. However, this is still a huge improvement over the formulas that made the VOC issue famous. I expect most furniture brands use nearly identical finishes, so I doubt a different brand will matter much.

For myself, I don’t worry about VOC’s from real wood furniture.

You may have better luck with US made furniture. While the same regulations apply across the board, I understand there is less enforcement & compliance with some overseas manufacturers.

With your level of concern, you might look at a home air quality monitor. The usual solution is to open a window, and the monitor will tell you when that is important.

YttriumNitrate

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Re: Volatile organic compounds in new furniture, carpet, etc....
« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2021, 10:10:16 AM »
I've bought a few items directly from China that smelled so strongly of plastic they were banished to the garage for a month or so. If you've got the space, you could to the same with the rugs and furniture.

yachi

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Re: Volatile organic compounds in new furniture, carpet, etc....
« Reply #5 on: October 22, 2021, 11:07:36 AM »
What area of the country are you located?  I have someone I could recommend for custom woodwork in North Carolina.