THAT DELICIOUSLY TOXIC OFFICE FURNITURE NEWLY CUT WOOD SMELL

https://www.houstoninstallation.com/blog/can-your-office-furniture-make-you-sick

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Can Your Office Furniture Make You Sick?

June 24, 2019 / by Bill Miller

Is your office environment or office furniture making you sick? The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and, increasingly, manufacturers of office products and equipment, are taking steps to reduce the likelihood that’s the case.

For example: the toxic chemical chromium trioxide (chromium VI).

The ECHA (the European Union’s version of the U.S. EPA) oversees a regulation called REACH – Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. The goal of REACH is to identify, monitor, and ideally replace the use of chemicals proven to be damaging to health and the environment. One of those products, chromium trioxide (chromium VI), is commonly used in chrome plating on all kinds of materials, including office furniture. When faced with the decision to apply for a permit to continue using chromium VI in its electroplating operation, or to revamp its processes to eliminate the use of chromium VI, the German office furniture maker Sedus Stoll AG chose the latter option. Sedus was one of the first companies to phase out the use of chromium VI in its office furniture making processes. Fortunately, this pioneering move is representative of a changing mindset that values sustainability and healthy workplaces.

Chromium VI: One of Many Red-Listed Chemicals

Because it was the subject of the 2000 film Erin Brockovich, chromium VI is sometimes called the “Erin Brockovich chemical.” Chromium VI has been linked to lung cancer, liver damage, reproductive problems, and developmental delays in infants and children. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, individuals working directly with the chemical or who are exposed to the chemical as a result of it leaching into the drinking water supply are at greatest risk of developing these health complications. However, because chromium VI is absorbed through the skin, regular contact with office products manufactured with it can lead to skin ulceration and other conditions.

Chromium VI is just one of more than 20 chemicals or chemical categories listed on the “Red List” of the “worst-in-class materials prevalent in the building industry.” These chemicals pollute the environment, bio-accumulate up the food chain until they reach toxic concentrations, and harm construction and factory workers.

Responsible Corporate Citizens

Fortunately for employers and employees alike, companies are increasingly making it a priority to reduce harmful chemicals in their products. On its website, office carpet manufacturer Milliken notes that “as of January 1, 2018: All Milliken modular carpet products manufactured in North America are Red List Free, with third-party verification.” Also on its website, the company has posted a blog titled, “Why Being Red List Free is a Big Deal.” The conclusion? Avoiding or eliminating manufacturing materials that have been identified as dangerous to health and the environment yields myriad economic and social benefits.

Related Read: Finding Fabrics For Your Office Space

Fire-Retardant Chemicals Aren't Safe Either

Sedus and Milliken aren’t alone in their efforts to make the workplace safer. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, fire-retardant chemicals don’t significantly lower fire risks. However, they do significantly raise health-related risks. A report released by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) explains that many flame-retardant chemicals are harmful to human health, and contribute to reproductive difficulties, cancer, lower IQ, developmental delays, and obesity. When these chemicals are used in the manufacturing process, they migrate into the air and dust and are inhaled and ingested by anyone in their proximity. According to the report, flame retardant chemicals have been detected in 97% of all Americans tested.

Safe, Non-Toxic Office Furniture Choices

Many office furniture manufacturers now offer products without flame-retardant chemicals. The following companies have removed toxic flame retardants from all of their products:

. . . .

Employers are paying increasing attention to workplace health and wellness because they realize that healthy, happy employees are much more likely to be loyal, productive employees. In essence, manufacturers that strive to reduce their use of harmful chemicals aren’t just doing the right thing, they’re doing the right thing to attract and retain customers.

Here at Houston Installation Services, we are happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding your office furniture choices. For more than 35 years we’ve helped companies with their office designs, moves and renovations, and furniture installation. We are familiar with the world’s leading office furniture manufacturers, and we are happy to lend our expertise to your business.

https://www.sylvane.com/blog/should-you-be-worried-about-formaldehyde/

Should You Be Worried About Formaldehyde?

March 7, 2019

Have you ever opened up a new toy for your child or a box of assembly-required furniture, and been knocked over by the smell in the box? After romanticizing about being the first person to breathe in that air since the box left its country of origin, my attention goes to a little voice inside my head that says, “Cough–cough – run! Nobody should breathe in that stuff!”

But then I shrug it off, thinking that if there really were a danger, there would be some kind of warning label advising me to open it outside or allow it to off-gas before using or assembling.

Turns out we should give pause when opening that box.

Formaldehyde Facts

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature and, as we know, has a strong odor. It is found in resins used in the manufacture of composite wood products like hardwood plywood, particleboard, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and other building materials and insulation. Formaldehyde is also found in tobacco smoke.

Indoor or Outdoor?

Indoor air generally contains higher levels of formaldehyde—usually from 0.02-4 parts per million (ppm), while outdoor air contains far lower levels of concentration—only 0.001-0.02 ppm in urban areas, even less in rural areas.

The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) has stated the following observable symptoms in humans breathing in air contaminated with formaldehyde.

Levels from 0.1 to 0.5 ppm has caused observable nasal and eye irritation, neurological effects, and increased risk of asthma and/or allergies.

Levels from 0.6 to 1.9 ppm has resulted eczema and changes in lung function.

High levels of exposure may cause some types of cancer.

Indoor or Outdoor?

Indoor air generally contains higher levels of formaldehyde—usually from 0.02-4 parts per million (ppm), while outdoor air contains far lower levels of concentration—only 0.001-0.02 ppm in urban areas, even less in rural areas.

The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) has stated the following observable symptoms in humans breathing in air contaminated with formaldehyde.

Levels from 0.1 to 0.5 ppm has caused observable nasal and eye irritation, neurological effects, and increased risk of asthma and/or allergies.

Levels from 0.6 to 1.9 ppm has resulted eczema and changes in lung function.

High levels of exposure may cause some types of cancer.

The EPA Emission Standards

As of June 1, 2018 composite wood products that are sold, supplied, manufactured, or imported in the US are labeled as CARB ATCM Phase II or TSCA Title VI compliant. For additional information regarding  Indoor Air Quality and home-building, this EPA webpage is a great resource for videos, podcasts, and webinars from Indoor airPLUS.

Composite Wood Products

Product       Emission Standard

Hardwood Plywood – Veneer Core   0.05 ppm of formaldehyde

Hardwood Plywood – Composite Core       0.05 ppm of formaldehyde

Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)  0.11 ppm of formaldehyde

Thin MDF    0.13 ppm of formaldehyde

Particleboard       0.09 ppm of formaldehyde

What Studies Show

Since one of the primary uses of formaldehyde is in adhesives, and composite wood products all use them to create the product, a recent study followed formaldehyde release from the unpacking and assembly of self-assembly furniture.

Researchers found that unpacking and setting up a 2-door wardrobe increased the formaldehyde concentration in the home in a measurable way. Additionally, the formaldehyde levels differed with the finish on the wardrobe, the unfinished models emitting higher levels of formaldehyde than the highly-lacquered glossy models.

Off-Gassing

Perhaps you’re thinking, “But my whole house is made out of those woods and I don’t smell anything!”

The reason these items don’t smell like formaldehyde forever is that there is only ever going to be so much formaldehyde that “off-gases” (or comes out of) these products. The scents that off-gas from car air fresheners demonstrate this principle. Eventually, so little chemical is being released that you can’t smell it until you hold it up close to your nose. While the wardrobes did increase the formaldehyde in the house, the effect was short-lived. In some cases, the household formaldehyde concentrations returned to normal by the end of the week.Formaldehyde in attic insulation

In the case of building materials, a lot of off-gassing occurs in the months prior to purchase. By the time much of this wood reaches our homes, it is only off-gassing at a low rate. In this case, our exposure is going to be dictated by air exchanges—outside air in—or air purification in our homes.

But even at low levels, formaldehyde can be dangerous – especially for children and particularly sensitive individuals. If you have any concerns, using a do-it-yourself formaldehyde test kit is an easy way to find out if your home has dangerous formaldehyde levels.

Concerned or Not?

So, should you be concerned about formaldehyde or not? Here are a few takeaways:

Homes of smokers have higher levels of formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is found in adhesives used in composite wood products.

Your level of formaldehyde exposure is highest when these products are new.

If you have “wood” products in your home that aren’t new, your risk level is low. However, they could still be emitting formaldehyde at reduced levels, so it’s a good idea to test your home.

Formaldehyde is also found in products that are used on a daily basis, like dishwashing liquid, permanent press clothing, even personal care products like shampoos.

If the formaldehyde levels in your home are high, what can you do? Remember, off-gassing will naturally occur over time, but for immediate remediation you can do the following.

Even if you smoke, make your home a smoke-free zone.

Open your windows, especially when it’s breezy outside.

Increase the ventilation rate (number of air exchanges) with an Air Purifier.

Heat and humidity accelerate the release of formaldehyde so the use of an air conditioner and/or dehumidifier will help reduce emissions.

According to the CDC, wash new items made from no-iron fabric prior to using to reduce the presence of formaldehyde in them.

Since you definitely have control over whether or not these items make it into your home, careful shopping is the answer.

Check the FDA and CDC websites for lists of low-emission products and branded labeling that indicates this.

Lowering Your Risk

Our exposures to chemical pollutants in the world around us are complex. One of the ways to protect yourself day in and day out is to maximize the amount of clean air you breathe. This might include an air treatment device, like an air purifier to ensure that short-term exposures  from new furniture or a move into that new home, don’t get a chance to affect your health.

Still have questions? You can watch this video about testing for Formaldehyde or contact one of our helpful customer service staff for more information or assistance in finding a test kit or product for your home at 1-800-934-9194.

https://www.hunker.com/12598743/how-to-remove-the-smell-from-new-wood-furniture

How to Remove the Smell From New Wood Furniture

By MEADOW MILANO

SAVE

New wood furniture brings with it a "new wood smell." Initially, the smell of new wood furniture is appealing, but it soon gets old and intrusive. In fact, the smell from your new furniture can give you a headache and even worsen your allergies. Since it takes time for the new wood scent to clear, you'll need to use the right household supplies and techniques to hasten the neutralization process without ruining your new furniture.

...

An electronic air purifier eliminates the smell from new wood furniture.

VIDEO OF THE DAY

Step 1

Ventilate the room affected by the smell. Keep fresh air circulating by opening windows on both sides of the room to promote a cross breeze for a few hours every day. The new wood smell will eventually dissipate.

Step 2

Sprinkle baking soda into the drawers, cabinets and surfaces of your new wood furniture to absorb the smell. Allow the baking soda to sit overnight, and vacuum the powder the following day.

Step 3

Wash the surfaces, drawers and cabinets of your new wood furniture with a cup of white vinegar combined with a gallon of hot water. Dip your clean cloth into the bucket of solution to squeeze out the excess liquid before starting so you don't saturate the wood. The vinegar deodorizes and neutralizes odors while leaving a clean scent behind. The white vinegar smell will weaken after a few hours.

Step 4

Place charcoal briquettes in the drawers and cabinets until the smell from your new wood furniture fades. In addition, place small charcoal-filled bowls throughout the room to further eliminate odors.

Step 5

Spray a household odor neutralizer throughout the room where the new wood furniture is, as well as in cabinets and drawers of the furniture. Spray the neutralizer onto floors, walls and window treatments as well if they are affected by the smell.

https://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/questions/why-is-my-new-piece-of-furniture-emitting-a-nasty-odor

Why is my new piece of furniture emitting a nasty odor?

Matt Hickman on how to avoid off-gassing and its smelly side effects.

MATT HICKMAN

May 17, 2010, 6:10 a.m.

Q: Why is my new piece of furniture emitting a nasty odor? Should I be concerned about my health? This spring, I’ve been busy doing projects around the house, getting things organized and taking on dozens of projects to make my house fresh and clean. Oh, the irony! One of my recent projects was to build a new media cabinet I bought online from Crate and Barrel. This is one of the only pieces of “new” furniture I have ever bought and while it’s beautiful and was easy to put together, there’s a smell that it emits that’s becoming unbearable. I built it Saturday, and four days later, the smell seems to be getting worse and even when I leave my house, I can still smell it. I did some research online and was shocked to see how many other people are impacted by toxic smells and chemicals coming from new furniture, rugs and other household products. Some people refer to this as “off-gassing.” What is that?

I noticed some people take their new furniture out of the house and store it in a garage to let the smell disappear, but I do not have a garage. What should I do? Should I get rid of it? Should I be concerned about how this might impact the health of me, my family and my dog? Why is this happening, and why do so few people know about it? People report experiencing headaches, sore throats and respiratory problems. I have read that the problems are related to products made in China, swathed in formaldehyde, etc. What is the deal, Matt? Please help. I cannot breathe, and even at my office far from my home, I can still smell “that smell.”

Grossed Out in Georgia

A: Hey Grossed Out,

Jeesh. Sorry to hear about your beautiful but stinky new media cabinet. There’s nothing more frustrating than conquering the headache that is furniture assembly to find that the headache doesn’t end thanks to off-gassed chemicals. And off-gassing, by the way, is the natural evaporation of a type of indoor-air-quality-compromising pollutant that you may be already familiar with: volatile organic compounds. You may be most familiar with the VOCs in the context of paints, stains and carpets, but they can exist in a variety of chemical-treated products.

The reports that you’ve been reading about off-gassing are correct. In many cases, the offending products are indeed made in China and swathed in formaldehyde, although this isn’t always the case. China often takes the blame because so much is made there and quality control is often lacking, but when it comes down to it, the manufacture of off-gassing furniture knows no geographic boundaries. And formaldehyde is a common culprit because it’s used to cure particleboard, pressed-wood and plywood, all manufactured composite woods. In reality, a stinky smorgasbord of chemicals can off-gas, not just formaldehyde, so while it’s good to be aware of the “F” word, don’t restrict yourself to it.

And yep, when folks are afflicted by the side-effects — headaches, dizziness, respiratory problems, nausea, skin irritation, shortness of breath, etc. — of chemically treated furniture, it’s a standard practice to place them outdoors to allow them to “breathe.” However, this doesn’t seem to be an option for you, so I’d recommend opening windows for proper ventilation, running air purifiers, and placing bowls of baking soda, white vinegar, and activated charcoal in and around your media cabinet. Also, look into the Bad Air Sponge, a great, inexpensive product that I use to conquer unsavory odors in my apartment.

If you continue to be plagued by the stench of your recent purchase (sometimes it goes away, sometimes it doesn’t), I’d look into contacting Crate & Barrel to see if you can return it. “It makes me physically ill” is a much more valid reason to return an item than “I don’t like the way it looks.” To steer clear of unpleasant situations like this in the future, here’s a few things to keep in mind before making a furniture purchase:

Avoid furniture made from formaldehyde-treated composite woods and opt for “real” (preferably sustainable) wood furniture. In this day and age, this may prove to be difficult, so always consider going the vintage/secondhand route.

Consider buying a floor model, if possible. This way, the furnishing has had an ample amount of time to off-gas before it enters your home. Plus, you’ll probably save a few bucks.

Some furniture manufacturers/retailers give you the option of letting your purchase off-gas in their warehouse for a few days before you receive it. The extra wait may not be fun but if you’ve suffered adverse reactions from new furniture before, it’s well worth it. Just ask if this is possible.

Although the looks and dimensions of a piece of furniture are paramount when making a purchase, it does help to see where exactly it was manufactured. China should set off alarms although, again, furniture made anywhere can be treated with chemicals.

Ensure that any paints, stains and finishes used on the furniture are low- or no-VOC.

If shopping for upholstered furniture, make sure it's not treated with toxic flame retardants (PDBEs) or are marketed as being “stain-resistant.”

Good luck, Grossed Out. I wouldn’t let this unsavory experience dissuade you from buying any “new” pieces of furniture since there are plenty of companies out there manufacturing quality, nontoxic items. However, I would practice caution when making future purchases. Don’t let yourself be distracted by good looks, low price and ease of assembly. It may come back to haunt you in the end in the form of a pungent pickle smell.

Matt Hickman (  @mattyhick ) writes about design, architecture and the intersection between the natural world and the built environment.

Related topics: Toxins & Chemicals

https://www.epa.gov/vaporintrusion/background-indoor-air-concentrations-volatile-organic-compounds-north-american

Background Indoor Air Concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds in North American Residences (1990 – 2005): A Compilation of Statistics for Assessing Vapor Intrusion

This technical report presents a summary of indoor air studies that measured background concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air of thousands of North American residences and an evaluation and compilation of the statistical information reported in these studies. The objective of this compilation is to illustrate the ranges and variability of VOC concentrations in indoor air resulting from sources other than vapor intrusion. Similar compilations have been previously published, but these have been based on generally older data or limited statistical information.

You may need a PDF reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA’s About PDF page to learn more.

Background Indoor Air Concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds in North American Residences (1990 – 2005): A Compilation of Statistics for Assessing Vapor Intrusion (PDF)(67 pp, 837 K)

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Contact Us About Vapor Intrusion

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