Furniture pollution extends beyond car exhausts. Formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound, lurks in many pieces—classified as a 'known carcinogen' by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2004, up from 'probable.' It's prevalent in glues, lacquers, varnishes, new textiles, and most new furniture made from particleboard or plywood.
Unlike paints, furniture lacks emission labeling today. Full implementation awaits 2020 standards based on the National Health Security Agency (ANSES)'s 2015 list of carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) substances. In the interim, here's how to stay protected.
The French furniture industry, a leader in safety standards, urges selecting pieces with 'NF Meubles' and 'NF Environnement' labels. These certifications reflect rigorous controls, including water-based glues and finishes free of phthalates or harmful flame retardants.
Further protective steps include:
1. Ventilate your home daily for at least 10 minutes.
2. Choose solid, raw wood furniture or items treated with VOC-free products.
3. Opt for second-hand furniture, where most VOCs have already dissipated.
4. Add pollutant-absorbing plants like Aloe vera, Philodendron, Chrysanthemum, or Azalea.
> Read also: How to limit the harmful effects of pollution?
