Why Furniture Matters for Indoor Health
Furniture occupies significant space in indoor environments and can be a major source of chemical emissions. Unlike building materials that are often sealed behind walls or under flooring, furniture sits in the breathing zone where occupants live and work.
Sources of Furniture Emissions
Multiple furniture components can release chemicals into indoor air:
- Foam cushions: Polyurethane foam may contain flame retardants and emit VOCs
- Composite wood: Particleboard, MDF, and plywood often contain formaldehyde-based adhesives
- Finishes and coatings: Paints, stains, and lacquers can emit VOCs during off-gassing
- Fabrics: Textile treatments for stain resistance or durability may contain PFAS or other chemicals
- Plastics: Various plastic components may contain phthalates or other plasticizers
Exposure Pathways
Furniture chemicals reach occupants through multiple routes:
- Inhalation: Breathing air containing emissions from furniture materials
- Dermal contact: Touching furniture surfaces with exposed skin
- Dust ingestion: Chemicals attach to dust particles that settle on surfaces and are ingested, particularly concerning for children
Health Concerns
Furniture chemicals have been associated with various health effects:
- Formaldehyde: Classified as a known human carcinogen; causes eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Flame retardants: Some associated with endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental effects, and cancer
- VOCs: Can cause headaches, respiratory irritation, and other symptoms
- PFAS: Persistent chemicals linked to various health concerns
Chemicals of Concern in Furniture
Understanding which chemicals to avoid helps inform furniture purchasing decisions. While not all products contain these substances, knowing what to look for enables informed choices.
Formaldehyde and Urea-Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde-based adhesives are commonly used in composite wood products like particleboard and MDF. These materials emit formaldehyde gas over time, with highest emissions when new. California's CARB regulations have driven formaldehyde reductions, but older furniture and products not meeting CARB standards may have elevated emissions.
What to look for: CARB Phase 2 compliant or NAF/ULEF (No Added Formaldehyde/Ultra-Low Emitting Formaldehyde) composite wood
Flame Retardants
Historically, furniture foam was treated with flame retardant chemicals to meet flammability standards. Many traditional flame retardants have been phased out due to health concerns, but replacements may also present risks. California TB 117-2013 allows furniture to meet flammability standards without chemical flame retardants.
What to look for: Products labeled "TB 117-2013 compliant without added flame retardants" or certifications verifying flame retardant-free construction
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
PFAS chemicals provide stain and water resistance to fabrics but are extremely persistent in the environment and human body. These "forever chemicals" have been linked to various health concerns. Many manufacturers are phasing out PFAS treatments.
What to look for: Fabrics without stain-resistant treatments or PFAS-free certifications
Phthalates
These plasticizers appear in vinyl upholstery, plastic components, and some foam products. Certain phthalates are restricted in children's products but may appear in general furniture.
What to look for: Phthalate-free materials or third-party verification of phthalate content
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Various furniture finishes, adhesives, and materials emit VOCs. While not all VOCs are equally concerning, minimizing total VOC exposure supports better indoor air quality.
What to look for: Low-VOC or zero-VOC finishes, GREENGUARD certification
Furniture Certifications and Standards
Third-party certifications help identify healthier furniture products without requiring detailed chemical analysis of each product. Understanding what different certifications verify enables informed specification.
GREENGUARD Certification
UL's GREENGUARD program tests products for chemical emissions. Two levels exist:
- GREENGUARD: Meets emission limits for general indoor environments
- GREENGUARD Gold: Meets stricter limits for sensitive populations including children and the elderly; required for school and healthcare furniture
GREENGUARD certification is widely adopted by major furniture manufacturers and is relatively easy to find.
SCS Indoor Advantage
Similar to GREENGUARD, Indoor Advantage certification verifies low chemical emissions through independent testing.
- Indoor Advantage: Standard emission testing
- Indoor Advantage Gold: Enhanced testing for sensitive environments
BIFMA LEVEL
The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association's LEVEL certification addresses broader sustainability including materials, energy, and social responsibility in addition to indoor air quality.
- LEVEL 1: Entry-level sustainability achievement
- LEVEL 2: Intermediate sustainability performance
- LEVEL 3: Highest sustainability performance
Cradle to Cradle
C2C certification evaluates products across material health, material reutilization, renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness. Products earn Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum certification.
CertiPUR-US
This program certifies polyurethane foam for emissions, content, and durability. While not as comprehensive as other certifications, it verifies foam is made without certain flame retardants, phthalates, and heavy metals.
Healthier Choices by Furniture Type
Different furniture categories present different health considerations. Here's what to look for across common furniture types.
Upholstered Seating
Sofas, chairs, and other upholstered pieces combine multiple materials with health implications:
- Foam: Look for CertiPUR-US certified foam and TB 117-2013 compliance without flame retardants
- Fabric: Choose natural fibers or certified low-emission synthetics; avoid stain treatments unless PFAS-free
- Frame: Solid wood is preferable to composite; if composite, verify CARB compliance
Case Goods (Desks, Tables, Storage)
Wood furniture health concerns primarily relate to composite materials and finishes:
- Materials: Solid wood or CARB Phase 2 compliant composites
- Finishes: Low-VOC or water-based finishes; GREENGUARD certification
- Hardware: Generally low concern; verify no PVC components if avoiding
Task Seating
Office chairs combine foam, fabric, plastic, and metal components:
- Foam: CertiPUR-US certification; flame retardant-free where possible
- Plastic components: Look for phthalate-free plastics
- Overall product: GREENGUARD Gold or BIFMA LEVEL certification
Mattresses and Sleep Furniture
Given extended exposure during sleep, mattress materials are particularly important:
- Foam: CertiPUR-US minimum; GOTS or GOLS certified organic materials preferred
- Flame barriers: Natural fiber barriers (wool) instead of chemical treatments
- Overall product: GREENGUARD Gold certification
Children's Furniture
Children's unique exposure patterns (mouthing objects, floor contact) warrant extra caution:
- Finishes: Non-toxic, lead-free finishes (ASTM F963 compliance)
- Materials: Avoid PVC, phthalates; verify CPSC compliance
- Certification: GREENGUARD Gold required for school furniture
Procurement Strategies for Healthier Furniture
Implementing healthier furniture purchasing requires systematic approaches, particularly for organizations with significant furniture budgets.
Establishing Requirements
Define health-related furniture specifications:
- Required certifications: GREENGUARD Gold, BIFMA LEVEL, or equivalent
- Chemical restrictions: List specific chemicals or chemical classes to avoid
- Documentation requirements: Health Product Declarations, emission test reports
- Verification methods: How compliance will be verified during procurement
Creating Furniture Standards
Large organizations benefit from furniture standards that pre-approve products meeting health criteria:
- Create approved product lists based on certification status
- Establish default specifications for common furniture types
- Define exceptions processes for non-standard needs
- Update standards as new products and certifications emerge
Working with Dealers and Manufacturers
Furniture dealers and manufacturers can support healthy furniture procurement:
- Request certification documentation with proposals
- Ask about chemical content beyond standard certifications
- Inquire about flame retardant status specifically
- Discuss PFAS-free fabric options
Integration with EPP Policies
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing policies can incorporate health criteria:
- Add health certifications to environmental criteria
- Weight health factors in product evaluation
- Align with broader sustainability goals
Learn about comprehensive EPP policies that address furniture alongside other building products.
Coordinating Furniture and Flooring Decisions
Furniture and flooring together dominate interior surface areas and occupant exposure. Coordinating decisions across both categories optimizes indoor environmental quality.
Combined Impact on Indoor Air
Both furniture and flooring emit VOCs, particularly when new. Coordinating purchases can manage cumulative exposure:
- Staging installations: Allow flooring to off-gas before adding furniture
- Ventilation during installation: Increase fresh air when introducing new furniture
- Product selection: Choose low-emitting products in both categories
Common Certification Programs
Several certifications apply to both furniture and flooring:
- GREENGUARD: Tests both product categories for emissions
- FloorScore: Specific to flooring but uses similar methodology
- HPDs: Available for both furniture and flooring products
LEED Credit Coordination
Both furniture and flooring contribute to LEED credits:
- Low-Emitting Materials: Both categories must meet emission requirements
- Building Product Disclosure: EPDs and HPDs from both categories count toward credits
- Material Ingredient: HPDs from furniture and flooring support this credit
Design Coordination
Beyond health considerations, coordinate furniture and flooring for practical reasons:
- Furniture protection: Felt pads and casters appropriate for flooring type
- Acoustic considerations: Soft furniture can compensate for hard flooring acoustics
- Maintenance: Cleaning protocols that address both surfaces
Explore our eco-friendly flooring options that complement healthy furniture choices. For flooring installation in the Gulf Coast region, contact our Pensacola team.