Skip to Content

Toxic Furniture

Submitted by jtraill on Mon, Mar. 10, 2008

I recently purchased a console from Costco. I didn't realize it was from China. After unpacking the item I noticed a strong toxic-like smell that has not dissipated after several weeks. any suggestions other that putting it outside until it airs out?

‹ "Green Ideas" for a Bunco Party theme Dealing with non-greenies ›

Post new comment

  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Allowed HTML tags: <a> <em> <strong> <cite> <code> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.

Comments (3)

lframe29
Sun, Apr. 06, 2008

Outgassing

Unfortunately, most of the furniture made today is a combination of wood chips stuck together with glue and other toxic chemicals. You can take it outside several hours per day to help it outgas--but that really isnt' convenient.

My suggestion would be to make sure that you have a good source of fresh clean air in the room that your sofa is located. Then, put houseplants to help absorb the chemicals and clean the interior air. Bamboo palm plants, english ivy and spider plants are best. Spider plants absorb the formaldehyde (what you are smelling from the furniture)--you can also use ficus, bamboo palm, devils ivy as well as several others. The ivy removes benzene (you can also use a peace lily). To remove trichloroethylene (from the adhesives, varnishes, etc) you can use peace lily, gerbera daisy, potted mums and dragon plants.

So, your room will be beautiful with greenery and the smell will start to dissipate pretty quickly. Just make sure you ventilate, ventilate, ventilate.

Let us know how it goes.

Good luck,
Lisa

Peter Tornell
Sat, Jan. 24, 2009

What's inside your mattress?

A Hastens bed contains NOTHING but 100% pure natural filling materials and contains no chemical flame retardants. We also provide crib mattresses for your baby. Stunning research proves that chemicals found in flame retardants such as PBDE's and formaldehyde is the reason for SIDS. (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Hastens Beds are the beds of choice for Greenhouse model homes.
You are welcome to join or view my blog at www.best-rest.blogspot.com
And visit our home on the web www.hastensonbeverly.com

Chris Middings
Mon, Mar. 10, 2008

Some Articles on Buying Furniture

You might find some advice here:
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/learn/lists/furniture-fit-healthy-home

and here:
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/learn/blog/finding_furniture

I also found a Community Discussion board here:
http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/luciedove/vpost?id=1411501