Toxic Furniture

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Posted March 10th, 2008 by jtraill

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?

Some articles on buying furniture

Posted by Chris | Mon, Mar. 10, 2008

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

Outgassing

Posted by lframe29 | Sun, Apr. 6, 2008

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

Whoever has the most toys when he dies wins? Funny, I have never seen a hearse with a luggage rack on top.