Chemical Inputs

1. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless chemical with a strong odor that is commonly found in pressed-wood products, glues, adhesives, plywood, fabrics, and product coatings. The National Cancer Institute states that side effects from short-term exposure include: watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation. Long-term exposure could mean cancer, since formaldehyde is also classified as a human carcinogen by several agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (3, 4)

 2. Acetaldehyde

Acetaldehyde is a chemical used in the production of perfumes, polyester resins, dyes, rubber production, and in tanning agent production. It is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA. Short-term side effects include irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. (5) 

3. Benzene

While the chemical benzene is commonly associated with vehicle exhaust and coal emissions, it is also used as a solvent for waxes, resins, and plastics, which are used in furniture manufacture.

It is classified by the EPA as a “known human carcinogen” and its side effects include: drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, irritation of eyes, skin, and respiratory tracts, blood disorders including reduced numbers of red blood cells and aplastic anemia, adverse reproductive effects on developing fetuses, and increased leukemia incidence. (6) 

4. Vinyl Acetate

Vinyl Acetate is a chemical used in the production of polyvinyl, adhesives, paints, films, and lacquers. Most of its effects involve the respiratory system, and include coughing and inflammation. While the EPA hasn’t classified it as a carcinogen, it states that studies have found, “an increased incidence of nasal cavity tumors … observed in rats exposed by inhalation.” (7) 

5. Hexabromocyclododecane

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), is a category of toxic flame retardants, used to minimize the chance of fire spreading should your couch or mattress catch on fire. The EPA states that it accumulates in the environment, in breast milk, and “biomagnifies” in the food chain. It can also be transported long distances and remains persistent in its environment. This is bad news, considering it has been known to have adverse reproductive, developmental, and neurological effects. (8) 

6. Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are part of a large group of lab-made chemicals known as PFAS, which have been in commercial use since the 1940s, and used to make products that resist oils, stains, water, and heat. PFAS show up in protective coatings for carpets, fabrics and leathers.

Since 2015, the EPA has attempted to regulate PFOA due to its accumulation in the environment, but it’s still used nationwide.

PFOA stays in the human body for 7.6 years where it causes liver toxicity, kidney toxicity, and developmental effects (survival, body weight changes, reduced ossification, altered puberty, and retarded mammary gland development), and cancer including prostate, bladder, breast, and ovarian cancer. (9) 

7. Phthalates

Phthalates are a class of chemicals used in nearly every consumer product, from plastics to tablecloths. In furniture they can be found in upholstery, carpet backings, and packaging. They are considered major endocrine disruptors that interfere with natural hormone regulation and production. They can affect development in children, resulting in changes in male hormone production, altered sexual differentiation, and changes to reproductive organs. (12) (Patiry, n.d.)