Most of the furniture produced today is made from reconstituted wood panels. Producing in this way requires a large quantity of adhesives that are at the origin of formaldehyde or methanal releases.

While the Grenelle 2 law requires products harmful to health to be displayed on consumer goods, the regulations surrounding furniture are behind schedule.
The mandatory display of methanal exposure risks will only be carried out by 2020, although the gas has been recognised since 2013 as a “definite carcinogen” by the WHO.
However, some standards exist to guide the consumer: choosing F1 class furniture (ensuring a low level of formaldehyde) is one solution.
Natural resins or green adhesives can also replace harmful glues.

Another controversial subject in furniture treatment, fire treatments. Curing the fibres that eventually break, they are incorporated into the dust and accumulate on floors and walls. They then become unmanageable for humans, especially for children. It is this highly volatile nature that makes these particles a real risk. It is found in wooden furniture and on all textiles (cushions, sofas, sheets).
Carcinogenic, overexposure can also lead to neurological complications and sensitivity to thyroid disease. These flame retardants are known endocrine disrupters and can also delay puberty in adolescents.

The effectiveness of these products in limiting fire risks has recently been widely questioned. Studies carried out by consumer associations even show that the combustion of these treatments would lead to even more toxic fumes, increasing the risks more than limiting them.
In the absence of clear regulations or prevention, their use in production has not decreased. Chemicals such as Tris have been banned from children’s pajama production lines for decades but are still allowed for cushion or sofa treatments.
Changing your consumption habits becomes necessary but is not so complicated. You can use the TB 117-2013 label as a good first indicator, which ensures a minimum volume of fireproof products.

When producing furniture, the list of chemical elements dangerous to air quality is still long.
All furniture is generally varnished and oiled, and these chemical products release the same gases as those mentioned above.
Moving towards furniture with natural varnishes is possible by choosing ecological or acrylic rather than synthetic woodstains to protect the wood.

The discourse and initiatives on indoor air pollution must change. 2020 marks an important step in the process with new legislation in place, but why wait until it is already possible to choose healthier and more environmentally friendly options? Affordable solutions exist, it is up to us to apply them.