Why Non-Toxic Children's Furniture is Worth it for Your Family's Health
In the news, there are mentions of PFAS, flame retardants, phthalates, and other difficult-to-pronounce chemicals in everything from kitchenware to toys and furniture. Even something as simple as buying your child a play table or bed might come with health consequences. For parents of young children, it can feel scary not knowing what the risks are and how to protect their family's health.
To learn more about the risks and how to manage them, I contacted Dr. Catherine Karr, MD and PHD, director of the NW Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit at the University of Washington. This program, also present at a national level, works to provide evidence-based information on children's health issues related to environmental exposures.
Fortunately, there are many simple steps you can take to protect your children’s health. Read on to learn which chemical exposures you should watch out for and how to find non-toxic furniture you can trust.
Environmental Exposure Risks for Children
According to Dr. Karr, children face unique risks for environmental exposure, such as indoor air quality or contaminants in dust.
"Kids spend time close to the floor, crawling, sitting. They put their hands in their mouth. This explains why, on average, kids incidentally ingest much more house dust (or soil) every day compared to adults," she explained.
Additionally, children's bodies process contaminants differently from adults. According to the PEHSU, adults absorb 20% of ingested lead while toddlers absorb 50% of ingested lead. This means children are more vulnerable to contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and more.
Similarly, because children are smaller, they breathe more air relative to their body weight than adults. This makes indoor air quality a risk factor for families with young children. Unfortunately, many household items, including furniture, can contaminate indoor air.
What Harmful Chemicals in Furniture Should Families Avoid?
When shopping for furniture, there are a few main contaminants you'll find. These substances are typically found in finishes, plastic or upholstered furniture, or pieces made of engineered woods like MDF or particle board. These chemicals are associated with several health effects that, as explained above, have a greater impact on children.
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
Present in plastics, foams, stain-resistant upholstery, or sometimes finishes, PFAS are a group of compounds found in many everyday objects. PFAS in particular are linked to cancers, early onset puberty, poorer immune function, reproductive disruptions, thyroid function, and more. A recent study showed that children living in homes with dust samples high in PFAS are more likely to develop leukemia.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
What people often refer to as "new furniture smell" is made up of chemicals, some of which can be harmful. VOCs are often present in furniture made with MDF or particle board or pieces featuring varnish or paint finishes.
A few VOCs commonly found in furniture, including formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, are carcinogens. Research also suggests that VOCs like m,p-xylene, and benzene may also impact motor and neurodevelopment in young children. Additionally, VOCs can worsen symptoms of asthma or contribute to allergies and sensitivities.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics. Many children's furniture pieces are made with or include plastics. In children, phthalates are associated with early puberty in girls, male infertility, and genital defects.
Additional Substances
Some furniture may also contain substances such as flame retardants and heavy metals. In particular, lead may still be present in older or antique furniture.
Overall, these environmental exposures put your child's health at risk.
"There is evidence that these substances influence children’s risk of several concerning conditions, such as ADHD, learning problems, increased cholesterol, and hormone effects, " Dr. Karr explained about PFAS, flame retardants, phthalates, and heavy metals.
What is Non-Toxic Furniture?
Unfortunately, you can't trust claims made by companies. Words like "nontoxic" and "green" don't guarantee that products meet any safety standards.
Truly non-toxic furniture goes beyond claims. You'll find details such as:
- Low or 0 VOC finishes or water-based finishes
- Made of natural wood
- Third-party certifications that verify claims
Another sign a product is non-toxic is compliance with California Prop 65. This California state law requires companies to notify customers if the product contains chemicals that may cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.
Greenguard Certified Furniture
In the non-toxic furniture space, one of the most popular certifications is Greenguard Gold. This certification provides brands a pathway to demonstrate that they offer benzene, toluene, or formaldehyde-free furniture. A rigorous third-party certification, it tests for over 15,000 VOCs. Choosing Greenguard Gold Certified furniture can support cleaner indoor air.
Piccalio prioritizes chemical safety. We use 0-VOC finishes and opt in to third-party testing to ensure safety for you, your children, and the planet. Discover Piccalio's Greenguard Gold Collection and learn more about our safety measures here.
Choosing Safe Toys and Furniture: Dr. Karr's Recommendations
Dr. Karr offered tips to help families make safer choices for children's health when choosing toys and furniture. She recommends that families:
- Choose toys and furniture that do not contain these hazards.
- Superior options for home furnishings and toys are items made of natural materials such as unfinished wood, sustainably produced hardwood, wool, or organic cotton.
- Avoid painted wooden toys that are antique or imported. Lead is regulated for toys produced in the United States.
- Minimize plastic toys. We continue to learn about microplastics, and many plastics contain phthalates.
- Double-check the recall list before making a purchase.
Minimizing Risks of VOC and Dust Exposure
You can also take additional steps within your home to minimize the risks of your child ingesting toxins or inhaling VOC exposure. Dr. Karr suggests:
- Controlling house dust with regular vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum and wet mopping/wet dusting surfaces.
- Washing your child’s hands before meals and when coming inside after play.
- Not wearing outdoor shoes in the house.
- Using cleaning products that contain the label logos "Safer Choice" or "Green Seal Certified." Alternatively, learn how to make low-toxicity cleaning products from household ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
- Avoiding air fresheners in the home.
- Limiting off-gassing in the home. Before installing new carpet, pressed-wood furniture, upholstered furniture, or other VOC-containing materials, unwrap them and keep them in the garage for several days. This will allow many of the VOCs to off-gas before you bring them inside.
- Choosing low-VOC paint for indoor surfaces.
Non-Toxic Children's Furniture Can Support Your Family's Health
Doing a little extra research before purchasing furniture and toys can help protect your child's health. If you'd like to learn more about environmental risks for children and how to manage them in the home, explore the PEHSU resource library, which provides a wealth of information.
Dr. Catherine Karr, MD PHD, is a licensed pediatrician with a doctoral degree in epidemiology and a master’s degree in environmental health/toxicology. She is a professor at the University of Washington Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences. Additionally, she is the Director of the NW Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit at the University of Washington.
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