Your furniture could be making you and your loved ones sick. Unbeknownst to many, the chemical formaldehyde has been found in many veneered wood products, particularly furniture. Knowing the dangers of formaldehyde and the types of furniture that contain it can help save you and your family from serious health risks.

What We Know About Formaldehyde

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogen. This means that it could cause cancer. In 2011, the National Toxicology Program also classified the chemical a carcinogen. So, it’s no secret that that the chemical found in many homes could lead to serious health problems.

What Is It and Where Is It Found?

Formaldehyde is a chemical that is commonly found in the home in products most people have no idea contain it. The biggest culprits containing this chemical are particleboard, plywood, and medium-density fiberboard. These woods are often used to make furniture and cabinets.

Formaldehyde is also found in glue used to piece furniture together. Many people who buy furniture have no idea that this chemical is in it. This is frightening especially those with small children who are often all over the furniture and spend a great deal of time at home.

How Formaldehyde Infiltrates a Home

As the chemical sits in a home, it begins to volatize. This is especially true if it’s near heat. The chemical in the wood or glue used in the furniture can release a gas, which is what could cause cancer or lead to sensitization. Sensitization happens when the chemical makes people around it sensitive to other chemicals they weren’t allergic to before exposure. It also causes watery eyes, burning sensation in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

How to Avoid Formaldehyde

Veneered furniture has one of highest levels of formaldehyde because it’s often made out of inexpensive woods that contain the chemical, and the veneer is applied with glue containing the chemical. The best way to avoid formaldehyde is to stay away from veneered furniture.

When buying furniture, consider the formaldehyde risk. While veneer may cost less, it may end up costing more to you and your loved ones in medical expenses because of exposure to formaldehyde.

The Alternative to Veneer Furniture

With the risk of formaldehyde, it’s best to stay away from veneer furniture made with pressed wood.

This makes solid wood furniture a healthy and worthwhile option.

Since it’s made of quality wood all the way through, you don’t have to worry about it containing the dangerous chemical that inexpensive woods contain. You also don’t have to worry about furniture glue used on solid wood. Furniture makers using solid wood nail pieces together. They don’t use formaldehyde ridden glue.

Choosing a Healthy Home and Family

The choice is simple. Purchase solid wood the next time you’re in the market for a new piece of furniture. Give your family the peace of mind they deserve with high quality, healthy, and beautiful furniture.