What this is about
New furniture often has a smell. In many cases that smell comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals that evaporate from glues, finishes and coatings into room air. One compound that comes up often with wood boards is formaldehyde. This article gives general background and a list of reasonable questions. It is not medical or regulatory advice, and it cannot tell you how a specific product will affect a specific person.
Where formaldehyde comes from
Formaldehyde occurs naturally in small amounts in many settings, including in wood itself. In furniture, the concern is mainly the resins used to bind engineered boards. Particleboard, MDF and some plywood are made from wood chips, fibers or veneers held together with adhesive, and some of the commonly used adhesives are based on formaldehyde. Over time, small amounts can be released into the air, usually more in the first weeks and months and then decreasing, though the rate depends on the product, temperature and humidity.
Formaldehyde at higher concentrations can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and some people are more sensitive than others. Health agencies classify it as a substance of concern at high exposures. For typical home furniture the amounts are generally much lower, and regulations in several regions set limits for composite wood products. Since the details of these rules differ by country and change over time, check the current standards that apply where you live rather than relying on a general summary.
Other sources in furniture
Boards are not the only source. Others include:
- Finishes and coatings, such as some paints, lacquers and varnishes, which release solvents as they dry and cure
- Adhesives used to attach veneers, laminates and edge banding
- Foam and upholstery treatments, such as flame retardants and stain treatments
- Plastic and vinyl parts, which may release a plasticizer smell
Fresh paint and glue smells usually fade, but not instantly. Furniture that has just been unpacked often smells strongest during its first days.
How emission labels work
Many boards are sold with an emission class or a label showing that they meet a certain limit. Names and limits vary between regions: some systems use letter or number classes, while others describe compliance with a government rule or a voluntary certification. Some terms you may see are “low-emission,” “reduced formaldehyde,” “no added formaldehyde” and “formaldehyde-free.” These are not interchangeable, and the claims are only as reliable as the standard behind them.
Things worth knowing:
- “No added formaldehyde” generally means the resin does not contain it as an ingredient, although wood itself emits small natural amounts.
- A class applies to the board, not necessarily the finished piece with its glue and coatings.
- A label should name a standard or test method. A vague phrase without one is less informative.
- Testing is usually done under specified conditions that may not match a real room.
Choices that tend to lower emissions
None of these removes the issue entirely, but they commonly help.
- Solid wood and metal have no board resin, although finishes still matter.
- Boards with low-emission or no-added-formaldehyde binders are available from many makers.
- Sealed surfaces and edges reduce how much escapes, which is one reason edge banding is more than cosmetic.
- Water-based finishes are generally lower in solvents than traditional solvent-based ones.
- Fewer, larger pieces of raw board in a small room mean more exposed surface, so exposed unfinished edges and backs deserve attention.
Sustainable and low-emission options often overlap, as in the piece on eco-friendly materials, but the two do not always go together. A material can be recycled and still use a formaldehyde-based binder.
Practical steps at home
- Unpack and air out new furniture in a ventilated space such as a garage or open room before moving it into a bedroom, if possible.
- Open windows when assembling, sanding or finishing.
- Keep rooms at moderate temperature and humidity; heat and humidity generally increase emission rates.
- Give new furniture some time before placing it in a nursery or sleeping area. Setting up a nursery with careful material choices is covered in the article on nursery furniture.
- If anyone in the household has asthma, allergies or chemical sensitivity, discuss concerns with a health professional, and consider the options discussed in the piece on wellness spaces.
Do not try to treat or seal furniture with products of unknown content. If you use a sealer, follow its instructions and ventilate while it cures.
Questions to ask makers
A clear answer to these is generally a good sign:
- What is the core material, and what binder does it use?
- Does the board meet a stated emission standard, and which one?
- What finish is used on the surface, and is it water-based?
- Are edges and the back sealed?
- Is there documentation, such as a specification sheet or certificate, that you can read?
- What does the maker suggest to reduce odor during the first weeks?
If the answers are vague, that tells you something too. Reading the product specifications critically and asking for a written reply can be more useful than relying on website slogans.
Keeping perspective
Furniture is only one of many sources of indoor air pollutants. Cleaning products, cooking, candles, new flooring, paint, outdoor air and ventilation habits all contribute, and good ventilation is probably the single most useful habit. Choosing lower-emission furniture is a reasonable precaution, not a guarantee, and experiences vary from person to person.