My Non-Toxic Sofa

When I first got married, I loved to go to furniture outlets because they had great deals on new furniture. You know that new furniture smell? I used to love that smell as well—even though it kind of gave me a headache. When we brought home a couple of new dressers for our bedroom, that new smell lasted for about two years. Back then, that smell signified beautiful furniture in a new home. Unfortunately, looking back, I now realize that the new furniture smell also caused headaches, fatigue, and slight breathing issues.

A couple of months ago, when our couch started to break, I knew that I didn’t want to continue inhaling toxic chemicals from another piece of new furniture, so I started doing some research. There did not seem to be a ton of non-toxic furniture options, but after two weeks of research, I decided to purchase our new sofa from Medley. Medley came up in just about all my searches. Continue reading to find out more about Medley’s non-toxic furniture!

No fire retardants, formaldehyde, or harsh chemicals

Fortunately, some major furniture manufacturers have stopped using flame retardants in their furniture. However, even though a furniture company claims that they are “eco-friendly” because they have stopped using flame retardants, they are most likely still using other harmful chemicals that can adversely affect your health.

According to the National Institute of Health, research shows that flame retardants can be harmful to your endocrine, immune, reproductive, and neurological systems. They can also cause cancer and adversely affect the development of babies and children.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “formaldehyde can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. High levels of exposure may cause some types of cancers.”

VOC-free finishes and glues

VOCs are volatile organic compounds. According to the National Institute of Health, short-term exposure to various VOCs may cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract; headaches; dizziness; visual problems; and memory problems. Long-term exposure may cause nausea; fatigue; loss of coordination; damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system; and cancer.

CertiPUR-US® certified foam or certified organic natural latex

CertiPUR-US® certified foam does not contain flame retardants, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or other harmful chemicals. Organic, natural latex is another great chemical-free option that comes from the sap of rubber trees.

100% Natural Cotton, Hemp, and Wool Options

You can also choose fabrics that are completely natural—this is great for people with sensitive skin that do not want to be exposed to harmful chemicals.

OEKO-TEX® certified Wool

The wool is natural and chemical-free. OEKO-TEX® certified wool has passed multiple quality and safety tests.

FSC-certified hardwood

According to the FSC website, “FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.”

Our custom-made sofa arrived a few weeks ago. It is beautiful and comfortable; it also seems durable. The best part is that I don’t get any headaches or adverse symptoms from the “new furniture smell”—my non-toxic sofa has no new toxic furniture smell!

References

Facts About Formaldehyde. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/formaldehyde/facts-about-formaldehyde

Flame Retardants. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/flame_retardants/index.cfm

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). (n.d.) Retrieved from https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/volatile-organic-compounds-vocs