What does it mean to be low-VOC and why does it matter?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a large family of chemical compounds that vaporize, or become a gas, at normal room temperatures. The main VOC in home furnishings is formaldehyde which is used in glues and finishes.

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is one of the world’s most common chemicals. It is a simple compound made of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. It is a colorless, strong-smelling gas that is emitted by materials made with it as well as through the burning of wood, kerosene or natural gas, by automobiles and by cigarettes. It is also produced naturally by plants and animals.

Formaldehyde is an important cost-effective ingredient in resins, paints, coatings, upholstery foam and medium density fiberboard. Technological changes since the 1980’s have reduced the amount of formaldehyde emitted from these products by over 80% making most home furnishings well within acceptable ranges.

When present in the air at levels above 0.1 ppm (parts in a million parts of air), formaldehyde can cause watery eyes, a burning sensation in the eyes, nose or throat, nausea, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, skin rashes, and allergic reactions. Home furnishings generally have significantly lower levels however it is still best to try and minimize exposure. If symptoms occur, they can be reduced or eliminated by ventilating the room well for a few days or weeks until the gas has dissipated. The gas dissipates rapidly in the first weeks after manufacturing and is generally gone completely after six months.

People with a hyper-sensitivity to formaldehyde can be affected by the symptoms at levels as low as 0.01ppm and can develop additional sensitivities from exposure to it. Formaldehyde can be a sensitizer which means exposure can lead them to become sensitive to other chemicals as well that were previously not problematic. People with this level of sensitivity are best to choose zero-formaldehyde products.

Will I get cancer from formaldehyde?

No – not from the levels present in home furnishings. The levels of formaldehyde present in furniture are not enough to directly result in cancer or any other disease. Formaldehyde has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) however the most recent EPA estimate of the lifetime cancer risk associated with exposure to formaldehyde in homes through all sources (flooring, wall coverings, paint, furniture, cabinetry, etc) is equal or less than one chance in a million.

Why is formaldehyde used in furniture?

Formaldehyde is a component of glues and adhesives and is a preservative in some paints and coating products. It is a very effective and low-cost chemical.

Are the glues and finishes with little or no formaldehyde the same quality as those with formaldehyde?

Yes. Improvements in technology mean today’s water-based chemicals provide the same strength, durability and clarity of finish as those with formaldehyde in the product. Water-based chemicals are more expensive and are therefore not used in every production facility.