Dangerous toxins are found in some furniture
There is a range of toxins which can be found in various items of furniture used commonly for home and office use including a variety of foams often used for their fire-retardant qualities. Some of the most common chemicals used in the development of furniture products are polybrominated diphenyl ethers which are commonly used as fire retardants in the furniture production industry. Medical Daily reports these chemicals are often used on the foam within a piece of furniture but the lack of bonding between foam and chemical make this a common issue for many homes and business owners who feel their own health is being affected by the furniture they are sitting on. The major issues already identified by researchers in PDE’s are neurobehavioral defects in animals which may also be present in newborn humans who can also be found to have thyroid problems after long-term exposure.
Perfluorinated compounds have been found to have caused major problems when used in stain-resistant fabrics with cancer and birth defects commonly seen in those who have been exposed to this form of chemical often used in the furniture industry. A number of dangerous chemicals are often found in the products commonly used in the furniture industry including glues and soaps which have been linked to the development of several forms of cancer.
Among the other forms of dangerous chemicals often found in soft furnishings and furniture are Perchloroethylene, chlorine, and ammonia which are often used in cleaners and antibacterial soaps as well as in the furniture manufacturing industry. The wood products industry often uses chlorine and ammonia to clean and bleach wood prior to its use in the manufacturing industry or the production of pulp-based products; these products often leach ammonia and chlorine over time to cause irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes of an individual who comes into contact with it for a short or long period of time.
Testing for toxins in furniture
Many people in the furniture production industry attempt to sell high-quality products which limit the chances of toxins being breathed in by those who purchase products from across the world. For example, JMD Furnituremakes every effort to educate its consumers about the history and background of the furniture being sold through its store.
One of the simplest ways of discovering if the furniture is used in a home or office is causing medical issues is to test for these issues as a number of colleges and universities are often willing to provide lab testing services to consumers across the U.S. The process of completing the testing process requires just small amount of fabric or foam to be removed from the piece of furniture and mailed to the testing lab where results are returned within 45 days.
Many individuals have noticed a smell revolving around the piece of furniture believed to be causing medical issues in a home or office which causes the medical problems. A range of medical issues can be identified through the reports which are produced by the testing lab detailing which chemicals have been discovered, according to The Atlantic.
Fire resistance issues stem from the need to help
The majority of the issues seen with carcinogenic toxins developing in foam which have been created through the use of foams first sourced in the 1970s in response to the more than 120,000 U.S. residents who died each year in household fires. The foams were created in the 1975 California Code which was designed to limit the number of lives lost to fires in the U.S. but has now been linked to the major health issues seen by many across the world.
Some of the chemicals added to the foam products have been linked to lowered IQ scores in individuals and some forms of ADHD have also been more prevalent than in those not exposed to such chemicals. The fire resistance seen in the treated foams products must withstand a naked flame for 12 seconds meaning the foam must remain intact and burst into flame for that period of time when treated with chemicals.