New Furniture Smell: How Harmful is it? What You Need to Know for Your Health

Buying furniture breathes new life into our homes. However, sometimes this excitement can be replaced by anxiety due to the characteristic "new furniture smell" emanating from new furniture. Why does this smell occur and what risks does it pose for our health?
In this article, we will focus on the source of the odor emitted by new furniture, its potential hazards and what we can do to protect our health.

 

Source of Furniture Odor: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

The odor of new furniture is often caused by the materials used in the production process. In particular:

Paint and Varnishes: These substances, which protect and color the surface of the furniture, can be solvent-based or water-based.

Adhesives Adhesives used to put furniture together can contain VOCs such as formaldehyde.

Fabrics and Upholstery: Some fabrics and upholstery materials can also emit VOCs.

These substances are called "Volatile Organic Compounds" (VOCs) and evaporate into the air at room temperature.

Potential Hazards of VOCs:

Exposure to VOCs can have short and long-term effects.

Short Term Impacts: Symptoms such as headache, burning eyes, irritation in the throat, nausea and dizziness may occur. Allergic reactions and asthma symptoms may be triggered, especially in people with sensitive constitution.

Long Term Effects: Long-term exposure to high concentrations of VOCs can lead to serious health problems, including some types of cancer, damage to the nervous system and liver problems.

Important Note: Not everyone reacts to VOCs in the same way. Children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to their effects.

Waiting Time According to Paint Types:

The types of paints used in furniture production and VOC release times may vary.

Solvent Based Paints: They have a stronger VOC release and may take longer to ventilate (7-14 days on average).

Water Based Paints: They have lower VOC emissions and can be ventilated in a shorter time (2-7 days on average).

Natural Oils and Natural Vila and Waxes: VOC release is minimal and odor usually disappears within a short time.

Furniture Selection: When buying furniture, look for low-VOC, water-based paints or products treated with natural oils. Do not hesitate to ask for information about the materials used by the manufacturer.

Home Ventilation and Deodorization Methods:

Things to consider after bringing new furniture into your home:

Good Ventilation: In the first few days after you receive the furniture, ventilate the room by opening the windows frequently. If possible, also open the doors of the room to allow air flow.

Fan Usage: You can increase air circulation by using a fan to ventilate the room.

Plants Some plants have the ability to absorb VOCs from the air. You can improve air quality by using indoor plants (e.g. peace flower, ribbon flower).

Activated Carbon Activated carbon filters or natural carbon-based products can help eliminate odors.

Regulate Humidity Level: High humidity can increase the release of VOCs. Take care to keep humidity levels within ideal ranges.

Sunlight Exposing furniture to the sun can also accelerate the release of VOCs. But caution is needed because some types of furniture can be damaged by sunlight.

Important Note Make sure that particularly sensitive people are not in rooms with furniture for long periods of time until the odor has completely disappeared.

Our Approach as Archidecors:

At Archidecors, we care about the health of our customers. For this reason, we prefer environmentally friendly and low VOC materials in our production processes. You can get more detailed information about the paints and adhesives used in our products from our website or our customer service. If you wish, this problem can be completely removed by polishing with %0 VOC certified products. You can review all the selrfikas of Archidecors %0 VOC certified product below. Archidecors new generation lacquer is based on molecular bonding: a revolutionary technology that eliminates dangerous factors.

Conclusion:

The smell of new furniture is often caused by harmful VOCs. It is therefore important to be careful when choosing furniture and to adequately ventilate products before use.

Waiting Time: The 7-14 days we specified, the time period of the room effective ventilation provided that the room is open as much as possible during this period. That is, the windows of the room should be kept open as much as possible during this period, ensuring air circulation.

Bedroom Furniture: In a space as constantly used as the bedroom, it is very important not to be exposed to the odors emitted by new furniture.

First 7 Days: Once the new furniture has been installed in the bedroom, the windows should be kept open during the day and the room should not be used as much as possible. The door should be kept open and the room should be ventilated, especially during sleep.

7-14 Days: Even if the odor intensity starts to decrease, it is important to continue ventilating and to leave the door to the room open at night while sleeping.

The post: Even after the odor has largely disappeared, it is worth ventilating the room occasionally.

Vulnerable Persons: In particular, people with asthma, allergies or respiratory conditions should not sleep in this room until the furniture is well ventilated.

Below we explain which types of lacquers can release more VOCs:

 

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are mainly found in the following types of paint:

Solvent Based Paints (Oil Paints):

Description: These paints use organic solvents (thinner, turpentine, etc.) as solvents. These solvents evaporate during the drying process, releasing VOCs into the air.

Areas of Use: Generally preferred for outdoor furniture, metal surfaces and some woodwork as they are more durable and water resistant.

VOC Level: They have high VOC levels.

Examples: Alkyd paints, epoxy paints, some varnishes and lacquers fall into this category.

 

Water Based Paints:

Description: Water-based paints use water as a solvent. In this way, VOC emissions are significantly reduced.

Areas of Use: It is safer in areas such as indoor furniture, children's rooms, wall paints.

VOC Level: They can have low or zero VOC levels.

Examples: Acrylic paints, latex paints, some water-based varnishes and lacquers fall into this category.

 

Polyurethane Paints and Varnishes:

Description: Available in both solvent-based and water-based polyurethane options. It is preferred to obtain durability and long-lasting surfaces.

VOC Level: Solvent based polyurethanes have high VOC levels and water based polyurethanes have low VOC levels.

Areas of Use: Especially for outdoor furniture, parquet and surfaces where durability is important.

 

Cellulosic Dyes:

Description: Solvent based and known for its fast drying properties.

VOC Level: It has a high VOC level.

Areas of Use: It is still used in some applications in the furniture industry.