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Monday, September 22, 2008
The hidden dangers of furniture?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Short of it falling apart, this may be one of the worst betrayals to those who love furniture — rashes, allergic reactions and pain.
The Associated Press reported this weekend that people in France who bought certain Chinese-made recliners believe an anti-fungal chemical used in the furniture is responsible for unsavory skin infections.
Apparently the chairs were sold with a disclaimer that allergic reactions occurred in rare instances, due to the chemical, dimethyl fumarate, used to prevent mold.
I’ve been lucky to avoid furniture that causes me to itch, scratch or otherwise, but now I’m wondering about the hidden chemicals lurking in my home, like the flame-retardant chemicals in my mattress or possibly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from my lacquered console table. (VOCS are reported to cause skin and eye irritation or cause breathing problems. Yikes!)
How concerned are you about what materials/chemicals are used in your home? Have you ever had a reaction to a piece of furniture? And do you think the sometimes extra cost of eco-friendly “healthier” home products is worth it?
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