When it comes to making our homes feel cozy and inviting, the last thing we want is for harmful chemicals to be lurking in the corners.Yet, that's often what happens with furniture, especially the large furniture and the types that use pressed wood or particleboard.That's a real concern, it's one of those things that doesn't always cross our minds when we're shopping for that new couch or stylish coffee table. But it should.
Ⅰ、Regulation of formaldehyde in the United States
CNN report
CNN reported on December 5th that U.S. regulatory agencies have known for over forty years that formaldehyde is toxic, but for many years, regulatory measures have been repeatedly blocked due to opposition from businesses. When the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was developing new regulations, it ignored the conclusions of some of its own scientists, particularly regarding the potential link between formaldehyde and myelogenous leukemia. As a result, even though the EPA's cancer risk estimates were already concerning, they still significantly underestimated the likelihood of formaldehyde causing cancer, with the margin of error being as high as four times.
The EPA has also retreated from some of its own findings on the other health effects of formaldehyde, which include asthma in both children and adults; other respiratory ailments, including reduced lung function; and reproductive harms, such as miscarriages and fertility problems.
According to William Boyd, a professor at UCLA School of Law, formaldehyde is a prime example of the EPA's failure in regulating chemicals, as companies have invested heavily in questioning and delaying government regulation. Formaldehyde is ubiquitous in industry, much like the role of salt in cooking. According to 2019 data from the EPA, the United States produces between 1 billion and 5 billion pounds of formaldehyde annually.
The EPA's calculations show that formaldehyde exposure could result in up to 255 cancer cases per million exposed individuals over their lifetime—this does not even include the risk of myeloid leukemia. The agency also stated, "Currently, there may be no feasible way to reduce the average indoor level of formaldehyde to a point where there is almost no or no potential risk."
Trump's viewpoint
Trump has proposed a plan that requires the cancellation of ten old regulations for every new regulation introduced. Last month, Trump announced his choice of former New York State Congressman Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA. In the announcement, Trump stated that Zeldin would make decisions to ease regulations and "unlock the potential of American businesses."
Meanwhile, the Trump administration's policy shift stands in stark contrast to the Biden administration's environmental regulations. The Biden administration emphasizes the urgency of climate change and advocates for a series of green policies aimed at implementing stricter greenhouse gas emission standards and promoting renewable energy. Trump's return, however, suggests that these efforts could be hindered, especially for progressive policies already implemented at the state and local levels. The return of the Trump administration could create greater uncertainty for these policies.
Ⅱ、Understanding Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas that's actually found in a lot more places than you might think. It’s used in everything from furniture and cabinetry to textiles and even the materials in your car. The tricky part? It’s considered a VOC, or volatile organic compound, meaning it can evaporate into the air, and when it does, it affects the air quality in your home.
Risks
1.Respiratory Issues – One of the first things you’ll notice with formaldehyde exposure is how it messes with your breathing. We're talking about irritation in your nose, throat, and lungs. For some, this can escalate into more serious problems like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. If you've ever walked into a room with new furniture and felt like the air was thick, that could be formaldehyde at work.
2.Eye and Skin Irritation – Formaldehyde doesn’t just mess with your lungs; it can irritate your eyes too. If you've ever felt that burning sensation or itchy eyes in a room with fresh furniture, it’s a red flag. Over time, repeated exposure can cause skin rashes, redness, or even contact dermatitis. Definitely something to keep an eye on, especially for anyone with sensitive skin!
3.Worsening of Asthma – Formaldehyde is particularly dangerous for people who suffer from asthma. Inhaling even small amounts can trigger or worsen asthma attacks. It doesn’t matter if the person is a child or an adult – this chemical can make breathing feel like a struggle. It’s a harsh reality for many who live with asthma, and unfortunately, it’s one that’s not easy to avoid if your furniture is off-gassing.
4.Increased Cancer Risk – This one’s probably the scariest part of formaldehyde exposure. The World Health Organization has classified formaldehyde as a known carcinogen. Long-term exposure, especially in poorly ventilated areas, has been linked to an increased risk of nasal and throat cancers. If you're using furniture made from pressed wood or other formaldehyde-emitting materials, this is a genuine concern that you just can’t ignore.
5.Myeloid Leukemia Risk – Besides respiratory issues and cancers in the upper airways, formaldehyde has also been associated with a rare form of cancer called myeloid leukemia. This is particularly concerning, considering that it’s not just about breathing in the fumes but potentially how they affect your long-term health. It’s not a risk many people think about when buying new furniture, but it’s something you should definitely be aware of.
Formaldehyde in furniture
EPA scientists recently examined how low formaldehyde levels should be to ensure that the chemical does not trigger allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or asthma symptoms. The levels of formaldehyde typically found in average households are much higher than those deemed safe. Over a lifetime of exposure to formaldehyde in a typical household, a person's risk of developing cancer is more than 250 times higher than the target risk level set by the Clean Air Act.
The greatest exposure to formaldehyde occurs indoors, where it is found in furniture and flooring, especially in the wide variety of inexpensive furniture made from foam, adhesives, and wood composites containing formaldehyde. These products undergo a process called off-gassing, during which the chemicals they contain are released into the air over time,threaten the warm and comfortable living environment.Therefore, choosing formaldehyde-safe furniture is the most important thing for a family.
Ⅲ、How Homebridge keeps your space formaldehyde safe
Homebridge has always put safety and environmental protection first, which makes the health and happiness of every family within reach.
Safe and environmentally friendly materials
Solid wood——High-quality, responsibly sourced solid wood, like maple, oak, or walnut. These types of wood are naturally low in formaldehyde emissions. And let’s not forget, they’re biodegradable too! If you’re looking for furniture that’s both safe for your health and the planet, solid wood is a fantastic choice. It’s durable, timeless, and doesn’t have all those nasty chemicals lurking in it.
Alternative materials——like bamboo and cork. These are renewable resources, and surprisingly, they’re often more eco-friendly and formaldehyde-free compared to many wood-based materials. Bamboo, for example, grows rapidly and doesn’t require harmful pesticides. Cork is naturally resistant to pests, so it doesn’t need synthetic chemicals either. These materials are not just good for your health, they’re a win for the environment too!
Recycled materials——Furniture made from reclaimed wood or recycled plastic is another great option if you’re trying to make a more eco-conscious choice. These materials often have minimal formaldehyde emissions, and they help reduce waste in landfills. Plus, the fact that they’re recycled means they’re giving a second life to materials that might otherwise be tossed out.
Values that strictly meet the standard
Homebridge's furniture is manufactured strictly in accordance with the formaldehyde release standards stipulated by China. All of them are produced and processed with qualified and excellent raw materials, putting the health and safety of customers first. In addition, our factory has established a quality control laboratory and a quality management system in strict accordance with the provisions of the regulations to supervise its own products and ensure that the products in every link of the factory are qualified.
Meanwhile,Our products strictly comply with the U.S. TSCA Title VI standards and the CARB Phase 2 (California Air Resources Board) standards , which regulate the formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products, ensuring that the formaldehyde emissions from our furniture are well within safe limits.These regulations are stringent and ensure that the formaldehyde emissions from wood products are kept at a minimum.After purchasing these standard-compliant furniture,you can rest easy knowing that your furniture is releasing very little formaldehyde into the air. This isn’t just a formality—it's a big deal for your health and the quality of your indoor air.
Homebridge not only provides these specific standards and certifications for you to trust, but also provides one-stop services of customization, design and door-to-door installation, so that you can enjoy product quality and brand services.This is Homebridge's commitment. We take your health, environment and our own processes seriously.When you choose furniture, you might as well give priority to a responsible company like Homebridge.It isn’t just a bonus—it’s a vital part of making sure your purchase is aligned with a healthier future.
Ⅳ、Conclusion
When it comes to buying formaldehyde-safe furniture, there are a lot of factors to consider—but it's all about making informed choices. You've got to look beyond the surface and dive into the details: from understanding the materials used, to the certifications that guarantee safety. At the end of the day, your health and the quality of your indoor air matter more than any flashy design or trendy label.
By choosing formaldehyde-safe furniture, you're not just protecting yourself and your family from harmful chemicals, you’re also taking a step toward a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort,your furniture is an investment. Not just in your space, but in your well-being. So, take the time to research, ask questions, and know what you're bringing into your home. In addition, you can also choose partners like Homebridge, who can provide you with formaldehyde safety furniture for you to rest assured and unique private customization services.
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