Question from SVE
Hi Debra,
I’m very sensitive to polyurethane foam in furniture. I experience a definite reaction while sitting in a chair with polyurethane foam. Do you know if polyurethane foam emits fumes? I’m now wondering if I need to avoid breathing the air in a room with polyurethane foam furniture.
Thanks! And thanks for your wonderful website. It’s a great source of information and often gives me peace of mind when I’m trying to find a solution to a toxic problem.
SVE
I located a bodyslant that I want to purchase BUT it is made w/ polyurethane foam… will it outgas forever or since the foam cushions are removeable, can I air them outside in the sun to make it safe to be in my home?
Having discovered your website, I am amazed at all the toxins within our homes. I am trying to eliminate as much as I can, whenever possible, even in little steps as you’ve suggested in ” Home Safe Home.”
However, there are some items that I am stuck with and just don’t know what to do with, such as all my furniture that contains polyurethane foam. This would include a leather sofa and chairs, other upholstered chairs, and a new and very expensive dining room set with eight upholstered chairs containing polyurethane foam. The end chairs are even upholstered all along the back and sides. Obviously, I cannot afford to buy all new, non-toxic furniture from some of your recommended sources. If I could, I would get rid the furniture knowing how toxic it is, but my husband thinks I am being neurotic and extreme.
I worry about my children who even play on the dining room set. I did have a table protector on it, but just realized that it is probably made of vinyl, so removed it.
Do you have any suggestions or recommendations? I feel like having polyurethane foam in my house is just something I have to accept for now.
The non-toxic, no polyurethane foam furniture is a lot more expensive too… How toxic is the polyurethane foam in furniture? I wonder about the wood furniture too, such as my hutch, buffet and table. It’s not easy to find out exactly what everything is made of or what toxins may be lurking in everything… Thank you!
Debra’s Answer
Polyurethane foam does emit fumes, whether in a mattress or in furniture.
