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Question from KHedden

Does the Pottery Barn Whitney Corner Desk contain VOCs? I am trying to “de-tox” my bedroom and I was told that Pottery Barn Furniture is toxic!!

Lisa’s Answer

I can’t tell you the level of VOCs but there are some clues about the relative toxicity of the item.  The good news is it’s made of solid hardwood with solid wood drawers.  Engineered woods, which this doesn’t seem to use, tend to be significant sources of VOCs.  The source of VOCs will come from adhesives used for the veneers and the paint/stain and finishes.  You can call the company and ask if they can send you a safety data sheet (SDS) on the adhesives, paints and finishes but it is unlikely they will have that available.  You can ask if they use low VOC materials, but again, that is unlikely.  Finishes tend to offgas for a few months and then taper off, so the worst may be behind you.

While odor doesn’t tell you anything definitive about the toxicity of an item, it can be an indicator.  If there is no odor coming from the desk that is a good sign.

If you are trying to detox your bedroom, I would start with your bed.  If you have a traditional mattress made with polyurethane foam, I would be more concerned about that than the desk.

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