PRODUCT TYPE:
Upholstered furniture: chairs, couches, ottomans, etc.	Furniture from companies that do not use toxic flame retardants (PBDEs) in foam or upholstery.  Companies include: IKEA Furniture Greener Lifestyles Soaring Heart Furnature Bean Products A Natural Home Furniture containing PBDEs will be banned in Washington in 2011! Furniture not treated with stain-resistant chemicals (such as Teflon and Stainmaster). Microfibers are ok.	Furniture treated with toxic flame retardants (PBDEs) or stain-resistant coatings (Teflon chemicals).  Do not apply stain-resistance treatments yourself.  Artificial leather, which can be made of vinyl/PVC.
Solid furniture: tables, chairs, shelves, dressers, cabinets, etc.	Furniture made of these materials: solid wood metal glass (without sharp edges) manufactured wood (such plywood and particleboard) that does not contain formaldehyde-based glues, available at IKEA	Manufactured wood (such as plywood and particleboard) that contains formaldehyde-based glues.   Plastic furniture made of vinyl/PVC.
Furniture covers (slipcovers)	Fabric covers without stain-resistant coatings (Teflon chemicals). Microfibers and other non-chemical treatments are ok.	Covers made of vinyl/PVC.   Covers treated with stain-resistant coatings (Teflon chemicals).
PRODUCT TYPE:
Inflatable furniture	Solid or upholstered furniture instead (see above).	Inflatable furniture is typically made of vinyl/PVC and should be avoided.
Bean bags	Bean bags with cloth covers and no polyurethane foam, such as Target Basic Bean Bag.	Bean bags with vinyl/PVC covers or polyurethane foam.

Healthy Tips!

• If you’re not sure whether a piece of furniture contains toxic flame retardants (PBDEs), ask the manufacturer. If they are not able to tell you, consider an alternative.

• If you already own furniture that may contain PBDEs, cover and seal any rips in upholstery and replace old items where foam is exposed, loose, and crumbling.

• Consider replacing furniture made of manufactured wood that contains formaldehyde-based glues. You can also apply a sealant, available at the Environmental Home Center, to contain the formaldehyde.

Learn More:

• Chemical info page

• Healthy Building Network: Formaldehyde and Wood
  

• Environmental Home Center: retailer of less-toxic home repair and building materials
  

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