Furniture, Flooring & Household Dust
Your home's furniture and flooring release chemicals into the air and shed particles that accumulate in dust. For children who play on floors and put their hands in their mouths, household dust is a surprisingly significant exposure route.
Flame Retardants (PBDEs and Replacements)
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were added to furniture foam, electronics, and textiles to meet fire safety standards. They have been phased out due to health concerns—but they persist in older products and the environment, and their replacements may be equally problematic.
What the Research Shows
A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis found that prenatal PBDE exposure was associated with a 3.7-point IQ reduction per 10-fold increase in exposure levels. Effects on attention and behavior have also been documented.
The CHAMACOS study found even stronger effects: a 10-fold increase in prenatal PBDE exposure was associated with 4.7 IQ points lower at age 7.
Where PBDEs Accumulate
- Furniture foam: Couches, chairs, mattresses manufactured before 2013
- Electronics: Older televisions, computers, and appliances
- Carpet padding: Especially older padding
- Household dust: The primary exposure route for children
Replacement Chemicals
After PBDEs were phased out, manufacturers switched to other flame retardants (firemaster 550, TDCPP, TCEP, and others). Early research suggests many have similar toxicity profiles—another case of regrettable substitution.
Reducing Exposure
- Replace old foam furniture when possible, especially if foam is exposed or deteriorating
- Choose furniture labeled "TB 117-2013 compliant" or "no added flame retardants"
- Cover exposed foam with tightly woven fabric
- Vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum
- Damp mop hard floors and damp dust surfaces
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that irritates airways and may affect neurodevelopment. It is used in building materials and furnishings.
Sources of Formaldehyde
- Pressed wood products: Plywood, particleboard, MDF, especially when new
- Furniture: Especially composite wood and laminate
- Carpets and flooring: Particularly new carpet with backing adhesives
- Insulation: Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI)
- Household products: Some cleaning products and air fresheners
Reducing Formaldehyde Exposure
- Choose solid wood or certified low-formaldehyde products (CARB Phase 2 compliant, GREENGUARD certified)
- Let new furniture and flooring off-gas before use if possible
- Increase ventilation after installing new products
- Avoid UFFI if renovating or building
- Control humidity: Formaldehyde release increases with heat and humidity
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are gases released from solids and liquids. New furniture, flooring, and building materials are major sources.
Common VOCs
- Benzene: From plastics, adhesives, and some furniture
- Toluene: From paints, adhesives, and carpet
- Xylene: From paints and finishes
- Ethylene glycol: From paints and cleaning products
That "New" Smell
The "new car smell" or "new furniture smell" is actually off-gassing of VOCs. While we associate it with cleanliness, it is a sign of chemical exposure.
Reducing VOC Exposure
- Air out new products before bringing them fully indoors
- Choose low-VOC paints, stains, and finishes
- Increase ventilation during and after renovation
- Select solid wood, metal, or glass furniture over composite materials
Household Dust: The Hidden Exposure Route
Household dust is a mixture of:
- Soil tracked in from outside
- Human and pet skin cells
- Food particles
- Fibers from textiles
- Particles shed from products
- Chemicals that settle from air
Why Dust Matters for Children
- Floor play: Children spend more time on floors than adults
- Hand-to-mouth behavior: Toddlers touch surfaces and then their mouths 10+ times per hour
- Lower to the ground: Heavier dust particles stay closer to the floor
Studies have found flame retardants, phthalates, lead, and other chemicals in household dust at levels associated with health effects.
Dust Reduction Strategies
Entrance control:
- Shoes off at the door (reduces tracked-in contaminants by 60%)
- Doormats inside and outside
- Clean entryway floors frequently
Cleaning practices:
- HEPA filter vacuum at least weekly (regular vacuums can spread fine particles)
- Damp mop hard floors rather than sweeping or dry mopping
- Damp dust surfaces with a wet cloth rather than feather dusters
- Wash hands frequently, especially before meals
Air filtration:
- HEPA air purifier in main living areas and bedrooms
- Replace HVAC filters with high-efficiency filters (MERV 13+)
- Keep windows open when outdoor air quality permits
Textile management:
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water
- Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly
- Consider reducing carpet in favor of hard flooring that can be wet cleaned
The Nursery and Play Areas
Children's rooms deserve special attention:
- Air out new cribs and furniture for at least a week before baby arrives
- Choose solid wood furniture when possible
- Select organic or GREENGUARD-certified mattresses
- Avoid foam play mats (often contain flame retardants); choose cotton or wool
- Wet clean floors frequently in play areas
References
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Lam J, et al. Developmental PBDE exposure and IQ/ADHD in childhood: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Health Perspect. 2017;125(8):086001. PMID: 28799918
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Eskenazi B, et al. In utero and childhood polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposures and neurodevelopment in the CHAMACOS study. Environ Health Perspect. 2013;121(2):257-262. PMID: 23154064
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Stapleton HM, et al. Detection of organophosphate flame retardants in furniture foam and US house dust. Environ Sci Technol. 2009;43(19):7490-7495. PMID: 19848166
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Roberts JW, et al. Reducing dust, lead, dust mites, bacteria, and fungi in carpets and upholstered furniture by vacuuming. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 1999;36(4):477-484. PMID: 10227868