Ecological children's furniture. Dangerous eco-furniture. Stay away from toxic materials and finishes

The situation in a house or apartment plays a significant role in maintaining and preserving the health of a child: wall and floor decoration made of harmful substances, synthetic textile materials, low-quality plastic furniture can exacerbate chronic diseases and serious complications, therefore, when arranging a child's room, preference should be given to items furniture and accessories, in the production of which only environmentally friendly and safe materials were used.

Furniture items for children are bought for several years in advance, so even a small amount of harmful impurities and chemicals in varnishes, paints and materials can harm a child with prolonged contact. One of the most dangerous substances, which is nevertheless widely used in furniture production, is formaldehyde, a small concentration of which in the air can provoke asthma and allergies.

The design of a small children's bedroom in a modern style: what you need to pay attention to?

You can learn how to design a children's room for two children of different sexes in a detailed article by the Stylingroom team.

In today's article, the team styling room prepared for you a selection of photos of environmentally friendly furniture for children's rooms from the famous furniture company Kalon.

Environmentally friendly and safe playpens for the little ones

In the arena, small children spend a large amount of time playing and also sleeping. Design playpens from the Echo Crib collection are 100% made of natural, high-quality wood, coated with harmless water-based varnishes and paints. Stylish minimalist playpens have high strength and durability, perfect for decorating a children's room at home or apartment, made in any style and color scheme.

So, the photo below shows one of these arenas from Kalon. The playpen, made in neutral light shades, fits perfectly into the minimalist children's room, the walls, floor, ceiling and furniture of which are decorated in white tones, using light wood.

Stylish, environmentally friendly arena from Kalon.

In the photo below we see another environmentally friendly and safe playpen for children from the Caravan Crib collection. The piece of furniture is made of natural maple, coated with safe water-based dyes. The minimalist playpen in light, neutral colors goes well with the children's light wooden furniture and snow-white floor, and also creates an interesting contrast with the dark gray matte walls of the room.

White minimalist playpen in a stylish nursery.

The stylish playpen in the next photo also belongs to the Caravan crib collection. The furniture is made of natural wood of light shades, and the rods of the arena are painted in classic black. Designers used a minimalist playpen to design a small children's room, the walls, floor and ceiling of which are made in neutral, light colors and shades.

Minimalist playpen in a small stylish nursery.

Kalon designers offer their customers not only playpens made in classic neutral colors, but also playpens in a variety of bright colors and shades, such as red, pink, blue, green, yellow. The Caravan Crib in the next photo is made from natural, high quality wood and the bars are painted bright blue.

Unusual arena with bright blue partitions.

Eco-friendly chests of drawers and wardrobes for children's rooms

The designers also released a collection of safe and non-toxic children's wardrobes and chests of drawers made exclusively from natural materials. So, in the photo below there is a small wooden chest of drawers from the Caravan Dresser collection, which will go well with the playpen from the Caravan Crib collection, since Kalon designers used identical materials and colors to create both collections of children's furniture.

A small stylish chest of drawers from the Caravan Dresser collection.

If you want to make your child's nursery bright, sunny and cheerful, then use rich yellow furniture and accessories. So, in the next photo we see a stylish minimalist dresser and playpen from the Caravan collections, made of natural light wood, using elements of bright yellow. Stylish, environmentally friendly children's furniture fits perfectly into the interior of a small room in a private house, made in neutral light colors.

Unique chest of drawers and playpen with yellow elements.

The designer chest of drawers in the following photo is from the IoLine Dresser furniture collection. Stylish, massive and roomy chest of drawers made of natural beech is perfect for complementing not only the children's room, but also the bedroom of the child's parents or the living room. The chest of drawers is equipped with convenient drawers in which the child can put his things, toys, books, school supplies.

Massive and roomy chest of drawers made of natural beech.

Unusual pieces of furniture and accessories for children's rooms

At the end of our article, we have prepared for you a selection of truly unique, unusual and original, and most importantly, environmentally friendly and safe pieces of furniture and accessories that will be an excellent addition and decoration to a modern children's room.

So, in the photo below, three wooden blocks from Kalon are provided, which can be used as shelves for storing things and toys, chairs, and also to create an interesting play space that your child will love. Wooden blocks do not take up much space, they can be placed, for example, in the corner, thereby filling the free, unused space of the room.

Unusual wooden blocks from the Kalon company.

Particularly noteworthy are the stylish wooden chairs from the Hut-Hut Kids collection, which the designers produce in bright red, yellow, green, blue and pink colors. Wooden children's chairs at the international exhibition Salone del Mobile (2010) were recognized as the best product of the year, they are perfect for decorating a children's room and will appeal not only to children, but also to adults.

Colorful wooden chairs from the Hut-Hut Kids collection.

Multi-coloured colorful chairs will perfectly fit into the nursery, made in neutral, light colors and shades, and they also go well with the chest of drawers and playpen from the Caravan collection.

A small nursery with environmentally friendly furniture from Kalon.

Designers produce Hut-Hut Kids wooden chairs not only in a variety of colors, but also made from various materials. So, buyers can order chairs for children from the following FSC-certified materials: bamboo, cork, maple, white locust, black walnut. Wooden chairs are highly durable and reliable, not only children but also adults can sit on them, so these chairs will also be an excellent decoration for a living room or veranda.

Doing repairs in a one-room apartment? You can read about how to equip a stylish nursery in a one-room apartment here.

Room interior for a teenage girl: tips and tricks from real professionals.

Don't know how to decorate a children's room for two boys? Read the detailed article by the Stylingroom team.

Eco-friendly Hut-Hut Kids chairs in the living room interior.

Rules for choosing environmentally friendly furniture for children

When choosing furniture for decorating the interior of a children's room, you must be guided by the following rules:

  • Give preference to natural wood furniture. So, children's furniture made of pine is light and sunny, has high strength, pine wood is rich in ascorbic acid. Birch furniture has a relatively high strength and hardness; dried wood is similar to beech in most mechanical characteristics. Children's furniture made of solid beech has a red-brown color, is in no way inferior to oak furniture in strength and hardness, the beech texture is beautiful and has high decorative qualities. Oak children's furniture is beautiful and durable, and absolutely safe for adults and children.

Oak furniture has a very beautiful color and texture, to give the wood high decorative qualities, it is often subjected to bleaching, staining or pickling (staining means many years of keeping oak in water, from which the material acquires an unusual dark purple color).

  • Please note that children's wooden furniture can only be coated with a harmless water-based varnish.
  • The fabric used to cover the furniture should also be environmentally friendly and safe, the following materials are perfect: organic cotton, polar fleece, remy, sasawashi, sisel, silk, soy, lyosel, bamboo, linen. So, when growing organic cotton, pesticides and other chemicals are not used, the production of such material has international certificates OEKO-TEX, Organic Exchange or GOTS. Polar fleece is a synthetic material obtained from cleanly washed bottles. Furniture made of polar fleece is suitable for children from 3 years old, since babies from synthetics often experience overheating and sweating. Remy is a natural material that is made from a special plant native to western Asia. Sasavashi visually resembles linen, has hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties. Sisel is a cellulose, which consists of a natural polymer that retains living plant cells and seaweed fibers in its structure. Lyosel is made only from trees grown without the use of chemicals.
There is no organic category for furniture, as is used in food and clothing labeling. Although some items may have the word organic in the product name or description.

1. Choosing upholstered furniture

Let's start with home furnishings, where you can find the word organic on a label or in a product description.
  • Cushioned furniture: Look for chairs and sofas upholstered in natural organic fabrics and filled with natural latex foam.
  • Mattresses: organic cotton, organic wool and natural latex are good alternatives to the materials used to make conventional mattresses. Most organic latex mattresses have a core wrapped in wool (naturally flame retardant) or cotton or a combination of both, and some are usually wrapped in a combination of these materials. Choose mattress pads made from organic cotton or organic wool.
Here is a video How to choose an environmentally friendly bed.

2. Consider bamboo

Bamboo furniture is a good option. Although technically not a tree (it's a herb), it looks like a tree, and is usually grown without pesticides. Because it is growing so fast that resistance to renewal is not a problem for it. The only downside is the traffic trail.

3. Transportation

Since transportation also uses energy, responsibility in transportation is also part of getting sustainable furniture.
  • Furniture must be transported efficiently without overcoming excessive space and energy during transport.
  • Local furniture using only local production and raw materials has less.

4. Stay away from toxic materials and finishes

The easiest way to avoid toxins like formaldehyde is to buy furniture made from materials that don't contain them.
Choose hardwood furniture that contains less paint. Rarely glass and metal furniture.

5. Try to avoid:

  • Upholstery marked SPAIN RESISTANT, it may be toxic
  • Inflatable furniture, faux leather and vinyl furniture covers. All may contain phthalate-based PVC.
  • Furniture made from chipboard, fiberboard, plywood - anything that may contain formaldehyde adhesives.
  • Avoid all tropical hardwoods (mahogany and teak) as well as mahogany and many western cedars, which tend to be made from irreplaceable old woods - unless certified.
6. Choose local
Look for local furniture makers and artisans in local newspapers, craft websites, and craft fairs. Look for artisanal furniture made from salvaged trees and wrought iron, organic wool and cotton, and recycled fabrics.

7. Choose functionality

Furniture should also be functional and durable.
  • Opt for multifunctional furniture
  • Durability also matters because well-made furniture with a longer functional shelf life contributes to the health of the planet without filling landfills.

8. Vintage furniture

Vintage and antique furniture are two of the most sustainable choices you can make for home furnishing. There are no hard and fast distinctions when furniture becomes antique; for some people it's all that well forgotten old, others argue that the items must be at least 20 years old.

Antique furniture is technically anything made 100 years ago. Most people simply assume that these are furniture made at the turn of the 20th century. In any case, if it is old, it does not use any additional energy, water or other resources associated with production.

If you are choosing antique furniture, keep the following in mind:

  • Furniture must comply with current safety regulations. Please note that the furniture is not radioactive.
  • Vintage painted furniture made before 1978 may contain lead. Old antiques - early 19th century - most likely not. Lead paint is a problem, if it peels off, you can cover it with varnish, for example, but this can affect the look and value of the piece. If you have small children around, you might want to think twice before purchasing these items or wait until your children are older.
  • Finishing or restoring antiques is also usually best left to the experts. If you're thinking about refinishing or repainting 20th century furniture, you'll find that all paint contains lead and you should take the appropriate precautions when working with it.

9. , recovery and repurposing

Getting creative with reusing household items is a great way to come up with furniture and accessories that are truly one of a kind. It can also reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. According to the American Society of Interior Designers, 90 percent of everything manufactured in the US ends up in landfills less than a year after production.

10. Furniture

If you have a love of tinkering or have a craftsman you know, you can make your own furniture from scratch. Work with wood that has been pulled from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, old buildings - or work with wood that has a history that can make this furniture even more special.

The situation in the house plays a significant role in the maintenance and preservation of human health. Wall and floor decoration, furniture, textile materials can cause serious complications and exacerbations of chronic diseases if harmful components were used in their production. In the modern world, many manufacturers focus on the production environmentally friendly furniture, which is in ever-increasing demand among buyers who prefer a healthy environment for their homes.

Furniture items are bought for more than one year, so even a slight content of harmful impurities in the materials, varnishes and paints that were used in their manufacture can be harmful during prolonged contact with a person. One of the most dangerous substances used in furniture production is formaldehyde. Even a small concentration of it in the air can provoke allergies and asthma. Therefore, when buying furnishings, especially for a children's room, for a bedroom, it is important to purchase environmentally friendly products.

Why choose wood furniture

Giving preference to furniture made of natural wood is the right choice, because the tree contains beneficial phytoncides that stand out even when the product has served for several years. In addition, it is no secret that trees have positive energy. Do not think that solid wood furniture is not affordable for everyone. Domestic manufacturers make excellent products from inexpensive species - birch and pine.

In addition, the tree fits perfectly not only in, but also in almost anyone.

Vine furniture - an eco-furnishing option for home and garden

Beautiful and practical wicker furniture is in increasing demand. Initially intended for country houses, it successfully took root in city apartments. Graceful tables, cabinets, armchairs and rocking chairs, especially beloved, are made of rattan, willow or bamboo. There are also combined options with glass or steel. Such items, despite their elegance and apparent fragility, can last up to 25 years. They do not require special care, are easily cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, and their only drawback is that they are afraid of rain.

How to check if furniture is environmentally friendly

  • When buying, ask the sellers for an environmental certificate. Having a certificate guarantees that the product does not contain, for example, cadmium used in paints or lead.
  • If new furniture emits a strong smell, you should think about its environmental friendliness. Despite the fact that according to GOST, the smell should disappear in no more than 2.5 months, such a purchase can turn into an unnecessary headache. After all, well-being largely depends on the air in the apartment.
  • When choosing a bed or sofa, avoid products on foam rubber - over time, it decomposes, which leads to the release of harmful substances.
  • Give preference to upholstery made of natural, non-electric fabrics.

From this article you will learn:

  • What harmful substances can be contained in furniture
  • How do they affect the human body?
  • What materials are such furniture made of?
  • What rules to follow when choosing furniture
  • What is remarkable about such furniture for a nursery

Home environment is of great importance for the maintenance and preservation of human health. If floor and wall finishes, furniture or textile materials have been manufactured using harmful substances, they can exacerbate chronic diseases and also cause serious complications. Therefore, environmentally friendly furniture is so popular among buyers who care about their health. Many modern manufacturers focus on the manufacture of safe products, the features of which we will analyze in detail in this article.

We do not scare, but inform about harmful substances in furniture

Virtually any wooden piece of furniture that is not environmentally friendly releases a significant amount of free formaldehyde into the environment. Usually, when creating them, such raw materials as chipboard, MDF (fiberboard), plywood are used. They are produced using formaldehyde resins as an internal adhesive.


Another no less toxic substance is phenol. The fact is that in a short time it enters the body through the skin and upper respiratory tract, reaching the gastrointestinal tract. After that, this dangerous substance accumulates in the kidneys and liver, undermines the immune system, irritates the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, pharynx and gastrointestinal tract. The result of such a negative impact is a runny nose, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, shortness of breath, insomnia.

When phenol is inhaled, the mucous membranes are strongly irritated, and its contact with the skin is fraught with burns. If phenol poisoning occurs regularly, then the kidneys and liver are affected, and later a pathogenic change in the blood occurs.


Urea-formaldehyde resins are also very often used in the creation of wood products. They are especially noticeable in objects where fiberboard and chipboard are used - the main materials for applying plywood or veneer (in economical options, they can be replaced by a paper or plastic-based laminate).

The creation of the majority of all wood composite materials for furniture occurs by means of hot pressing of prepared waste. And in this case, a phenol-formaldehyde alcohol-soluble resin often becomes a substance for connecting raw materials. It is distinguished by a dangerous quality - the release of free formaldehyde, which is called "chronic toxin" in medicine. This volatile substance adversely affects human health.

Inhalation of formaldehyde vapors leads to irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat, and also has a harmful effect on the skin and provokes a variety of allergic reactions. The result of prolonged inhalation of the vapors of this substance can be:

  • Headache.
  • Atypical fatigue.
  • Insomnia.
  • Depression.
  • Asthma.


Symptoms of formaldehyde poisoning:

  • Dizziness.
  • unnatural thirst.
  • Nausea.
  • Watery discharge from the nose.
  • Cough, salivation.
  • Irritation, infection of the sinuses.
  • Sore throat.
  • The appearance of a rash.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Nose bleed.
  • Menstrual disorders.
  • Chest pain, abdominal pain.

In many residential areas, the level of formaldehyde is above the norm. Instead of the established 0.04 - 0.06 ppm, its concentration reaches 0.07 - 0.09. Installing the necessary household items in the bathroom or kitchen alone can increase the level of this substance to 0.10 ppm or more. Therefore, in order to completely protect yourself and loved ones from such a dangerous impact, it is better to buy environmentally friendly furniture.

What are the features of furniture made from environmentally friendly materials

Environmentally friendly furniture sets are always made from natural wood (birch, ash, oak, pine, beech) using safe PVA-based glue.

The creation of environmentally friendly furniture from an array of natural species occurs due to high-quality wood processing.


For furniture upholstery, non-electrifying materials from organic fibers of flax, cotton, soy, bamboo, and silk are used. These plants are grown without the use of pesticides and other chemicals.

Of all the options for environmentally friendly sofas and armchairs, leather products dyed with eco-colors have the longest service life.

Another fairly popular modern material is cork. It is light, pleasant to the touch and environmentally friendly. Cork flooring has the property of noise insulation and is widely used for floors and walls. Cork makes excellent environmentally friendly bedroom furniture.

To protect the flooring and improve the microclimate in the room, you can lay a mat (matting). It is woven from such environmentally friendly natural materials as reed, linen, coconut fiber.

Among eco-friendly kitchen furniture, stone countertops are popular. They are very practical. Such countertops are most often made of marble or granite, sometimes slate, limestone, travertine, onyx.

Ceramic, glass tiles, and mosaics are also environmentally friendly materials.


1. Selection of environmentally friendly products.


Furniture labeled or described with the word "organic":

  • Sofas and chairs upholstered in natural organic fabrics filled with natural latex foam.
  • Mattresses made using materials such as organic wool, natural latex, organic cotton. Often organic latex mattresses have a core wrapped in wool (flame retardant) or cotton, or a combination of the two. And some of them are completely wrapped in a combination of these materials. The best mattress covers are made from organic wool or organic cotton.

2. Bamboo products.

Although bamboo looks like a tree, it is actually grass. It grows very quickly, so pesticides are usually not used for it. Eco-friendly bamboo furniture is in high demand.

3. Transportation.

The quality and sustainability of environmentally friendly products also depend on how they were transported.

4. Beware of toxic materials.

The best way to protect yourself from toxins (such as formaldehyde) is to choose environmentally friendly furniture made from safe materials that do not contain them. Hardwood products are the best option, as they contain less paint. And the number of glass and metal objects in the room is best minimized.


5. Try to avoid:

  • Upholstery labeled "stain resistant": These can be toxic.
  • Inflatable and made of artificial leather products, vinyl covers. They may all contain PVC-based phthalate.
  • Items made from chipboard, fiberboard, plywood - anything that may contain formaldehyde adhesives.
  • All tropical hardwoods (mahogany and teak) and some Western cedars if not certified.

6. Give preference to local production.

Local producers and artisans can be found in newspapers, on the Internet, at thematic fairs.

7. Functionality.

Choose eco-friendly items, considering not only their appearance, but also convenience, functionality and durability.

  • Multifunctional products should always be a priority.
  • Durability is also important, as well-made items with a long functional shelf life prevent landfills from quickly filling up, thereby maintaining the health of the planet.

8. Vintage furniture.

Vintage and antiques are two of the most sustainable furniture options. There are no strict rules at what point objects become antique. For some, all well-forgotten old items fit into this category, while others believe that their age should be at least 20 years old.

Antiques are those items that were made 100 years ago. Most people refer to them as those made at the turn of the 20th century.


When choosing antique furniture, consider the following points:

  • It must comply with current safety regulations. Make sure the items are not radioactive.
  • Vintage painted items made before 1978 may contain lead. In the antiques of the early 19th century, it most likely will not be. The disadvantage of lead paint is that it peels off. At the same time, the appearance, as well as the value of the product, may suffer from the varnish coating. If there are kids in the house, you should think twice before purchasing such things. And best of all - to postpone their purchase until the children grow up.
  • Finishing and restoration of antiques should be handled by experts. For example, if you want to varnish or repaint 20th century items, you should be aware that the paint may contain lead, and you should take the necessary precautions when working with it.

9. Recycling, recovery and repurposing.

You can come up with objects and accessories that will be one of a kind if you get creative with the reuse of various household products. In addition, it will reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.


10. Ecology certificate.

When buying environmentally friendly furniture, you can ask the seller for a certificate. It guarantees that the product does not contain harmful substances (for example, cadmium or lead).

11. New products that emit a pungent odor raise doubts about their environmental friendliness.

According to GOST, such a smell should disappear after a maximum of 2.5 months. However, this acquisition can turn into an unnecessary headache for you, since well-being depends largely on the air in the living room.

12. DIY furniture.

Perhaps you enjoy crafting or you know artisans. Then you can create exclusive items. It is best to work with wood extracted from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, old buildings. It is even more interesting to use a tree that has its own unique history. Then your furniture will definitely be special.


When choosing environmentally friendly furniture for children, first of all, the materials from which it is made are evaluated. The most environmentally friendly items are made from solid wood. They are large monolithic bars, for the production of which the least various toxic adhesives are used. After all, inhalation of harmful vapors exposes the child's body to the risk of developing a number of diseases.

Manufacturers of environmentally friendly wood products use poison-free casein glue to fasten parts, bolts and screws. Companies specializing in the manufacture of furniture for children and adolescents do not use substances harmful to health (formaldehydes, phenols, resins) in their work. All varnishes and paints with which they cover wooden surfaces are safe.


Study the offers of suppliers, paying attention to the types of wood used in the manufacture of products. The most environmentally friendly furniture for children is one that is made of pine, birch, larch, walnut and beech. Such wood has tonic and healing properties. For example, pine is the most economical material that does not stand out for any special decorative qualities, but in terms of ecology it is priceless. The unique antiseptic properties of pine can protect the baby from many diseases.


  • "BELFAN" is a combination of modern classics and the most fashionable trends.

We closely follow the novelties in the world of interior design and produce furniture in accordance with the latest trends. What you will see at the Milan Fair in April will be available in our store in autumn.

Furniture from the company "BELFAN" remains relevant and does not go out of fashion for many years. Our clients do not have to regularly update the interior. It is enough to add new elements or swap modules (for example, if we are talking about hanging living rooms).

  • Natural wood furniture.

Our products are environmentally friendly and safe, thanks to the natural materials used in the production. You and your loved ones will certainly appreciate the health care. And the pleasant aroma and energy of natural wood in the apartment will fill it with an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility.

  • Wide range of products.

Here you will find furniture for the living room, bedroom, hall, nursery, and you can also choose complementary interior items.

A ready-made interior solution will save your time. Moreover, with us you do not have to spend a budget on the services of designers. Our specialists will be happy to draw up a plan for arranging furniture that will meet all your requirements.

  • Comfort every day.

In the manufacture of furniture, the company "BELFAN" uses the best modern fittings. You do not need to make any effort to open or close the drawer or door. Mechanisms made in Austria will ensure the absence of annoying sounds.

In addition, the inside of the drawers is upholstered with high-quality velor fabric, so you can carefully store your personal belongings.

  • Decent quality at the best price.

We produce furniture at partner factories in Russia and Belarus, so we are ready to offer our customers comfortable prices.

Think about whether you are ready to overpay for foreign-made furniture. Our factories produce furniture from such a world-famous brand as IKEA, the quality of which is beyond doubt.

With us, you do not overpay for the brand, but get excellent quality for a reasonable price.

  • Most items in our range are in stock.

And this means that by placing an order today, in a couple of days you will receive our furniture with home delivery. You don't have to wait for long weeks.

  • The company "BELFAN" has been successfully operating in the market for 15 years.

We represent a federal network that produces furniture under several brands (BELFAN, Velij, Loft). The company's products are in great demand, which allows us to expand production even in times of crisis. They come back to us, they recommend us to friends.

High-quality after-sales service and the provision of a guarantee are two more undoubted advantages of cooperation with BELFAN!

My home is my castle! Such a phrase can often be heard from people seeking to make their home as safe as possible from external enemies. However, we do not always think about the internal security of our home. Meanwhile, invisible enemies can easily attack us and harm our health. We are talking about toxic chemicals in our internal environment, which do not contribute to the strength of our health.

The fact is that at the moment a wide variety of furniture has appeared on sale, which is beautiful and comfortable. However, manufacturers in the process of a competitive race often do not focus on the safety of their products, but think more about how they can be sold better and faster due to beauty, functionality, and cheap prices. In such cases, the consumer has to learn to navigate the features of the furniture market.

Let's figure out what materials modern furniture is made of and determine the most suitable for use in our home.

An array of wood.

Generally considered the most environmentally friendly furniture. Such furniture is made from pine, birch, oak, walnut, mahogany, alder, etc. It is the most expensive on the market and often lacks trendy appeal (in the form of print, color, design), and in order to to meet your needs - most often made individually, to order. It is more durable and safer in terms of the release of hazardous substances. However, even in it there may be some danger from the point of view of the environmental friendliness of the adhesives used in its manufacture, varnishes, paints, as well as special additives for surface treatment from pests, water ingress. Such furniture must be ordered only from reliable manufacturers with quality certificates for products.

Chipboard.

Chipboard is made from sawdust and shavings, which are glued together with special resins, alas, most often containing formaldehyde, then polished and painted with enamels that may contain phenol. After the production of the boards, they are usually laminated - covered with a paper-resin film, and then the material becomes known as laminated chipboard.

Typically, such a film prevents the release of harmful aldehydes into the air. Therefore, if you have furniture made of chipboard, then check its integrity on the surfaces, and, if necessary, seal these places with PVA or varnish. Also make sure that all edges and seams that expose chipboard material are intact, so you will reduce the concentration of dangerous resins that can be released through them.

Fiberboard.

Fibreboard is made by pressing wood fibers, with the addition of binding elements, also most often containing phenol and formaldehyde, etc.

MDF.

Medium Density Fibreboard is made by dry pressing the fibers and gluing them together with paraffin and lingin (natural wood glue). Thus, MDF boards are safer for our health, but only if they are of high quality, since manufacturers can use epoxy resins instead of natural adhesives, chemical adhesives that also emit formaldehyde.

Plastic.

Plastic furniture is safe only if it is made in accordance with quality standards and used in rooms without temperature differences, away from sunlight and heat (batteries, near gas stoves, etc.) In this case, the risk of release of polymer compounds (styrene) is sufficient short. However, you should not abuse its amount in the interior, because over time there is an imperceptible destruction of the outer covering layer and the release of harmful substances.

Furniture from other natural materials

: vine (branches of shrub willows), rattan - palm lianas, reed meets all environmental requirements and will bring a pleasant variety to your interior.

Whatever furniture you choose, always ask for an environmental safety certificate from the seller, which will indicate the formaldehyde emission coefficient: E 0 is ideal, E1 is acceptable, E2 is average, E3 is dangerous.

Thus, natural materials and MDF are the safest for furniture, provided they are of high quality.

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