Nontoxic Picture Frames

January 8, 2013, by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Christie

I never knew that even the picture frames in our homes have chemicals that can offgass. There is a new labeling system for "formaldyhyde compliant" with a phase number. I have looked everywhere for solid wood frames. But, mostly I kept finding the toxic picture frames. I am also trying to slowly replace items in my home.

Debra's Answer

First I want to explain "formaldehyde compliant".

The statement is "California 93120 compliant for formaldehyde" and it means that the amount of formaldehyde offgassing from the product at 73 degrees in a room that has one air exchange per hour will be at or below the California standard.

This standard was set up in California after a 2009 study showed that 98 percent of the homes tested exceeded the recommended formaldehyde limit established by the state, and the typical home exceeded the limit by four times.

But being formaldehyde compliant does not mean that the product is safe. This is based on meeting the standard when the temperature is 73 degrees and there is one air exchange per hour.

This means all the air in the room is replaced by new outside air every hour. Is that the case in your home? Keep in mind that when you are using your HVAC for heating or cooling, it probably is recycling the air to preserve the heat or coolness.

It also means that the air needs to be at 73 for compliance. The rate of off-gassing doubles with every 10 degrees of temperature.

Updated 2020 by Lisa Powers: If you search for wood frames on Etsy there are many handmade choices. You can work with the maker and ask them to use safe finishes or adhesives. Many will comply and some will allow you to choose the specific finish or glue.