Unsafe Solid Wood Furniture

October 30, 2007 by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Jeninmi

I have MCS and know that when I purchase furniture it cannot contain MDF wood or plywoods because of the off-gassing of the glues. 

What I didn't know was that when I ordered a custom-made solid wood bedframe and work desk that they would be sitting in my garage because they burned my throat turning it bright red and sore, made my eyes burn, plugged-up my nose and made me cough when I got near them. 

The off-gassing is coming from the finish they used on them. The oil-based stain is the worst offender by far, but the clear top-coat is very strong also. I ordered them from a company that gets them from the Amish Community and I was so sure because of their beliefs that they wouldn't use anything toxic, that I didn't even second guess it. 

I was told that it was a non-toxic finish because they use it on their table-tops. I guess they can say this because as long as you don't scrape some off with a knife and eat it, that statement applies. I spent a lot of money because I only wanted non-toxic things in my home and now I am so upset it keeps me awake some nights. 

I have another piece of furniture that I have had for a few months that was in the same store as display so most of the off-gassing must have happened before I purchased it. It is also completely clear-coated whereas some of the desk and bed have surfaces that are only stained which is where most of the toxic off-gassing is coming from. Even though the finish on it does not effect me the way the custom-mades do, it is a small piece and not something I work at or sleep next to like the desk and bed. If I sit next to the older piece, I faintly smell it which leads me to believe it is still off-gassing. I live where there are long winters and no open windows and don't want them in my house at all. I have researched the internet for hours with no luck on these 2 questions: 

Do oil-based stains and clear coats ever quit off-gassing completely? and, when?

Debra's Answer

There are many toxic wood finishes and this is often a problem with solid-wood furniture.

You should always inquire about the finish and ask to the see the MSDS sheet before buying, or, better yet, only buy prefinished pieces that you can examine yourself.

I often buy unfinished wood pieces and finish them myself, though I have purchased small end tables that were prefinished in a way I found acceptable.

To answer your questions, yes, even oil based finishes will cure completely, though it may take years, and yes, if you can smell it even faintly, it's still offgassing.