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by Sophia Ruan Gushée

As we spend more time at home this winter, many of us will be cozying up on our sofas. I hate being the bearer of upsetting information but, if you're reading this article, you'd probably appreciate learning more about the risky exposures from many sofas. 

This article will inform you of key things you should know about sofas, simple habits that can reduce your toxic exposures, and tips on selecting the "cleanest" organic sofa for your budget and...

Podcast intro by Sophia Ruan Gushée

Sick building syndrome (SBS), or sick house syndrome, consist of various nonspecific symptoms that occupants of indoor areas experience. 

Symptoms of SBS include headaches, dizziness, chronic fatigue, nausea, irritation (of eye, nose, throat, or skin), difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to odors, allergies, cold, flu-like symptoms, increased incidence of asthma attacks and personality changes.

Author of Organic Lifestyle Made...

by editorial team

Do you snuggle with your kids on the couch and read a book?

How about sitting down to watch t.v. for a bit before bedtime?

Or, even better, if you can grab a few extra moments to yourself in your busy day.

Ahh, can you feel your body sinking into the couch now?

What you’re sinking into and sitting on likely contains flame retardants.

Are there flame retardants in your couches?

Standard couches contain flame retardants. In fact, these flame retardants have been...

by Angela Cummings and Sophia Ruan Gushée

Did you know that a doctor’s note is needed in order to buy a mattress without flame retardants?

It’s federal law.

You might assume, then, that flame retardants added to mattresses and other furniture are critical life-saving additives. After all, laws are meant to keep us safe.

Scientists have found that there is no meaningful difference in having flame retardants in furniture. (1)

And, actually, those flame retardants may...

by Angela Cummings and Sophia Ruan Gushée

If you want to reduce toxic chemicals in your home, evaluate your furniture.  

Originally, furniture was made from 100% solid wood. Today's furniture, however, is made of various chemicals that exist as composite woods that are held together with adhesives and resins, plastic coverings, paints, synthetic fabrics, and chemical finishes (for resistance to flames, water, stains, and/or bacteria).

These...

by Angela Cummings and Sophia Ruan Gushée

PBDE flame retardants were phased out in 2004 and 2010, yet these chemicals are still around.

Scientific studies have found PBDEs in humans and the environment—over 8 years later.

They could still be in your home.

What are PBDEs?

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are chemical flame retardants.  They come in a variety of mixtures such as pentabromodiphenyl ether (c-pentaBDE), octabromodiphenyl ether (c-octaBDE), and...

by Angela Cummings and Sophia Ruan Gushée

We use our kitchen dining table daily to gather for a quick breakfast, family meals, and (let’s be honest) to hold the mail pile.

It’s a centerpiece of the kitchen or dining room utilized by the entire family.

The type of dining table, and accompanying chairs, that are used are a main furniture pieces in our homes that can be harmful to health.

What Factors Are Important to Consider?

When choosing a nontoxic dining table...

by Angela Cummings and Sophia Ruan Gushée

When buying furniture the first consideration is usually about the look and feel of the furniture. Not about how it may be affecting health.

Furniture and other home furnishings often contain formaldehyde. In this article you will find:

• What is formaldehyde?
• Household items containing formaldehyde.
• Short-term effects of formaldehyde exposure.
• Can formaldehyde cause cancer?
• How to avoid formaldehyde exposure at home.
• Find more...

by Angela Cummings and Sophia Ruan Gushée

Did you recently buy new furniture, such as a bed frame, couch, desk or shelving unit? Do you feel tired, light headed, foggy, or crabby but don’t know why? Your new furniture may contribute to these symptoms from the toxic fumes that some furniture off-gasses. Purchasing non toxic household products and furniture is always something that we recommend. In addition, you can also look into quality non toxic carpet to...

by Angela Cummings and Sophia Ruan Gushée

Neurotoxicity sounds like a big complex word, doesn’t it? But if you break it down it’s pretty simple to understand: “Neuro” refers to the neurons in the human nervous system, and “toxicity” references adverse effects. 

The brain—along with the spinal cord and nerves that communicate with our senses, muscles, and glands—is a key component of the human nervous system. Add a bunch...