While it is very comfortable and durable, it has also come under fire because of health problems. Polyurethane is a plastic resin that can be water-based or oil-based, according to Wood Menders, a furniture repair and refinishing company. Polyurethane Allergy Symptoms. Water-based polyurethane varnish is both nontoxic and dries quickly to a clear finish on wood surfaces, states the Sculptural Arts Coating website 7 . One of the most common materials used in furniture and mattresses is polyurethane foam. This includes sofas, baby car seats, crib mattresses, vehicle seating, baby changing pads, dog beds, ect. The result is dust containing fire retardant chemicals polluting the indoor air which everyone breaths. Finishes: Comes in Satin, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss finishes. This synthetic foam in the cushions breaks down over time. . Most of the residential furniture that is in our homes today has been treated with these toxic chemicals. Although polyurethane gives natural wood floors a beautiful, long-lasting sheen, it is also a toxic chemical and should be used with caution. If polyurethane is oil-based, it would be a toxic product. A sk a public health scientist about couches and cancer, and you’re sure to hear about a State of California law enacted back in 1975. furniture, particularly the introduction of polyurethane foams. Here are a few things that you will want to consider about the health risks and dangers that polyurethane foam presents. An allergic reaction to polyurethane will ignite a bout of health symptoms in those who are exposed to this chemical agent in wood flooring, especially if the new wood floors are off gassing polyurethane into the air. In addition, Savvy Rest furniture avoids all forms of formaldehyde glues, cardboard, metal coils, particle board, plywood, veneer, polyester, polypropylene, polyurethane, toxic stains, dacron batting, feathers, or down. This polyurethane comes in a spray version as well though I have never tried it. Formula: Oil-based. Minwax Polyurethane. A flame retardant slows down the spread of fire and reduces its intensity. Most often, foam filled furniture uses polyurethane foam which is petroleum-based. Toxic chemicals can come from four places in sofa: frame, foam cushion, glue and exterior fabric of a sofa. Fabrics to Chose. Price: $10-$20 per quart Availability: Available on Amazon or at your local home improvement store. How Sofa Can Be Toxic & What’s Good. These additives are often toxic to the human body, may contain heavy metals and can pollute our environment. Toxic Flame Retardant Chemicals. If you are chemically sensitive or just want to surround yourself with healthy fabrics, listen to Doris Brunza – a fashion designer who worked in the Garment District in New York City for 20 years. The foam in the cushions is made of petroleum-based polyurethane, a highly flammable product. 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