Jenny, I think Mike has a point. Traditional furniture manufacturing processes create emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from glues, stains, and finishes. VOCs are a major contributor to indoor air pollution and outdoor smog.
Many VOCs found around the house, such as paint strippers and wood preservatives, contribute to sick building syndrome because of their high vapor pressure. Plus, it can cause Leukemia and severe respiratory problems.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found concentrations of VOCs in indoor air to be 2 to 5 times greater than in outdoor air.
I use environment friendly furniture
(http://www.modernecohomes.com)for my home and clinic. And as a doctor advise you to do so.
Dr. Mark. E. Hughes Dermatologist, MA