Do new furniture and mattresses off-gas harmful chemicals?
Yes. New furniture often contains flame retardants that can build up in your body, according to a 2026 study in Environmental Pollution.
What's actually in it
New furniture and mattresses are often treated with flame retardants to meet flammability standards. These chemicals don't just stay in the foam or fabric. They move out of the furniture and into the air and dust in your home.
Once these chemicals are in your home, they can enter your body through your skin or by breathing in household dust. This is a common way for people to be exposed to chemicals that are known to be reproductive toxins, as noted in a 2026 study in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Environmental Pollution found that replacing old furniture with new items can lead to measurable changes in the levels of flame retardants found in your body. This peer-reviewed research confirms that the chemicals used to treat furniture are not static. They actively move from your household items into your system.
These findings are part of a larger concern regarding how common household items expose us to mixtures of chemicals. The 2026 research in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health highlights that children and adolescents are often exposed to a mixture of at least 9 reproductive toxic chemicals. When you bring new, treated furniture into your home, you are often adding to this chemical load.
The research at a glance
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