We already know it : buying antiques is better for the planet, but it's also better for your health, and that's something we think about less ...
Yet it is a scientifically proven fact that the air inside our homes is polluted by Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are mainly found in modern furniture, paints, fabrics, etc...
To put it simply, new furniture is most often made from laminated or chipboard wood with synthetic glues, and can also be painted or varnished. As for curtains, sofas and carpets, they are impregnated with a flame-retardant product to comply with current anti-fire standards (we prefer to poison the entire population to hypothetically avoid few fire risks).
All these chemicals continue to release their particles into the air we breathe. Most of them are solvents and formaldehyde, scientifically recognised as allergenic and carcinogenic. Just mind-boggling, isn't it ? It goes without saying that the production of these chemical products is highly polluting for our earth.
Fortunately, these chemical compounds, which are best avoided, are not present in antique furniture (unless it has been repainted, of course).
In fact, most antique furniture was made using solid wood and traditional assembly techniques (e.g. mortise and tenon) that required little or no glue.
And the glues used until the early 20th century were natural glues (such as rabbit or fish skin glue).
Generally speaking, waxed or oiled furniture is preferable to varnished or painted, but this doesn't really apply to antiques, since VOCs are no longer present after many years (although be careful if the furniture has just been repainted or varnished).
The same applies to carpets, curtains, fabrics, etc. The older they are, the less risk they pose.
Volatile organic compounds diminish slowly over time, so a piece of vintage laminate furniture from the 1950s should no longer be releasing VOCs today.
Of course, this phenomenon doesn't apply to crockery, and that's all to the good, but I wanted to share this information, which is absolutely vital for the well-being of us all.
And that gives me even more reason to encourage you to go bargain hunting antiques !
Finally, as the general public becomes increasingly aware of this problem, the authorities recommend that you buy furniture with various labels guaranteeing that a recommended maximum VOC threshold is not exceeded (no label guarantees total absence !).
I think it's so sad that official organisations never mention that antique furniture is also a very wise choice for protecting your home from this pollution.
For more information on the subject of volatile organic compounds, take a look at this comprehensive dossier from the University of Geneva: (in french)
Or the Swiss Lung Association's advice pack :
Unfortunately, very little information is available that can be easily deciphered and understood by the general public, but this should change in the coming years...
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