Why New Furniture Can Make You Feel Sick
That brand-new couch smell might feel exciting at first, but for a lot of Utah homeowners, it comes with headaches, irritation, or that vague “ugh, I don’t feel great” feeling. If you’ve ever brought new furniture into your home and suddenly felt off, you’re not imagining it. It’s often caused by something called off-gassing.
Let’s break down what’s really happening in your home, why it’s common along the Wasatch Front, and what you can do to protect your air and your health.
What Is Off-Gassing?
Off-gassing is the release of chemicals into the air from new products. Many types of furniture—especially sofas, mattresses, dressers, and cabinets—are made with synthetic materials, adhesives, foams, and finishes that release volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
These gases are invisible, but they don’t go unnoticed by your body.
Common sources of off-gassing include:
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Pressed wood products with formaldehyde-based glues
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Foam cushions and mattresses
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Synthetic fabrics and stain-resistant treatments
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Paints, varnishes, and protective finishes
The strongest off-gassing usually happens when furniture is brand new, but it can continue at lower levels for months or even years.
Why Off-Gassing Can Make You Feel Sick
When VOCs build up indoors, they can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. In Utah homes—especially during winter inversions in Salt Lake City, Draper, and Sandy—fresh air exchange is often limited, which makes the problem worse.
People commonly report:
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Headaches or dizziness
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Nausea
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Fatigue or brain fog
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Allergy-like symptoms
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Worsening asthma or respiratory issues
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can actually be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, largely due to VOCs released from household products and furnishings. You can read more about VOCs and indoor air quality directly from the EPA here: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
Why Utah Homes Are Especially Vulnerable
Utah’s climate plays a big role here. In places like Bountiful, Layton, and Park City, homes are built to be energy-efficient and tightly sealed. That’s great for heating bills, but it also means chemicals released indoors don’t escape easily.
Add in:
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Long winters with windows closed
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Temperature inversions trapping pollution
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Dry air that irritates airways faster
…and suddenly that new sectional doesn’t feel so harmless.
Furniture That Off-Gasses the Most
Not all furniture is created equal. Some items tend to release more VOCs than others.
Watch out for:
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Memory foam mattresses and cushions
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Particleboard or MDF furniture
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Vinyl or faux leather upholstery
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Items labeled “stain-resistant” or “wrinkle-free”
This doesn’t mean you need to throw everything out—but awareness helps you manage exposure and improve your indoor air quality.
How Long Does Off-Gassing Last?
The short answer: it depends.
Strong chemical smells may fade in days or weeks, but low-level off-gassing can continue for months. Formaldehyde, in particular, can linger for years in some pressed wood products.
Heat also speeds up off-gassing, which is why symptoms sometimes feel worse in summer or when your furnace kicks on for the first time in winter.
Simple Ways to Reduce Off-Gassing at Home
You don’t have to live with poor indoor air. A few practical steps can make a big difference.
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Open windows and doors when weather allows, even for short bursts
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Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans regularly
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Keep indoor temperatures moderate
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Choose solid wood or low-VOC furniture when possible
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Wash removable fabrics and cushion covers before use
Most importantly, improving whole-home air circulation and filtration can dramatically reduce lingering chemicals.
The Role of Indoor Air Quality Systems
High-quality air purification systems can capture and neutralize airborne VOCs instead of letting them recirculate through your home. Whole-home solutions work with your HVAC system to continuously clean the air, which is especially helpful in newer, airtight homes across the Salt Lake Valley.
If you’re already thinking about improving indoor air quality, it’s worth exploring professional solutions designed specifically for residential spaces like yours. Partners such as https://atyourservicepros.us also emphasize the importance of whole-home comfort and healthy indoor environments.
When New Furniture Hits Too Close to Home
If you or your family feel noticeably worse after bringing new furniture inside, trust that instinct. Indoor air quality issues are real, and they affect kids, seniors, and anyone with allergies or asthma more quickly.
Healthy indoor air isn’t just about comfort—it’s about long-term wellness.
References
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Volatile Organic Compounds and Indoor Air Quality
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality -
California Air Resources Board – Formaldehyde in the Home
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/formaldehyde-home - American Lung Association – Volatile organic compounds
https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/volatile-organic-compounds
- University Of Utah – Making Sense of How VOC’S Impact Air Pollution and Climate
https://wilkescenter.utah.edu/podcast/12-making-sense-vocs/
Need service? Call (801) 609-1551 or schedule an appointment online.
Because better air = better living.
