photograph of Kurt Rhoads

Environmental studies’ Kurt Rhoads describes impact of chemical in furniture

Dangerous chemicals could be lurking in your furniture: What to know about off-gassing

Cleveland 19 NewsKurt Rhoads, the George B. Mayer Assistant Professor of Urban and Environmental Studies, discussed how certain chemicals used in furniture can be released into the air. “A lot of the materials we use to coat furniture contain solvents, and also other materials to seal them in. And those constituents can be harmful. One example can be formaldehyde; this is a chemical that’s used in furniture polishes and stains. And it’s a known carcinogen,” he said.