--- title: "Furniture Effects on Air Quality: Guest Post by Phyllis Traver" description: Did you know that natural wood furniture is better for your indoor air quality Laminates plastics and other synthetic materials may negatively affec image: https://info.furnitureconsignment.com/hs-fs/file-15630970-jpg/images/350px-air_.pollution_1-resized-600.jpg --- [![](https://info.furnitureconsignment.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HubSpot%20Landing%20Page%20Images/fcg_logo_long_WHITE_600x75.png?width=600&height=75&name=fcg_logo_long_WHITE_600x75.png "fcg_logo_long_WHITE_600x75.png")](http://furnitureconsignment.com/)   # **Furniture Consignment Gallery Blog** ## **Furniture Effects on Air Quality: Guest Post by Phyllis Traver** Posted by Jay Frucci on Sat, November 13, 2010 @ 08: 25 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Did you know that natural wood furniture is better for your indoor air quality?![350px Air .pollution 1 resized 600](https://info.furnitureconsignment.com/hs-fs/file-15630970-jpg/images/350px-air_.pollution_1-resized-600.jpg?width=248&height=165&name=350px-air_.pollution_1-resized-600.jpg)   Laminates, plastics, and other synthetic materials may negatively affect the natural ion balance.  Symptoms of unbalanced ions include dizziness, fatigue, headaches and anxiety.  Unbalanced ions can also generate static electricity that cause particles to suspend in the air, aggravating respiratory disorders.                   ![Wooden Four Post Bed](https://info.furnitureconsignment.com/hs-fs/file-15644081-jpg/images/tiger_maple_bed.jpg?width=181&height=136&name=tiger_maple_bed.jpg)          ![Solid Mahogany Dining Table](https://info.furnitureconsignment.com/hs-fs/file-15649095-jpg/images/uimg_3070-resized-600.jpg?width=171&height=138&name=uimg_3070-resized-600.jpg) In contrast, natural wood does not negatively affect the ion balance and has the added benefit of balancing humidity.   ![Mahogany Server](https://info.furnitureconsignment.com/hs-fs/file-15640460-jpg/images/mahogany_server-resized-600.jpg?width=144&height=119&name=mahogany_server-resized-600.jpg) Unsealed wood is hygroscopic, i.e. it can absorb excess moisture during periods of high humidity or, conversely, release moisture in dry conditions. Humidity control is important in minimizing viruses, bacteria, mites, and mold, all of which can affect the state of your health. Pre-owned furniture is more likely made at a time when solid woods were used.  Today there are many cheap imitations that use composite board or laminated surfaces that incorporate unhealthy components, ![Laminate bookcase resized 600](https://info.furnitureconsignment.com/hs-fs/file-15639976-jpg/images/laminate_bookcase-resized-600.jpg?width=151&height=151&name=laminate_bookcase-resized-600.jpg)such as adhesives that emit toxic gases at room temperature.  These gases can adhere to suspended particles, as well as float freely in the air, and are linked to asthma, allergies, and respiratory ailments.  Phyllis Traver, Building Biology Environmental Consultant, owner of Safe & Sound Home, LLC,  scientifically helps homeowners to create healthy indoor environments.  Phyllis has bought and Sold Furniture at Furniture Consignment Gallery.  You can reach her at [Info@yoursafeandsoundhome.com](mailto:Info@yoursafeandsoundhome.com)  Topics: [Natural Wood](https://info.furnitureconsignment.com/topic/natural-wood), [Solid Wood](https://info.furnitureconsignment.com/topic/solid-wood)       ![](https://info.furnitureconsignment.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Evergreen%20Images/jay-45.jpg?width=200&name=jay-45.jpg "jay-45.jpg") Jay Frucci, President and Owner, Furniture Consignment Gallery [**Back to Blog Home**](https://info.furnitureconsignment.com/) ### Latest Posts **View [All Posts](https://info.furnitureconsignment.com/all)** Search this site on Google Search Google ### Subscribe by Email ### Follow Me --- **HANOVER** 756 Washington St. (Rt. 53) Hanover, MA 02339 Phone: 781-826-5114 Fax: 781-829-9805   Sunday: 12-5 Monday-Saturday: 10-6 **NATICK**  104 Worcester St. (Rt. 9 East) Natick, MA 01760 Phone: 508-319-5600 Fax: 508-319-5601   Sunday: 11-5 Monday-Saturday: 10-6 **PLYMOUTH** 762 State Rd. Plymouth, MA 02360 Phone: 774-773-9616 Fax: 781-829-9805   Sunday: 12-5 Monday-Saturday: 10-6