How to create a non-toxic nursery

Formaldehyde, or formol in its diluted form, is a gas that becomes undetectable when mixed with water as it loses its strong scent. This makes it an invisible enemy and one that should be avoided at all costs!

Where is formaldehyde found?

Formaldehyde is a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) found in many household items and products. It is released into the air when you burn candles and is also found in furniture, paint and various adhesives. This toxic gas is also emitted from cleaning products and some cosmetics such as nail varnish. Formaldehyde returns to its gas state at room temperature which allows it to find its way into the air where it can easily be inhaled.

The most common ways for formaldehyde to enter the air include:

• burning - i.e. from candles;

• drying - i.e. paint, cosmetics or cleaning products;

• evaporation - from formaldehyde-containing furniture coatings.

Formaldehyde falls under a class of organic compounds known as aldehydes. In 2005, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified the compound as a carcinogenic that can cause disease in the nasal cavities or nasopharynx. Formaldehyde can irritate eyes, nasal passages and the throat. Over time, it can be responsible for cell degeneration and the onset of serious illnesses including cancers.

If you want to check the air in your home for formaldehyde, it is possible to carry out a home test using absorbent cartridges containing dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH). Analysed in a laboratory under UV lights, this test can be used to determine the level of pollution in your home and help you take measures to deal with the issue.

In order to protect your baby's respiratory system from this toxic gas – as well as their ears, nose and throat – you have to be very careful when buying any items that will be used to furnish your nursery. From the floor to the ceiling, future parents will have to seek out baby-safe furnishings to ensure they are investing in the least toxic options available; this means only buying items with a VOC-free label.

Baby-safe walls and flooring

So-called 'air purifying' paint is touted to prevent formaldehyde and other VOCs from escaping into the air. Failing that, ensure that the paint you choose is free from VOCs. If you are putting up wallpaper or putting down a floor, don't forget to use a non-toxic adhesive – preferably a natural glue made from vegetable fibres. If you want to play it safe, it's best to avoid carpeting altogether as carpets are either full of dust or, if you buy a new one, packed with toxic materials. If you want to warm up the room and create a comfortable surface for your baby to crawl and play on you can always cover your flooring with an organically certified rug made using traceable materials. Go for wood or lino for the flooring itself, and avoid PVC wherever possible.

Baby-safe furniture

Material and substance analysis is something that was long overlooked in baby furniture production. But parents these days are all too aware of the risks. Generally speaking, cheap flat-pack furniture is usually full of VOCs unless otherwise stated on the product label. Wooden furniture that hasn't been treated or coated with anything (e.g. varnish or stains) won't emit any pollutants. If the wood has been treated, be sure to check the types of products used and their level of toxicity. Painted furniture isn't necessarily toxic but you do need to know exactly the type of paint or finishing product used. Most baby furniture will be coated with a neutral, water-based and non-toxic product.

Furniture made from high-quality, eco-responsible and locally sourced wood is the safest and most ideal option. That said, you will have to be careful not to be drawn in by the marketing of things like 'organic wood'. In fact, it's much more important to read up on the types of solvents and glues used to hold the furniture together; these products are often responsible for the strong smell associated with new furniture. Look for solvent-free products with formaldehyde-free labels. Ideally, the furniture should be assembled using a natural or organic glue; it's even possible to find items made entirely of organic cardboard! No matter what type of furniture you choose, always build it several weeks to a month before your baby's expected arrival date to ensure you have time to air out the nursery thoroughly.

In a nursery, all cleaning products accessories and linen should be free from harmful substances. Parents should always make sure to wash all accessories in the machine before they come into contact with baby.

To help protect the environment – as well as your newborn baby's delicate skin and respiratory system – all bedding should be organic and stamped with an Oeko-Tex label. This label serves as a guarantee that the product contains limited chemicals (dye, softening agent, etc.) or even none at all. The same goes for your baby's blanket! Ideally baby blankets should be made of organic and environmentally friendly cotton with a GOTS or ECOCERT label. These blankets should also conform to the appropriate safety standards to prevent the risk of accidents.

It's crucial to remove toxins from your nursery but don't forget that your baby will also spend time in various rooms of the house. You'll therefore need to try to reduce VOCs throughout your home. Here are a few tips to help you get the highest indoor air quality possible:

• air out your home once or twice a day to renew the air;

• if you are painting walls, putting down a new floor or building furniture, be sure to do so a few weeks before your baby arrives so you have time to air out your home properly;

• use natural or organic cleaning products;

• keep an eye on the humidity level in the nursery and humidify your nursery if required;

• limit the use of air fresheners, scented candles or incense; you can always swap these options out for an essential oil diffuser (using organic oils);

• read the safety notices of all products you buy.

Following these precautions will help you to limit indoor air pollution to keep your baby safe both in the nursery and throughout the rest of your home.