Question from outgassing from new leather couch
I just purchased a new leather couch and it is really off gassing. What do they usually treat leather with and which chemicals are off gassing? Also, is there anything to do to move the process along faster.
Debra’s Answer
Here’s a link that gives a list: International School of Tanning Technology: Chemicals Use in Leather Processing. However, it doesn’t list all the specific chemicals, some are groups of a type of chemical. And it gives no indication of toxicity.
I’m clicking around looking at websites that sell chemicals for leather tanning and they are talking about chromium, polymers, styrene, acrylic, aldehydes…
Regardless of the specific chemicals, if you want to speed up the outgassing, use heat. Put the couch out in the sun or in a small room with space heaters.
Or just return the sofa.
On the other hand, there are some “green” products for leather tanning that are much less toxic, such as those made by Chemtan.
And different types of leather may use different chemicals, so the only way to know for sure is to ask the manufacturer.
If you sofa has pockets you can put carbon fabric inside and under the cushions and even over the sofa and just take it off when you want to sit . It will eventually lift most of the fumes out . It wil a lso keep the fumes out of your breathing space.
Hi! Where do you purchase that fabric? Thanks!