Question from Miriam
Looking for a table for our locked-down kiddos to learn! Does this look ok? not sure what the finish is:
One reviewer commented: “Super sturdy, heavy, solidly built table, with extra smooth silky table top (without a trace of any finish odor, which gives us peace-of-mind). ”
Lisa’s Answer
I reached out to ECR4Kids to try to find out what finish they use and if they use adhesive but have not heard back. You could absolutely use AFM SafeSeal on this! That would be a very good option. I would do this over either of the IKEA options.
The IKEA Mammut is made of polypropylene, which is typically a safer plastic. However, as I discuss in this post, it is very difficult to know what additives are used in the plastic. These additives are often more hazardous than the plastic.
The IKEA Ypperlig has even more materials of concern. The top is made of particleboard, ash veneer, fiberboard, solid birch with a clear lacquer. IKEA strives to use lower levels of chemicals in their products but they do use chemicals. Particleboard and fiberboard often contain formaldehyde. Veneers use adhesive which off-gas. The lacquer could also off-gas. It has many more potential sources of chemicals than the solid wood table.
Hello Lisa,
I wanted to get a floor bed for my baby and other furniture. Do you think this is as safe as ECR4kids?
https://sprout-kids.com/products/low-montessori-floor-bed-for-toddlers
This looks comparable to ECR4kids. It is CARB Phase 2 complaint and uses Birch Plywood which doesn’t contain added formaldehyde. I think the way to look at this is that it’s likely safer than most traditional products because of the certification but it could still contain low levels of chemical emissions including formaldehyde. I understand that it provides a specific functionality that you probably wouldn’t find with a solid wood bed.
thank you!
Hi Lisa, thanks so much for your reply. We actually went ahead and ordered this one b/c we’re rushing to set up a place for our kids. Do you think this is a decent option? It still has the laquer but other mindful friends have commented that they lacquer from IKEA hasn’t bothered them.
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/sundvik-childrens-table-white-10201673/
This is a good choice too because it is solid wood. You can still use the AFM SafeCoat just to be sure. Even though the lacquer doesn’t smell it could and likely does have measurable VOCs. IKEA tries to limit harsh chemicals but does not necessarily omit them.
The manufacturer of the other table got back to me and said they use low VOC finishes but no specific detail. It is probably comparable to the IKEA one you bought.