Beware of Off-Gassing

New non-metallic products that contain VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) will 'offgas' for years, which means they will release chemicals into the surrounding air by evaporation (this is what you can identify as the 'new car smell') in your home or place of work.  The effects are even more toxic in a well insulated building.  Buying second-hand furniture means that it has done most of is off gassing already and you are also giving a home and life to a piece that may end up in the dump.


I specifically chose a second-hand cot for my son firstly because of the off-gassing issue (I chose a Nature Baby Touchwood cot more than 4 years old, as the oil used back then was less toxic), secondly its an item used for a short time and doesn't need to be new, and thirdly we would never have been able to afford to buy new as these cost close to $1100 with the mattress (I'm a true believer in buying second-hand quality products that will hold their value for re-sale in the future!)