Health and ecological aspects in shaping of furniture equipment

The choice of furniture does not only affect the comfort of one’s life or work space. Materials utilized in furniture production may contribute to the quality of chemical microclimate in rooms and have an influence on the users’ health. Plenty of substances used in the furniture industry have negative effects on human health. These effects are usually of low intensity. However, they occur over a long period of time and as a result they may even lead directly to permanent health problems. Consumer lifestyle boosts frequent changes in interior decoration. The changes include mainly replacing furniture and household appliances. The furniture industry offers a wide range of products to satisfy the growing needs of buyers. Mass production results in a significant increase in the exploitation of natural resources and (often) leads to degradation of the natural environment. The downsides of mass furniture production are usually considered only in terms of utilizing various resources. Producers, however, implement measures to reduce the consumption of materials and energy. Their aim is to cut the production costs and lower the final price of manufactured goods. Worn out furniture, produced from highly processed materials is not biodegradable. Such waste is a heavy burden on the natural environment. The paper describes „the life cycle” of furniture items and presents a critical analysis of raw materials and intermediate products used in the furniture industry in the context of sustainable development (the impact on human health and on the condition of the natural environment). It may serve as a means to promote pro-health and pro-environmental awareness. A thorough assessment of the furniture available on the market may facilitate in making conscious decisions which will also take into consideration additional technical criteria. The choice of furniture neutral for people as well as for the environment is not an easy task and often involves higher spending.