
It's actually no laughing matter. It's a good idea to know exactly what's in something before we take it home, even if the item does have some legitimately green characteristics.
For instance, most people think of bamboo products as sustainable, because using them can save trees. But many items made with bamboo contain urea-formaldehyde, which has been associated with an increased risk of cancer. The most common sources of urea-formaldehyde in construction are composite wood products, such as the plywood and fiberboard from which many cabinets are made.
Another material that is commonly used in construction, but would be better avoided, is vinyl. Manufacturing and disposing of vinyl creates dioxin, a persistent bioaccumulative toxin that has been linked to cancer, birth defects and impaired childhood development. Vinyl contains phthalates, which have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and autism. Unlike VOCs, which are mainly problematic during and shortly after construction, phthalates are released throughout the life of the product.
The Healthy Building Network and Health Care Without Harm have a lot more information on this subject.
Health Care Without Harm
Healthy Building Network