What Should I Do with an Off-Gassing Bookcase?

QUESTION:
Hello, 
I recently bought a bookcase from Big Lots for my 2 year-old daughter’s room. It said that it was made from nontoxic paint, but it smells terrible. Even putting it together made me nauseous-- I am chemically sensitive. It is made from pressed wood so I'm not sure if it is from the formaldehyde or from the plastic that it was wrapped in. After assembling the bookcase, I immediately moved it to another room, hoping that the smell would off-gas. I would like to know if there is another way that I can speed up the process or if I should try something else. I obviously don't want to risk my daughter's health and the bookcase will be placed right next to her bed. Please give me some opinions or suggestions. Thank you!!

ANSWER:
My suggestion would be to dump this bookcase entirely. If it's going right next to your daughter's bed, you want a bookcase that is as safe as possible. 

You could try using heat to off-gas the chemicals or apply a vapor barrier sealant, but the best choice would be to use a solid wood bookcase or a metal one. Readers, any other suggestions?

Debra :-)

This answer was provided by our friend, Debra Lynn Dadd. Hailed as "The Queen of Green" by the New York Times, Debra Lynn Dadd has been a pioneering consumer advocate since 1982, specializing in products and lifestyle choices that are safer for human health and the environment. She is the author of Home Safe Home.