Expert: Greg Scholl - 7/5/2011

Question
I recently purchased two shelving units from a high-end eco retailer's sample/seconds sale.  The shelves are made of vintage railroad ties. There was a "made in india" sticker on the planks.  The website says that the wood used could be either teak, pine or ironwood.  I have had the shelves brought into my home office, and my throat hurts in about 30 minutes if I don't open the window.  There is a very strong gasoline-like smell.  I am very sensitive to scents, I sure wish I had smelled this before I purchased the shelves!!!  The shelves were on display for at least a week and in my room for 5 days, so I think if the odor were to dissipate it would have by now?

My question is:  can I somehow re-finish the boards to eliminate the smell?  Otherwise, I think I will have to sell these units at a loss.  :-(

Thank you for your help!

Answer
Hi Anna, I would immediately remove these pieces from the inside of your home....I once ran into this with a similar complaint from a customer that had brought some furniture back from Guatemala. It smelled like oil/gasoline so badly that it was almost making them ill...and it appeared that they had used old used motor oil as a stain/ finish, and then slathered on paraffin wax dissolved in gasoline as a final finish.There was NO way to resolve the issue, and I advised them to dispose of the pieces....drastic I know...but the only sure way to keep from being exposed to the fumes or "off gassing", that could have continued for years. Creosote from Coal tar is another, prevalant preservative that's used on railroad ties, and it is Carcinogenic...and is so permeated in the wood, that trying to seal it in would not only likely not work, but would still allow the off gassing to occur, but at an even slower rate. I would try to return these pieces if at all possible, and be sure to explain your concerns with Creosote off gassing. This is a real threat to peoples health, and should NOT be being sold as interior furniture, period.If it smells like kerosene/gasoline/motor oil/Creosote, it should definitely be identified and removed from inventory. Hope that helps- please feel free to print out this reply as well, and take it with you if that would help sway your case....post back and let me know what happens- regards and good luck- Greg