For example, how can you be sure that you are buying children’s furniture? What defines a sharp corner? Which parts should be rounded? Where should the vents be placed? These are some of the questions that often confuse parents when shopping for kids’ furniture. To address these concerns, Sun Shudong, an assistant director at the National Furniture and Indoor Environmental Quality Supervision and Inspection Center, provided detailed explanations.
**Question 1:**
Adult furniture and children’s furniture are often sold together, and merchants may not clearly indicate whether a product is intended for children. What should you do in such cases?
**Expert Answer:**
If the merchant acknowledges that the furniture is suitable for children, it must comply with national standards for children’s furniture. According to the standard, the product should come with clear usage instructions specifying the age range, such as “3-6 years,†“3 years and above,†or “7 years and above.†If you're unsure, ask the merchant to provide the manual.
**Question 2:**
What constitutes a sharp corner? Are there specific areas that need rounding? For example, are the corners of panel furniture cabinets acceptable if they are right angles?
**Expert Answer:**
Whether it’s panel or solid wood furniture, rounding edges is a simple process and should not be an issue. If the finish isn’t satisfactory, protective devices can be used. The guide doesn't mention "contact" or "non-contact" areas, but according to the standard, certain parts of the furniture must be rounded for safety. For instance, only the top corners of a bedside table need rounding, not the bottom ones. However, if a product has exposed sharp corners, even if it meets other standards, it could still be considered unsafe.
Sun Shudong explained that the standard requires a minimum radius of 10mm or a 15mm arc length for rounded edges. Some well-known brands have been found to have unqualified safety structures due to insufficient rounding.
**Question 3:**
Many retailers promote their children’s furniture by highlighting paint types, such as water-based or paint-free. How significant is this factor in terms of safety?
**Expert Answer:**
Most panel furniture uses impregnated film, which is free from heavy metals. However, it's important to consider the entire product. If the paint isn’t fully dry, benzene levels could exceed limits. Additionally, the decorative paper on panel furniture might contain harmful substances. While paint type matters, the most important thing is that the final product passes all safety tests.
**Question 4:**
Where should ventilation holes be placed, and how many are needed?
**Expert Answer:**
According to the national standard, any enclosed space larger than 0.03 square meters and with internal dimensions of at least 150mm must have proper ventilation. This includes single openings of 650 mm², two separate vents spaced at least 150mm apart, or equivalent alternatives. Vents must remain unobstructed, even when the furniture is placed against walls or in corners.
**Question 5:**
Are international children’s furniture standards more advanced than China’s? Is imported furniture safer?
**Expert Answer:**
Some marketing materials claim that European standards are more comprehensive, but in reality, Europe does not have a systematic standard like China’s. In terms of hazardous substance limits, China’s standards align with international ones, while structural safety is actually stricter.
Additionally, experts note that some global brands have adjusted their designs to meet China’s strict regulations in order to continue selling in the local market.
**Buying Guide:**
When purchasing children’s furniture, pay attention to rounded edges and correct vent placement. The national standard also specifies that holes or gaps in rigid materials deeper than 10mm should be smaller than 6mm or larger than 12mm. Parents can easily measure these. Be cautious about protrusions, such as exposed screws or sharp hardware. You can request a test report to check for harmful substances. (Editor: Peter)
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