Toxic Chemicals in our Couches

The use of flame retardant chemicals in furniture is a classic example of a stupid use of a chemical: they are ineffective in preventing furniture fires and are linked to serious health effects. In fact, the chemicals only make fires more toxic by forming deadly gases and soot -- real killers in most fires. Unfortunately, flame retardants surround us; they are in everything, from our curtains and carpet to our couches and other furniture.

For decades, an ineffective flammability standard, California's TB 117, has resulted in the foam inside our sofas, recliners, and love seats being saturated with pounds of toxic flame retardants. Though California is the only state that requires furniture to meet the standard, TB 117 has become a default standard for furniture sold across the country. A recent study found that most couches in the United States contain at least one flame retardant chemical, whether or not they carry a TB 117 label.

Because of the widespread use of flame retardant chemicals, Americans carry much higher levels of these chemicals in their bodies than anyone else in the world and California children contain some of the highest levels ever measured. During manufacturing, use and disposal, these chemicals are released into the environment where they can be found in air, water, and wildlife. They are carried on air currents as far away as the Arctic where they pollute native human populations, marine mammals, and even polar bears.

Exposure to toxic flame retardants have been linked to real and measurable health impacts. Women with higher levels of flame retardants in their blood take longer to get pregnant and have smaller babies. Children exposed in the womb have lower IQs and attention problems. Other studies have linked flame retardants to cancer, male infertility, male birth defects, and early puberty in girls. A recent study in animals has linked toxic flame retardants to autism and obesity.

Fortunately, California is in the process of revising TB 117 to be more effective and provide better fire safety without the need for toxic chemicals. This new standard will improve fire safety and eliminate the need for toxic flame retardant chemicals. It is expected to be finalized by the end of 2013.

Once new standards are finalized, we can buy toxic-free, fire safe couches, but we can't shop our way out of exposure to toxic chemicals. Better regulation of chemicals can address and solve this bigger problem. Congress must also support and pass the Safe Chemicals Act, which would update and reform the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. The proposed legislation being considered will give the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency more power to regulate the use of dangerous chemicals, including flame retardants.

What You Can Do

• Vacuum carpets with a vacuum that contains a HEPA filter.
• Damp mop floors and damp dust furniture on a regular basis.
• Wash hands frequently, especially before eating. Don’t eat on your couch!
• Choose naturally flame resistant fabrics and fill such as wool, cotton or jute.
• Call manufacturers to ask about their use of flame retardants.
• Check the label before you buy upholstered furniture and if you live outside of California, don't buy furniture that carries a TB 117 label.
• Support TB 117-2013, California's effort to revise furniture flammability standards.
• Vacuum and wipe down your car's interior regularly.
• Sign the online petition: Take the Toxic Chemicals out of my Couch