Flame Retardants

Toxic flame retardant chemicals present the worst of two possible worlds: 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 California flammability standard, TB 117, has resulted in the foam inside our sofas, recliners, and love seats being saturated with pounds of toxic flame retardants. TB 117 has become a default standard for furniture sold across the country. A recent study found most couches across the country contained at least one flame retardant chemical, whether or not their couch carried a TB 117 label.

This widespread use of flame retardants has resulted in widespread exposure in humans. 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.

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 male infertility, male birth defects, and early puberty in girls. A recent study in animals has linked toxic flame retardants to autism and obesity.

Flame retardants aren't just polluting our homes -- they are polluting the world. 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 and even polar bears.

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. However, we need a federal standard to ensure this level of protection across the country. We need the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to finalize its furniture flammability rules -- drafted in 2008; an online petition is underway.

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.

We can't shop our way out of exposure to toxic chemicals. However, better regulation of chemicals can address and solve this problem. It is important for the public to pressure our officials and state and federal agencies to ensure the changes underway continue. Immediate and effective state and federal action to eliminate the use of toxic flame retardants goes hand-in-hand with ensuring Congress reforms chemical laws to protect our health.

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