Consumer Information

How To Reduce the Fire Retardant Chemicals In Your Home

Polyurethane foam in California furniture and baby products currently contains toxic chemicals, which are added to meet the flammability standard, called TB117. These chemicals migrate from the furniture and are found in dust, dryer lint, pets, and people. In animal research, these chemicals are associated with numerous health problems, including cancer, birth defects, thyroid disruption, reproductive and neurological disorders such as hyperactivity and mental retardation.  Fire data does not show that this standard has resulted in increased fire safety in California.  Some things you can do to minimize your exposure to toxic fire retardants as well as other suggestions for toxics reduction are below:

1.    Vacuum often with a HEPA filter and mop with a wet mop to keep the dust level down.  Chemicals appear to migrate out of furniture foam and plastic electronics housings into household dust.

2.    Wash your hands frequently.  Fire-retardant chemicals are found on hands and hand to mouth contact is believed to be a major path for exposure.

3.    Avoid furniture with foam that is labeled as meeting California TB 117, as it is likely to contain toxic fire retardants.

  • Buy wooden furniture or furniture filled with polyester, down, wool, or cotton as they are unlikely to contain added fire retardant chemicals.
  • When you buy upholstered furniture containing polyurethane foam, look for models where the foam is thickly covered or wrapped inside the cushion so the chemicals in it is less likely to escape.  
  • All furniture foam sold in California is required to meet the TB117 flammability standard.  Although this is usually achieved by adding fire retardant chemicals, it may be possible to buy fire-retardant-free foam or furniture with a note from a doctor.  Furniture constructed before 1980 and some “organic” furniture do not contain added chemicals.
  • Write or call your furniture manufacturer to inquire whether fire retardants were added.

4.    Use a minimum of carpeting and draperies in your home as these can be treated with fire retardant chemicals.  On the other hand, mattresses should not pose a health hazard because they use a barrier technology rather than adding chemicals to foam.

5.    Avoid antibacterial soap and other products containing Triclocarban and Triclosan – two antimicrobials linked to liver toxicity and thyroid disruption.  Household use of antibacterial products provides no benefit over plain soap and water. Colgate Total toothpaste, most liquid (e.g. SoftSoap) and some bar soaps, etc, contain Triclosan.  You can find Triclosan on the labels.

Additional Resources:

Sign up to receive Green Science Policy Institute e-newsletters with updates on toxic chemicals in consumer products and how to reduce your exposure. Include your name, email, city, state, and zip code.

Environmental Working Group – www.ewg.org.  Provides resources like Skin Deep (www.cosmeticsdatabase.com), Shoppers' Guide to Pesticides in Produce (www.foodnews.org) and Guide to Going Green (www.ewg.org/solutions)