Information for Consumers

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How To Reduce Toxics In Your Home

Download our information sheet on reducing toxics in your home.

Avoid …
1. Upholstered furniture that contains polyurethane foam and has a label stating it meets the California furniture flammability standard Technical Bulletin 117 (TB117). Such furniture is likely to contain flame retardants that are toxic or untested and do not increase fire safety.

2. Nursing pillows, strollers, baby carriers and other baby products that contain polyurethane foam and have a TB117 label are also likely to contain flame retardants even though baby products don’t pose a fire hazard.

3. Foam carpet padding, which is likely to contain flame retardants. Use a minimum of carpeting and draperies in your home as these can be treated with stain repellents, flame retardants and other potentially toxic chemicals.

4. Antibacterial soap and toothpaste with Triclocarban or Triclosan--two antimicrobials linked to adverse health effects. Antibacterial products do not provide any benefit over plain soap and water.

Try to …
5. Wash your hands frequently. Hand-to-mouth contact is a major path for human exposure to flame retardants, lead, and pesticides which are found in house dust.

6. Vacuum often (with a HEPA filter) and wet mop to reduce dust.

Consider buying …
7. Furniture and baby products that contain polyester, down, or wool, which are unlikely to contain added flame retardant chemicals.

8. Wooden or other furniture without foam filling.

9. Note that mattresses should not pose a hazard from flame retardants in foam. They must meet a very severe flammability standard and use a barrier technology rather than added chemicals.

Learn more about protecting your family at our Safe Kids campaign page and our Safe Kids project page

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)