Flame retardants are making news again. Many of these chemicals, used to inhibit or resist the spread of fire, have been found to be toxic. Studies have linked flame retardants to cancers, altered hormones, and neurological problems. Children are especially vulnerable.
Scientific American recently ran a feature on the increasing use of flame retardants in upholstered furniture. Duke University researcher Dr. Heather Stapleton tested more than 100 sofas and found that 94% produced after 2005 were treated with flame retardants. Chlorinated tris was the most commonly used retardant in newer furniture. This compound was banned from children’s clothing in the 1970s. And last October, California added it to its list of cancer-causing chemicals.
Under California’s progressive Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, products containing chlorinated tris are now required to carry warning labels. But a study commissioned by the Center for Environmental Health found enforcement lagging. Fifteen baby products sold by big-box stores had chlorinated tris levels in excess of safety standards. And none had labels. Offending products included infant sleepers and mattresses.
Another study published in journal Environmental Science & Technology found flame retardants in ½ of the dust samples taken from California homes. Thirty-six different types of retardants were found, with carcinogenic chlorinated tris and organophosphates being the most prevalent.
We need to question the ubiquitous use of flame retardants. As it stands, whenever one retardant is banned, several others – with unknown health risks – enter the marketplace.
Web Links
Forbes
Scientific American
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=flame-retardants-on-the-r
Lawsuit
CA Law
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2011/10/flame-retardant-prop-65-listing-.html; http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/prop65_list/102811list.html
Photo, taken on October 18, 2012, courtesy of USCPSC via Flickr.