Flame Retardants
When I learned that flame retardants were toxic I put it out of my mind. Not only did it stress me out because this normally has to do with expensive purchases, but furniture/decor stresses me out in general. You should have seen me trying to pick out simple pillows for my college apartment. (Shoutout to all my design friends and their patience!) The topic circled back around when we were preparing Benjamin’s nursery. I took a note from my own book (before I even knew it) and waited until I was bringing new products into the home to switch to safer.
Here are some Facts on Flame Retardants:
In 1975, California required that furniture pass a “open flame test” if they had foam filling. This led to many chemical flame retardants being added so that it was easier to pass. (Technical Bill 117.)
Flame retardants have been known to cause cancer, thryroid issues, hormone disruption, adverse effects on childhood brain development and more.
Flame retardants bioaccumulate in our bodies and accumulate in the environment. They do not break down and can actually transfer into dust.
In a study by the EWG in 2014, children had five times higher levels of flame retardant chemicals than their mothers. They are more susceptible because they are lying, crawling and constantly putting their hands to their mouth. Also, their organs are in development.
Common flame retardants are: Brominated Flame Retardants, PBDE’s, TBBPA, HBCD and OPFRs
In 2013, after flame retardant chemicals were associate with fetal brain development damage, the law was changed to a “smolder test” and the need for so many flame retardants was removed. Note that this did not make them illegal. Many baby items were also removed from needing to meet the standard.
To see if your product complies under this update it should say “TB 117-2013” on the tag rather than just “TB 117.”
Where are Flame Retardants
Couches, sofas, chairs etc.
Rugs/Carpets
Pillows
Mattresses
Car seats
Baby chairs, loungers
Baby/kids toys
Changing pads
Dust
Electronics (computers, laptops, wires, televisions etc.)
What I found around my home:
Sealy Hyrbid Mattress bought in 2013. On their website they state that they only use sock and no chemicals. I have emailed to ask if mine is included in that.
Sealy foam pillows we got free with the mattress. Made of 100% polyurethane foam so most likely it is treated with flame retardants. I have asked about this as well. The tag does not say.
Ashley Furniture couch bought in 2013. Has some polyurethane foam and only complies with Technical Bulletin (TB) 117. Mostly like treated with chemical flame retardants. See image below.
Kitchen and bedroom rugs were given to me and are from The Rug Store. Will look more into this.
Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat is flame retardant additive free where baby sits and they are honest about always looking to improve all fabrics. It is also GREENGUARD Gold Certified.
Keekaroo Peanut Changing Pad is made of non toxic Dura Soft material. It is free of BPA, PVC and phthalates.
Lorena Canals Washable Rug in nursery is 100% cotton.
Pottery Barn Kids Lullaby Crib Mattress is GREENGAURD Gold Certified and CertiPUR-US Certified which means it has been tested for PBDE, lead, mercury and other heavy metals.
MacBook Air Laptop is brominated flame retardant free.
Television is a Sony bought in 2018. Will look more into this.
What can you do to reduce exposure:
Vacuum with HEPA filter. We have a Dyson and it does include a HEPA filter.
Wash hands before eating.
Mop/wipe floors rather than just sweeping.
In general, any product made before 2015 has most likely been treated. Especially baby products because they were removed from testing in the TB 117-2013 update.
Ask the manufacturer questions before buying new products.
This study by Duke where you can send in furniture with polyurethane foam is so interesting and has tons of info! I might send some samples in.
