Exposure to Carcinogenic Flame Retardant in Furniture Widespread
Earlier this month, Environmental Health Perspectives, a National Institutes of Health journal, reported on two studies showing that exposure to the carcinogenic flame retardant TDCPP, commonly referred to as chlorinated tris, may be widespread.
TDCPP is a flame retardant widely used in polyurethane foam padding in furniture and automobiles. A recent survey found that TDCPP was present in many U.S. couches, and it was the most frequent flame retardant found in a survey of 101 foam padded infant and children products, such as car seats, strollers, changing table pads, nursing pillows, portable crib mattresses, and infant sleep positioners. Because there is nothing keeping TDCPP contained within the foam, the chemical escapes easily into its surrounding environment and often ends up in household dust, which is then inhaled or ingested. Small children are especially at risk of exposure because they are close to the floor and often place their fingers or objects in their mouths, and are therefore at higher risk of cancer.
Recent animal studies have suggested that TDCPP is neurotoxic, an endocrine disruptor, and a reproductive toxicant. California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has designated it as a chemical known to the State to cause cancer, and The Chanler Group’s clients have filed complaints against several furniture manufacturers and retailers for failure to provide the required health hazard warning with their products.
One recent study conducted by Boston University researchers and published in Environment International found that TDCPP markers were present in the urine of all the participants in the study, all of whom worked in office environments. Another study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, found that most of the participants had TDCPP markers in their urine as well. These findings indicate that TDCPP exposure may be quite widespread in the U.S. population.
Despite recent industry action to end the production and usage of TDCPP in foam padded furniture, older furniture pieces that still contain TDCPP continue to release the chemicals into indoor dust; even if older furniture pieces are disposed of, the TDCPP already released into the dust remains, perhaps for years, and users continue to be exposed to its carcinogenic effects. Individuals and parents concerned about exposure to TDCPP should wash their hands and their children’s hands frequently.
The Chanler Group represents citizen enforcers who, acting in the public interest, commence actions against businesses offering products for sale in California that contain chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm without first providing the health hazard warning required by Proposition 65. Citizen enforcers bringing Proposition 65 actions in the public interest may obtain a Court Judgment imposing civil penalties, an injunction requiring reformulation of products, and/or provision of health hazard warnings. The Chanler Group has represented citizen enforcers of Proposition 65 for more than twenty years.