Safer Alternatives to Toxic Flame Retardants

Posted: 05/31/2013  browse the blog archive

Recently, chemicals intended to prevent fires such as brominated flame retardants (PBDEs and others) and chlorinated Tris (TDCPP, TCEP, and others) have been shown to cause cancer, disrupt human thyroid function, and pose other potential health hazards. These chemicals are commonly present in furniture and electronics in order to meet fire safety laws.  However, when these chemicals are used, they are not sealed within the products, and can easily escape into household dust, to be inhaled or ingested by people nearby.

Can people protect themselves from fire without compromising their health and the health of their children?  Can manufacturing companies adhere to fire safety laws without placing the health of their customers at risk?  The answer to both of these questions is “yes.”

New technology may help manufacturers obey the law without placing consumers at risk.  Fabrics and textiles made using nanotechnology are themselves flame retardant, so that the flames never penetrate the upholstery to the foam core of the furniture.  Nanoclay-based flame retardants used in electronics, wires, cables, and decorative wallpapers cause the material to burn more slowly and lower the temperature of the flame.  Phosphorous-based flame retardants for electronics casings and circuit boards can also make them inherently flame resistant.  This circumvents the need for chemical flame retardants.

Old technology can also protect consumers and their families from fire.  Wool is naturally flame resistant and can be used to wrap a cushion core made of natural materials, such as rubber or latex, to create comfort while also meeting all fire safety standards.

Consumers can also keep toxins out of their home by avoiding certain products altogether.  Furniture containing polyurethane foam is most likely to contain the highest amount of chemical flame retardants, especially if it is accompanied by a tag stating that the product meets the California furniture flammability standard TB117.  Products that contain polyester batting, down, or the aforementioned wool are unlikely to contain added chemicals.  Or, purchase wooden furniture without any cushion at all, to further reduce risk.

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.