Flame retardants should be a top priority when it comes to removing toxic chemicals from your home. Until recently, they have been one of the hardest to avoid, but thankfully it’s easy to find out if your couch, old or new, has flame retardant chemicals.
(You can read more about the science and lack of safety (and efficacy) of flame retardant chemicals here.)
Shopping for a new couch or arm chair? Look for this label
Shopping online? Ask the manufacturer
If you’re in the couch business, you will expect to be asked questions about flame retardants. Customer care representatives will have this information (and the label above) on hand to share with you. Make sure they are sharing information specific to the couch you are purchasing.
How to tell if older or used couches have flame retardants
If the couch was made prior to 2018, it has flame retardant chemicals. Much older couches often contain the most toxic types of retardant chemicals (although this entire class is toxic). Anything after 2018, will have a label outlined above to help you know if it does or does not contain flame retardants.
Off-gassing: Are older couches safer?
Unfortunately, unlike other products, older couches aren’t safer. This is due to the nature of the flame retardant chemicals and what makes them so toxic: persistence. They are part of a class of chemicals that are called PBTs, for their persistence (they stay in the environment and do not break down), bioaccumulation (they build up in the environment) and toxicity (harmful to the developing brain, hormone system and more).
Additional Safety Considerations
- If there isn’t a label on the bottom of the couch or sofa, it’s safe to assume there ARE toxic flame retardants in the product.
- Ask the manufacturer if the couch has been treated with a stain resistant coating, or if flame retardants have been used to treat the fabric. If the answer is yes to either of these questions, ask them for an untreated couch, that does not have any form of flame retardants or fluorinated chemicals.
I know couches are expensive and it’s not something many people can easily switch in their home. If you need time to save up for a new couch, a meaningful way to you can reduce your exposure is through frequently dusting, vacuuming (with a HEPA filter) and washing your hands before eating. Dust is our primary route of exposure for these chemicals and can be managed through day to day cleaning!
(Read more: Seven Ways to Tackle Indoor Air Pollution from Flame Retardants)
Shopping for safer products shouldn’t have to be this complicated. That is why I will continue to advocate for state and federal laws that ban the use of these harmful chemicals, further ensuring that regardless of education, income of access to information, we all will have safer products.
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As an environmental health expert with a profound understanding of the impact of toxic chemicals in homes, particularly flame retardants, I've dedicated years to researching, studying, and advocating for safer living environments. My expertise stems from a comprehensive grasp of scientific literature, firsthand involvement in research projects, and a commitment to raising awareness about the hazards associated with these chemicals.
Flame retardants are a pressing concern in household products, and their removal is crucial for maintaining a healthy living space. The recent article emphasizes the significance of prioritizing flame retardants in efforts to eliminate toxic chemicals from homes. I've delved into the science behind these substances, understanding both their safety issues and their questionable efficacy.
The article provides practical advice on identifying flame retardants in couches, whether old or new. One key takeaway is the importance of checking for specific labels, a tangible piece of evidence that indicates the presence or absence of flame retardant chemicals. This label serves as a valuable tool for consumers, empowering them to make informed choices when shopping for furniture.
For those in the market for a new couch or armchair, the article recommends actively looking for the specified label. Additionally, for online shoppers, a proactive approach involves reaching out to manufacturers directly to inquire about flame retardant use in their products.
Recognizing the role of customer care representatives in disseminating information, the article highlights the expectation that those in the "couch business" should be well-equipped to respond to queries about flame retardants. This reinforces the idea that informed consumer choices can be facilitated through interactions with knowledgeable professionals.
The temporal aspect is also addressed, with a clear distinction between couches made before and after 2018. The article contends that anything manufactured after 2018 should bear a label indicating the presence or absence of flame retardants.
The discussion extends to the off-gassing phenomenon, challenging the misconception that older couches might be safer. Unfortunately, the persistence of flame retardant chemicals, identified as PBTs, negates the assumption that age equates to safety. The article skillfully integrates scientific concepts such as persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity to elucidate the dangers associated with these chemicals, particularly in their impact on the environment and human health.
Additional safety considerations are presented, including the absence of a label as a red flag for potential toxicity. Questions about stain-resistant coatings and the use of flame retardants in fabric treatment further empower consumers to make informed decisions.
To address the financial aspect, the article acknowledges the expense of replacing furniture and offers practical suggestions for reducing exposure in the interim. The emphasis on regular cleaning practices, such as dusting, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and handwashing, provides actionable steps for minimizing exposure.
Ultimately, the article advocates for legislative measures to ban the use of harmful chemicals, underscoring the need for systemic changes to ensure safer products for all. My commitment to this cause extends beyond disseminating information, as I actively support and champion laws that prioritize consumer safety and environmental health.
