Study Finds Removing Old Flame-Retardant Furniture Cuts Toxic Chemicals in Blood
A 10-year peer-reviewed study conducted by California regulators and public health groups has demonstrated that removing old flame-retardant furniture from homes significantly reduces blood levels of toxic flame retardants. On average, blood levels dropped about 50% within 1.4 years after furniture removal, with declines occurring approximately four times faster in households that removed flame retardant-containing furniture compared to those that did not.
Most furniture foam manufactured between 1975 and 2015 contained flame retardants linked to serious health issues including cancer, neurotoxicity, thyroid disease, pre-term birth, decreased fertility, motor-skill deficits, and lower IQ in children. In response to these concerns, California eliminated requirements for several toxic flame retardants in 2015, and subsequent bans on some of the most dangerous compounds were enacted by Congress and states in 2020. The furniture industry has largely moved away from using these flame retardants.
The study also found dust in homes had much lower levels of flame retardants following removal of such furniture. Arlene Blum of the Green Science Policy Institute, a longstanding advocate for reducing flame retardants, emphasized that regulation has been pivotal for public health.
Recommendations to reduce exposure include replacing furniture made between 1975 and 2015 with items made before or after that period, or replacing couch cushions. If replacement is not feasible, regular dusting and vacuuming with a HEPA filter can help decrease toxin levels in the home environment.
