upholstered furniture and your health

Sofas containing flame retardant on foam are dangerous for our health. The chemicals have been found to cause health problems including cancer. Prior to synthetic foams, feathers, horsehair, wool or cotton batting, and straw was used to fill furniture cushions. Polyurethane foam was introduced as a cushion component in furniture in 1957. Flame retardants were introduced as a safety precaution but end up causing more harm than good. The following are fire retardant chemicals to avoid:

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) 
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs, are chemicals used as flame retardants in a many products, including building materials, electronics, furnishings, motor vehicles, airplanes, plastics, polyurethane foams, and textiles. 1 PBDEs resemble the molecular structure of PCBs, which have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems and impaired fetal brain development. PBDEs have been banned in some U.S. states and the European Union, but they persist in the environment and accumulate in your body – and often exist in products imported from other countries. Higher exposures to PBDEs have been linked to decreased fertility, hormone disruptions, fetal developmental issues, and cancer. In utero and childhood PBDE exposures were associated with neurodevelopmental delays, including decreased attention, fine motor coordination, and cognition.
Another dangerous flame-retardant chemical known as chlorinated tris (TDCPP) can be found in some couch cushions across the United States. The chemical can be transfered in dust form from the foam  into household dust and inhaled or ingested. Vacuums and air filters with a HEPA-filter and/or a wet mop helps to reduce exposure to toxic dust. 2 
Polyurethane foam products manufactured prior to 2005 are most likely to contain PBDEs. Avoid reupholstering furniture pieces you may suspect to contain PBDEs as the reupholstering process increases your risk of exposure

Firemaster 550 
Firemaster 550 made with bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH). TBPH is nearly idential to DEHP, the phthalate banned in children’s products due to evidence of carcinogenicity and developmental toxicity.

How to Avoid It

• Avoid upholstered furniture with the TB117 label. If the label states,"This article meets the flammability requirements of California Bureau of Home Furnishings Technical Bulletin 117 … " it most likely contains flame retardants. However, even upholstered furniture that's unlabeled may contain flame retardants.
• Look for the TB117-2013 label on furniture (the label should state the item meets the standards without fire retardants).

In addition to flame retardants there are other toxins to consider

• Wrinkle or stain-resistant coatings should be avoided (Older Scotchguard containing PFOS), glues and finishes on wooden legs can contain formaldehyde, polyurethane foam can release VOCs because it is a petroleum-by product. 
• Foam carpet padding often contains flame retardants. 2

Healthy Alternatives: 3

• Certified organic fabrics (cotton, hemp, and a cotton/hemp blend)
• Sustainably-sourced hardwood,  FSC-certified
• Organic wool batting used as a natural flame barrier
• Zero-VOC linseed oil and AFM Safecoat stains
• Avoidance of formaldehyde glues, polyester, polyurethane, dacron batting
• Foam made from 100% natural latex rubber (resistant to bacteria, mildew, and mold) 
• Feather/down fill cleaned with non-toxic cleansers before use
• Water-based glues
• Stains and finishes without solvents, preservatives, or biocides

Tyical Upholstered Chair

A. Wood frame
B. Foam wrap
C. Zig Zag springs
D/E. Spring/Foam
F. Foam / Fabric wrap
G. Wood with finish
H. Wood Base
I. Coiled Springs
J. Felt/foam pad
K. Edge Roll
L. Fabric Finish
​

1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polybrominated_diphenyl_ethers

2.articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/05/10/firefighters-flame-retardants-exposure.aspx

3. https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/safe-product-guides/sofa/

4. ​https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2021/05/non-toxic-furniture.html