Flame retardant in most household items are linked to chronic disease
Posted by: Abby Campbell, staff writer in Dangerous Chemicals November 27, 2015
child-with-oxygen-mask(NaturalHealth365) Due to American popularity of cigarettes and the major fires they caused in the 1970s, flame-retardant chemicals were developed. The tobacco industry was urged to make self-extinguishing cigarettes. Instead, they created a front group called the National Association of State Fire Marshalls – which pushed for laws requiring fire-retardant furniture.
In 1975, California laws led to a national standard requiring furniture manufacturers to douse their couches and mattresses with flame retardant chemicals. Since then, flame retardant has been applied to most household items such as furniture, electronics, and even baby products. And, no surprise to health conscious consumers, studies are proving that these toxic chemicals are contributing to chronic disease and attention deficit problems in children. Without consent: Our youngest children are being exposed to toxic chemicals
Since national standards were established requiring fire-retardant furniture, nearly all household items in the United States contain harmful flame retardant chemicals. This includes furniture such as couches and mattresses, electronics, appliances, and even baby products. Some of the items – with the heaviest chemicals usage – include:
Sofas / Couches: A study published in Environmental Science & Technology revealed that nearly all samples of foam from sofas contain flame retardant – 85 percent to be exact.
Mattresses: Regarding all mattresses, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission ruled a safety standard to include flame retardant beginning July 1, 2007 – flame retardant that is so heavy that mattresses won’t catch fire if exposed to a blowtorch.
Car Seats: According to the latest research, a non-profit corporation called the Ecology Center found nearly three-quarters (73%) of children’s car seats with hazardous halogenated flame retardants and over half contained non-halogenated organophosphate flame retardants (of which some are hazardous).
Children’s Products: Another study published in Environmental Science & Technology conducted tests for flame retardant chemicals in 101 baby products which included car seats, changing table pads, nursing pillows, portable crib mattresses, infant sleep positioners, and more. Products tested proved 80 percent of them contained a known and identifiable flame retardant. All but one of these flame retardants were either brominated or chlorinated.
HBO documentary reveal 3 disturbing facts about the link between flame retardants and chronic disease
A documentary entitled “Toxic Hot Seat” was recently aired on HBO – which is based on a Chicago Tribune comprehensive investigation of flame retardant chemicals. Check out the powerful message in the trailer (below) about a film that highlights some of the most disturbing facts about these toxins.
While the film portrays many disturbing facts about flame retardants – these are the most upsetting:
1. Fires are more toxic. Flame retardants applied to products do NOT forbid them from catching fire (which may be a surprise to most people). However, the chemicals do give off higher levels of smoke, soot, and carbon monoxide. Hence, these three things are more deadly than the burns obtained from fire.
2. Toxic household dust is created. Trisphosphate (TDCPP) is the most widely used flame retardant in the United States today. It is used in furniture and most baby products. Household dust is created from the foam of most of these items, and children often pick them up with their hands as they crawl around on the floor.
Since small children have a habit of putting their hands in their mouths, this creates a health risk for children. In fact, Environmental Health Perspectives revealed studies that have suggested TDCPP to be a neurotoxic – an endocrine disruptor, and a reproductive toxicant.
3. Health problems are proven. Studies prove that 90 percent of Americans have some level of flame-retardant chemicals in their bodies. In addition, these same toxins are known to accumulate in breast milk and increase the risk for health problems from infertility and birth defects to lower IQ levels and behavioral problems in children.
Research also links many cancers to flame retardant chemicals. Numerous studies also show that flame retardants are linked to thyroid disease. Insane: More than 80,000 chemicals never fully tested for toxic effects
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was originally formed in 1976 to ensure the safety of chemicals used in household items. However, there are 80,000 chemicals available in the United States that have never been fully tested for their toxic effects on human health or the environment.
New laws in a few states make it possible for manufacturers to meet the new standards without the use of flame retardants in household items, major damage has already been done and continues. Many households still use items that have long-term use (sofas, mattresses, and baby products) that contain these dangerous chemicals which cause chronic disease.
Further, the laws have not actually banned flame retardant use by manufacturers. In truth, the laws allow manufacturers to decide how to meet the new standards – whether it’s with flame retardant chemicals or something else. With chronic disease on the rise since the 1970s, TCSA reform is desperately needed.
About the author: Abby Campbell is a medical, health, and nutrition research writer. She’s dedicated to helping people live a healthy lifestyle in all aspects – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Abby practices, writes, and coaches on natural preventive care, nutritional medicine, and complementary and alternative therapy.