Image source: flickr/jeffrey95112
Most would agree that one of the great tragedies in life is a house fire, but even worse are products intended to prevent fires that may—perhaps—cause something just as bad—if not worse?
Case in point: the fire standards for upholstered furniture.
In California and numerous other states in the U.S., halogenated flame retardants have been used to reduce the chances of upholstered furniture exploding in flames if exposed to heat sources.
Along with these worthy efforts to reduce fatality from house fires, smoke detectors, sprinklers and self-extinguishing cigarettes have all contributed to a reduction in deaths—obviously a good thing.
Now we learn that the chemicals used to make fabrics fire retardant have high levels of bromine—one of several substances linked to cancer and birth defects.
House pets, too, are apparently at risk if they lounge on furniture treated with fire retardants. The EPA reports that before the 1970’s when fire retardant chemicals were introduced, hyperthyroidism in cats was virtually unknown.
Image source: LifeEvents Media
Today, it’s one of the leading killers of cats…and of course, the question is: what are these fabric fire retardants doing to our other pets and us humans?
Friends of the Earth and other environmental groups say there are safer chemicals and materials the furniture and fabric industries can use — and the good news is, some furniture companies are already on board.
Image source: verellenhc.com
If you’re in the market from new upholstered furniture, check, out Green Sage Furniture ; Montauk Furniture ; Verellen Home Collection; Cisco Brothers Furniture’s Basal Living Collection .
We New Nesters have to believe that for every problem, there is a solution!
Tags: Fabric Fire Retardants, Furniture, Home Furnishings, New Nest, Upholstered Furnishings
