San Francisco, CA (PRBuzz.com) February 25, 2013 -- A new nationwide study of 102 couches found that the average contains over a pound of chlorinated Tris, which is a cancer-causing chemical that has been removed from children's pajamas in the 1970s. The chemical is now listed on California's Prop 65 list of carcinogens. The very same study noted that 80% of couches surveyed contained at least five different types of flame retardant chemicals, which all all been shown to be both ineffective and unsafe.
The focus on couches started with a 40-year-old California regulation that was titled Bulletin 117, which required furniture to meet strict standards in regards to flammability. The cheapest/cost-effective way to apply the standard was to douse the foam with flame retardants, which resulted in the mass of toxins.
The problem with the standards that stand now is that fires do not start in the foam, but on the outer-covering, which is often lit through cigarettes. Worse, TB117 has shown to exhibit now real benefit in a fire. The couches that were noted to be treated do not burn slower or have less smoke released. The smoke that is created hold the toxins in it, making it more unsafe than untreated couches.
The retardants' damage is not isolated to polluting the home. During manufacturing, use and disposal causes these chemicals to enter the water system, be let into the air, and in one way or another interact with the atmosphere/wildlife. Birds, fish, and other animals are exposed to the flame retardants that find their way across the globe.
Exposure to the toxins within the retardants have direct health impacts to those in contact with it. Pregnant women and children are, of course, more susceptible to the hard that is associated. What is more, that is the only the result of the known retardants that have been tested. There are more toxins that have yet to be thoroughly tested, which may impact health even more so than the previously mentioned.
About Furniture Depot:
Furniture Depot (http://www.furnituredepot.com/) has a large array of quality and affordable furniture for customers to choose from. Find the perfect living room, bedroom, or even outdoor furniture. If you have all the furniture you need, browse the bar and accessories sections. For parents, take a look at the baby & kid section. Visit the Furniture Depot for more information.
Company: furnituredepot.com
Contact: Tim Lenin
email: contact@ furnituredepot.com
Phone: 9178766554
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