Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses: Perils of Puff

Having just collapsed on a new couch or mattress after wrestling it through the door, one would probably rather not think about what chemicals it may be releasing into the air. So before buying, it's best to consider that flame-retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), used in upholstered furniture, are infiltrating our bodies and staying there. According to studies published in 2002 and 2003, PBDEs are showing up in the breast milk of North American women at levels that are increasing exponentially. PBDEs, which can compose up to 30 percent of foam's weight, aren't chemically bound to the polyurethane itself and, like dust, can puff out easily into the air and be inhaled. In the bodies of pregnant women, PBDEs have been found to cross the placenta and reach the same levels in fetal tissue as in the mother's body.

These exposures cause concern because PBDEs, chemical cousins to the banned neurotoxins PCBs, can slow brain development, disrupt thyroid hormone levels and perhaps act as a carcinogen, animal studies indicate. The European Union has already banned penta-BDEs (the main type used in upholstery) and octa-BDEs (in computers and televisions), and California has voted to follow suit by 2008. Alternatives do exist, such as wool and less-toxic fire retardants. Also, before buying it's worthwhile to avoid certain fabric treatments (see "Slick Finishes").

Less-Toxic Mattresses and Upholstered Furniture

IKEA upholstered furniture is all PBDE-free (www.ikea.com).

Mattresses and folding sofas: 100 percent organic cotton futons or those with a cotton core and a wool wrap are available at Abundant Earth (www.abundantearth.com; 888-513-2784; $390/twin) or Tonkatinkers (www.tonkatinkers.com; 309-837-3150, $395/twin). Because untreated cotton mattresses present a fire risk, purchasers must present a doctor's prescription verifying that they have chemical sensitivities. But untreated mattresses with wool wraps are exempt from this requirement. For more options, see the mattress product report at thegreenguide.com.