Flame Retardant

The Green Guide is the place to find information about environmental problem chemicals in household products, such as PBDE or PBDEs, more precisely. PBDEs are a class of chemicals that are used as a flame retardant in clothes and furniture, including couches and mattresses. The problem is that the PBDE is not bound to the material and much of it can escape the foam cushioning as household dust. Recent studies have shown that PBDEs are present throughout the environment, and have been found in human breast milk and the fatty tissues of artic mammals. The long-term effect of exposure to PBDE, the flame retardant, is still inconclusive, though animal studies indicate they can disrupt thyroid hormones harming the brains of developing fetuses.

Wool is a naturally flame retardant fabric and is increasingly used in furniture as an alternative to PBDE. For more information about PBDEs, flame retardants and natural and PBDE-free flame retardant fabrics, read the articles linked to below.

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