STUDY SHOWS POSSIBLE TOXIC CHEMICALS FOUND IN MOST COUCHES
In the first large-scale study of it’s kind, researchers found as many as 85 percent of couches contained some combination of flame retardant chemicals in their cushion foam. The study, published this week in the Environmental Science and Technology journal found that many of the 102 couches examined with polyurethane foam contain flame retardant chemicals.
The problem is complex though because many of the chemicals are added to meet California flammability standard, TB 117. The chemical, Chlorinated Tris, a believed carcinogen, was a replacement for Polybrominated diphenyl ethers that had been banned.
Some argue that the benefit those chemicals bring in case of a fire outweigh the possible links to reproductive issues, low birth weights, neurological issues as well as developmental issues, hormonal issues and possible cancers.
It is believed these chemicals make their way out the inner foam and can get mixed in the dust, making young babies and children very susceptible as well as possibly become airborne, affecting everyone within that place. Researchers from Duke University, Boston University and University of California, Berkeley contributed to the study.
In July of this year, a congressional committee voted to pass the Safe Chemicals Act, a chemical reform bill. If approved, it would ultimately stop the use of toxic flame retardant chemicals in all products.
If you think a defective or unsafe product may have caused you or your loved one serious injury, it is important to discuss with an experienced Wisconsin personal injury attorney. Call today for an immediate consultation.
Environmental Science and Technology Publication PDF >>>
Nov 28, 2012
The problem is complex though because many of the chemicals are added to meet California flammability standard, TB 117. The chemical, Chlorinated Tris, a believed carcinogen, was a replacement for Polybrominated diphenyl ethers that had been banned.
Some argue that the benefit those chemicals bring in case of a fire outweigh the possible links to reproductive issues, low birth weights, neurological issues as well as developmental issues, hormonal issues and possible cancers.
It is believed these chemicals make their way out the inner foam and can get mixed in the dust, making young babies and children very susceptible as well as possibly become airborne, affecting everyone within that place. Researchers from Duke University, Boston University and University of California, Berkeley contributed to the study.
In July of this year, a congressional committee voted to pass the Safe Chemicals Act, a chemical reform bill. If approved, it would ultimately stop the use of toxic flame retardant chemicals in all products.
If you think a defective or unsafe product may have caused you or your loved one serious injury, it is important to discuss with an experienced Wisconsin personal injury attorney. Call today for an immediate consultation.
Environmental Science and Technology Publication PDF >>>
Nov 28, 2012