posted on December 17, 2010 by
7 Comments

Toxic Flame Retardants: It’s Time for an Evacuation Plan

It’s impossible to avoid flame retardants, but it’s imperative that we take steps to decrease our exposure.

These  chemicals are full-fledged members of the endocrine disruptor family.  They have routinely been added to consumer products for over 30 years in an effort to reduce fire-related injury and property damage.  Now the widespread use of flame retardants in products like furniture, household electronics, sleepwear and mattresses is cause for concern.   Recent studies show their presence in fish, meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables and even infant formula. Flame retardants have been found at exponentially-increasing levels in blood, breastmilk, and umbilical cord blood.

So we all agree that we can’t avoid flame retardants, but are there safer alternatives? The answer is yes – but it’s not that simple. Join us for an in-depth series as we help you navigate through the world of toxic flame retardants and their safer counterparts.

A preview of what we’ll be covering in upcoming articles (and new local class for Kansas City folks):

  • Types of flame retardants widely used in US market:  brominated, chlorinated and non-halogenated
  • Where they are typically found
  • How they bio-accumulate to cause long-term health damage
  • Specific health concerns caused by over-exposure
  • Which are least toxic
  • Tips for reducing exposure

NOTE: We’ve launched the series!  Click below to get started learning now:

Part 1, Brominated Fire Retardants

Part 2, Chlorinated Fire Retardants

CURRENT NEWS:  Study Finds Toxic Flame Retardants in 80% of Baby Gear Made with Foam

Filed Under: Fire Retardants, Organic Mattresses, Toxic Chemicals Tagged With: , , ,
  • Jana

    When and where?

    • http://thesoftlanding.com Alicia

      Hi Jana – we’ll be posting a series here on our blog and we’ll also be teaching a new class here in Kansas City.

  • SAPsMaMa

    I can’t wait! I hope you cover furniture (like sofas), children’s pajamas, etc. ! oh and mattresses! I am definitely interested in mattresses :)

  • mom2twins

    Thank you!

  • http://twitter.com/bctripletmom Miranda Johnson

    Would love some organic mattresses for all of us. NEED new ones anyway. No money though. :/

    I think I read that cotton and wool are the most naturally flame-resistant fabrics…yes?

    I have quit purchasing flame-resistant (retardant) tags (from resale shops). I’ve also started looking for only cotton clothing…no polyester, rayon, etc. Am I too worried? I sweat too much for those other fabrics anyway. ;)

  • Eva Platts

    I would welcome suggestions on US companies that sell PVC -free, fire retardant -free kid play tenst, thank you!

    Eva, SoCal.

  • Mia

    Can’t thank you enough for starting this series of articles. I have been losing quite a bit of sleep trying to figure out what furniture I should be purchasing…which flame retardants are most harmful, which furniture companies might offer something with safer flame retardants, etc. This looks like the answer to my prayers!!! Hoping that you give some insight into the “big” furniture companies. I realize there are organic furniture companies out there, but you would have to win the lottery to be able to purhcase a house full of organic furniture. Hoping that this will give those of us who haven’t won the lottery yet, the safest options available and some much needed sleep at night knowing that we have done as much as we can to keep our families as safe as we can. Can’t wait for more!!!