Question: Will TB 117-2013 ban flame retardants in furniture and baby products?TB 117-2013 makes it possible for manufacturers to meet the new standard without the use of flame retardant chemicals, but it does prohibit their use. So it is up to the manufacturers to decide how they plan to meet the new standard. Question: Why was the revision necessary? Answer: The state’s 1975 standard was a hopelessly outdated relic that was long overdue for change. Independent government researchers have stated that TB 117 failed to improve fire safety; instead, it prompted companies to implement unnecessary practices that exposed our children and families to a long series of toxic flame retardant chemicals that have been linked to serious health problems. The old standard was a lose-lose proposition for all of us – except the companies that make flame retardant chemicals. Question: Is it possible to retain the current level of fire safety standards AND remove these chemical flame retardants?
Answer: Yes, fire safety experts say that TB 117-2013 will improve fire safety, without relying on harmful chemicals. Fire safety will improve because: 1) Unlike the old standard, TB 117-2013 will ensure that products can resist a smoldering cigarette on fabric, the major cause of fires. 2) When foam with flame retardants burns, it produces much higher levels of carbon monoxide, soot and smoke. These toxic gases (not the actual fire) are the major contributors to fire death. Question: How can I know if my furniture contains flame retardant chemicals? Answer: In many cases, there is no sure way to tell. Manufacturers are not required to disclose whether they use flame retardants or not, and few label their products. CEH is urging retailers and producers to label their products once TB 117-2013 comes into effect on January 1, so consumers can make an informed choice when they shop. For older furniture, here are some guidelines: Question: Can my foam be tested for the presence of flame retardants?
Answer: The Center for Environmental Health can test foam to detect the presence of elements in some major flame retardants. These results do not indicate which specific flame retardant your furniture contains or in what concentration, but if we find the elements we are looking for (chlorine and bromine) it is likely that the foam has been treated with flame retardants. For instructions on how to take a foam sample, follow these instructions and we will get results back to you in 2-3 weeks. Only a small sample of foam is needed and this can usually be easily removed from a zippered cushion. While testing is free, CEH is a non-profit organization and welcomes all donations. Question: When the new flammability standard (TB 117-2013) goes into effect, will I be able to buy flame retardant free furniture? Answer: If you are shopping for furniture after TB 117-2013 goes into effect here are some tips: Question: Do children’s mattresses contain flame retardant chemicals?
Answer: If a child’s mattress is made of polyurethane foam (e.g, such as juvenile and crib mattresses) they are likely to contain flame retardants (rather than use the more expensive barrier technology as used in adult mattresses). A 2012 report by CEH found several crib mattresses and mattress pads contained a cancer-causing flame retardant chemical. However, there are some companies that advertise crib mattresses made without flame retardants. We advise parents to look for those products and ask retailers and/or producers if their products contain flame retardant chemicals. Question: Do children’s pajamas contain flame retardant chemicals? Answer: Some children’s sleepwear (for children 9 months and older) may contain flame retardant chemicals. Here are some tips to help you avoid flame retardant chemicals 1. Choose snug- fitting sleepwear whose tag says “must be snug fitting” and “not flame resistant.” 2. Avoid 100% cotton sleepwear that is labeled as treated with Proban or Securest.
Children’s sleepwear sized under 9 months does not have to meet existing flammability regulations so it is unlikely that these products contain flame retardants.Skip links Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer Vibrant health means you can live life to the fullest. Empower yourself with the steps I used to free my life of chronic disease and medications. I’m an author, entrepreneur, and nutritional therapy practitioner (NTP). I began this website at 19, to share the steps that freed my life of chronic disease and medication. Now, Empowered Sustenance has reached 30 million readers with healthy recipes and holistic resources. Essential Oils for Brain FunctionBurn 600 Calories Sitting, and 6 other Infrared Sauna BenefitsThrive Market: The Netflix of FoodMeal Plans, Customized Exactly for YOUHolistic Hair CareI recently came across an interesting story about a man named Michael Paese. Six years ago he developed debilitating health problems. His energy levels were depleted and he slept most of the day.
He also had difficulty focusing and developed a serious metabolic disorder. As a former triathlete he knew something was radically wrong. Fortunately he had a very intelligent internist that asked him if anything changed in his life when he became ill. The only thing he could think of that had changed was his new bed. Even though it seemed like a long shot, he decided to replace his mattress again. Amazingly enough, after getting rid of his mattress he began to recover over time, and is finally able to compete in triathlons again. Later his wife admitted that she was convinced he had been dying, but was afraid to say so. Unfortunately, there are numerous stories that are very similar to this one. I had been wondering about the safety of our mattresses for years, but Michael's story finally prompted me to do some serious research. We spend approximately one third of our life sleeping (and a lot of us spend additional time lying around in bed). The typical mattress is comprised of many harmful toxins that over time build up in the body leading to an overall decline in health.
Few people know about this, but a little research yields a lot of proof. If you could change this potentially dangerous aspect of your environment without much effort, wouldn't you make it a priority? I decided that due to my history of cancer and the reality of sleeping on a mattress that had seen better days it was time to finally get a new, safer one. Some of my earlier research had led me to believe that the only way to get a mattress without the harmful chemical flame retardants was to get a doctor's note, and then I'd be left with a dangerously flammable sleeping environment. In addition, such a custom request could be prohibitively expensive. Fortunately, it turns out I was incorrect, and the goal was much easier to accomplish than I feared. In fact, after doing research for this article I feel compelled to replace the mattresses my children use as well. I was surprised how dangerous the majority of mattresses really are and how many chronic illnesses that often seem to mystify doctors can be cured by simply removing dangerous mattresses from the house.
Would you pay slightly more for an organic mattress that uses wool rather than toxic chemicals? Dangerous Chemicals are Contained in Most Mattresses.90% of all mattresses contain numerous harmful chemicals such as polyurethane foam, formaldehyde, and cotton pesticides. However the real danger is in the toxic chemicals used as a flame retardant.The Consumer Products Safety Commission requires all mattresses sold in the U.S. to be able to withstand thirty minutes of exposure to an open flame. Soaking the mattress in chemicals is the most economical way for mattress companies to comply with these requirements. Some of the chemicals that coat the entire mattress are boric acid (poison that causes hair loss, skin reactions, and serious illness), antimony (arsenic that can cause kidney and liver damage and even cancer), silicon (a carcinogen that causes respiratory issues), melamine (a carcinogen found in industrial cleaners), formaldehyde (another carcinogen), and decabromodiphenyl oxide (another carcinogen).
As you all know, a carcinogen is a substance capable of causing cancer. These chemicals ultimately leach through any mattress covers or sheets and are absorbed through the skin. When you spend approximately one third of your life sleeping, how can you rest peacefully knowing you may be filling your body with harmful chemicals? The average memory foam mattress emits 61 chemicals. Many people have complained of rashes, flu-like symptoms, sore throats, and frequent nosebleeds after purchasing a new mattress. Using carcinogens as a flame retardant is much more economical than using natural organic wool but is no more effective. How Safe is Your Mattress? Why are these Chemicals Dangerous?The toxins from the materials used in most mattresses build up in the body leading to an overall deterioration of one's health. Here are just a few of the side effects that can result from chemicals used in the majority of mattresses: Learning and memory deficits SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
Damage to the heart,lungs, and kidneys A Safer AlternativeWhen I began my research I was pleasantly surprised to discover that wool has flame-retardant properties that are sufficient to comply with the requirements set by the Consumer Products Safety commission. Therefore, there is no need whatsoever to coat mattresses with poisonous chemicals. I then thought I would have to pay an exorbitant price or might be unable to find a place that sells mattresses that use wool. The reality is there are numerous places to choose from both online as well as within 20 minutes of my home. Because there are many options, the prices are competitive and now I simply have to visit a few stores and read reviews before selecting a mattress. Never assume that simply because a store claims to sell organic mattresses that they are guaranteed to be free of toxic chemicals. The term 'organic' simply means there is at least one organic material used in the mattress. You need to determine that ALL the material that the mattress is comprised of is organic and free from harmful chemicals.
This was very easy to verify in the stores that sell chemical-free mattresses because they volunteered the information without being asked. The first store I went into had many mattresses comprised of wool, cotton, and natural latex at varying price ranges.The ones at the lower end of the price range felt a little too firm but due to my budget I may have to sacrifice a little comfort. The owner was very helpful and answered all my questions. The store also sold pillows and mattress covers that are free from toxins. I sensed there was room for negotiation and I will return after visiting a few other stores and researching the online companies. If you are unable to purchase a safe organic mattress you can improve your situation by covering your mattress in plastic to create a barrier to the leaching chemicals. The plastic cover should be comprised of polyethylene because that is the safest. Other plastics may leach chemicals. Ultimately a new safe organic mattress is the best option but a plastic cover will create a significant improvement.