Structural Pest Control and Pesticides - Sleep Product Flame Retardants
Chemical Flame Retardants
Flame retardant chemicals are used in many commercial and consumer products to meet flammability standards to minimize the risk of a fire from starting by decreasing the ability of materials to ignite and to limit the spread of fire. A variety of chemicals with different properties and structures are used as flame retardants. Some of the most widely used flame retardant chemicals include bromine, phosphorus, nitrogen and chlorine. Some inorganic compounds are also used as flame retardants, either alone or in combination with bromine, phosphorus or chlorine. Flame retardant chemicals can be generally classified as halogenated and non-halogenated flame retardants.
Flame Retardants may be present in plastic, textile and foam consumer products such as:
- Baby products (such as nursing pillows, car seats, crib mattresses, baby carriers, strollers, and changing pads)
- Upholstered furniture
- Carpets and draperies
- Automotive interior textiles and plastics
- Building insulation
If consumers want to learn more about flame retardants, there are a number of sources of information and assistance. A few are listed below:
- 2017 Federal Register Guidance Document on Hazardous Additive, Non-Polymeric Organohalogen Flame Retardants in Certain Consumer Products
- EPA Fact Sheet: Assessing Risks from Flame Retardants
- EPA Fact Sheet: Reducing your Child’s Exposure to Flame Retardant Chemicals
- The National Conference of State Legislatures has information on State Statutes on Flame Retardants
- Environmental Working Group
- Consumer Products Safety Commission Technical Reports—Flame Retardants
- American Chemistry Council’s North American Flame Retardant Alliance
- International Sleep Products Association
Consumers can have a sample of polyurethane foam cushions tested for free by scientists at Duke University's Superfund Research Center. This is particularly useful for items already in use around the home.