A group of Duke researchers are testing couches for more than just change between the cushions.
The Duke Superfund Research Center is inviting people to mail in marble-sized samples from couches, child car seats and other foam-containing furniture to be tested for flame retardant chemicals linked to adverse health effects. Scientists from the Nicholas School of the Environment and Pratt School of Engineering will then examine these items and mail a report containing a list of flame retardants detected in the sample, along with more information regarding the chemicals’ effects.
"We found that 80 percent of the products we tested contained a flame retardant chemical, some of which were considered carcinogens or neurodevelopment toxicants,” said Heather Stapleton, associate professor of environmental sciences and policy in the Nicholas School of the Environment.
Stapleton's research team previously identified flame retardant chemicals in baby products, which led them to initiating the furniture project in early 2014.
People began to request analyses of baby products in their home, as well as other potentially toxic furnishings, such as couches.
Among these potentially dangerous flame retardants are TDCPP, which has been linked to cancer, and Firemaster 550, an endocrine disruptor potentially linked to obesity. Another class of chemicals commonly found in furniture are PBDEs, which may be related to neurobehavioral modification.
Stapleton said it is important for the public to have access to information regarding chemicals in products with which people come in close contact. She added that several hundred samples have already been examined at Duke in the past nine months.
In addition to alerting the public about the presence of hazardous materials in home products, Stapleton said the project aims to learn about how these chemicals vary among different types of products at different locations.
Furthermore, current interest surrounding toxins in household products also points to a public policy issue.
“Unfortunately, information on chemical applications in consumer products is not publicly available, and is not part of any labeling requirement on the products,” Stapleton said.
This past Tuesday California passed a law requiring furniture manufacturers to label products containing toxic flame retardants. But Stapleton said she believes that changes need to occur on a national scale, adding that there is currently no consensus on how to reform the Toxic Substance Control Act in order to further protect people from harmful chemicals.
Duke’s project allows individuals to become aware of the toxins present in their homes, a goal supported by the Environmental Protection Agency.
“Overall, [the EPA] certainly supports improving access to chemical health and safety data, and helping the public, manufacturers, retailers and others choose safer products,” said Cathy Milbourn, a media representative for the EPA.
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