Flame Retardants
OOccupant Health & Exposure
About This Health Driver
Flame retardants are synthetic compounds added to materials to meet flammability standards. They migrate out of treated products through off-gassing, abrasion (producing contaminated dust), and direct contact. Residential exposure is primarily through household dust containing flame retardant particles from furniture, mattresses, electronics, and insulation.
How It Affects Bodies
Flame retardants are endocrine disruptors (thyroid, estrogen, androgen pathways), neurotoxic (developmental and adult neurotoxicity), and immunotoxic. Exposure is chronic and cumulative through inhalation of contaminated dust and dermal absorption. Children and floor-dwelling occupants have disproportionate exposure.
Where It Comes From
- Upholstered furniture - polyurethane foam treated with chemical flame retardants
- Mattresses - conventional mattresses treated with flame retardant chemicals
- Electronics - circuit boards, wire insulation, and plastic housings
- Building insulation - some spray foam and rigid insulation products
How to Address It
- Flame-retardant-free furniture - barrier fabric compliance rather than chemical treatmentInteriors
- Natural-fiber mattresses - organic latex, wool, or cotton meeting flammability through material propertiesInteriors
- Wool upholstery - inherent fire resistance without chemical treatmentInteriors
- HEPA vacuuming protocol - regular dust removal to reduce accumulated flame retardant particulatesOperations