Usually, a non-toxic sofa with more non toxic materials will cost more. The EPA states that it accumulates in the environment, in breast milk, and “biomagnifies” in the food chain. (Read This Next: 4 Big Problems With Microplastics (& 4 Natural, Toxic-Free Alternatives)) They can affect development in children, resulting in changes in male hormone production, altered sexual differentiation, and changes to reproductive organs. But some fear the regulations need updating as a body of evidence over the risks of certain flame retardants grows. Some flame retardants, including the most commonly used - aluminium hydroxide - are generally considered to be safe. Did you know that your furniture is actually toxic furniture! This would include a specific one for Grenfell residents and firefighters to detect the effects of exposure to the smoke from the devastating fire in west London in June 2017, which killed 72 people. Toxic-free is actually better value in the long run even if it costs more because it will not make you sick and require medical bills and loss of income. It is released into the air from some furniture products. On foam, carpets and curtains. (11), Phthalates are a class of chemicals used in nearly every consumer product, from plastics to tablecloths. Both gases are poisonous and, in many fires, inhalation of either gas proves to be a more deadly killer than the flames themselves. [/tweet_quote], In reality, the compounds that make furniture soft, sleek, or “new” smelling, actually belong to a class of chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). There are a few simple methods you can employ to get rid of the chemical smell … Researchers involved in one study, recommended purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis alternata), English ivy, purple heart, foxtail fern and wax plant for their superior air-filtering abilities. Seriously, you're the best. The foam in the cushions is made of petroleum-based polyurethane, a highly flammable product. Side effects include: kidney dysfunction, neurological effects and behavioral changes, impairment of coordination, dizziness, headaches, sleepiness, and unconsciousness. While particleboard is nice in the fact that it uses recycled timber or timber waste, it’s components can be very toxic. It can also be transported long distances and remains persistent in its environment. Formaldehyde is used in making resins such as urea-formaldehyde that are used in adhesives for some composite wood products (particle board, fiberboard, and plywood) used to manufacture furniture. To make matters worse, far from saving us from fires, flame retardants appear to increase the risk. Apparently, the fact that it is classified as a known human carcinogen still doesn’t stop the U.S. from using around 250 million pounds per year in manufacturing. Humans then become exposed to the chemicals, mainly by breathing contaminated dust and from our diet, including oily fish and meat. Megan is an inquisitive nutrition and wellness writer harboring an editorial love affair with the decadent and the nutritious. Residents have reported the emergence of the "Grenfell cough" and health problems including vomiting, coughing up blood, skin complaints and breathing difficulties, the committee said. The half- life for PFOA in the human body is 3.8 years (meaning it takes double this time for it to leave your body) where it causes: liver toxicity (hypertrophy, necrosis, and effects on the metabolism and deposition of dietary lipids), kidney toxicity, and developmental effects (survival, body weight changes, reduced ossification, altered puberty, and retarded mammary gland development), and cancer. To rectify this, toxic, cancer-causing flame retardants are added. Everyone in the family including a baby can breathe in toxic chemicals or ingest them by touching the chemicals accumulated in the living room and transporting them to mouth. Furniture remains the primary source of flame retardants in homes today. Paleo Diet Recipes, Information, and Tips. Many main stream brands have stopped using flame retardants in their sofas including: IKEA, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, and Room & Board. }, Category: HealthTag: allergies health risks. The Environmental Audit Committee is pressing the government to respond to a three-year-old review of furniture fire safety regulations by the Department for Business. By doing this, toxic, cancer-causing flame retardants a family of chemicals used in carpets,,... That some varieties of house plants help absorb chemicals lingering in the food chain released. Historically used in nearly every consumer product, from plastics to tablecloths those using chlorines been... 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