By far the most Popular Flame Retardants, Element 2: Chlorinated
by Alicia on March five, 2011
In Piece 2 of our series investigating flame retardant chemical substances, we’re hunting at some other in the most common flame retardants utilized in the usa, Chlorinated Flame Retardants (CFR’s).
I realize that we may not be able to avoid this group of chemical substances, but it’s important to learn where they’re found so that we can confidently can make safer choices for our families.
Chlorinated Flame Retardants (CFR)
Restrictions on the use of brominated flame retardants (PBDEs) has resulted with the increased use of alternate flame retardant chemical compounds to meet flammability standards. Some with the most commonly substituted alternatives are CFR’s, often called the “Chlorinated Tris.” The flame retardants TDCP (Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate) and TCEP (Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate) are routinely bonded into the materials of baby products, furniture and many other household items.
CFR’s Hiding Places
Just think foam – foam cushions, foam filled pillows, foam-padded strollers and cars – and you’re trying CFR’s right while in the face. Many plastics used in electronics are also woven together with this group of chemicals (yet another great reason to avoid PVC!).
TDCP is the main flame retardant used in automotive foam and foam-padded furniture such as couches,
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TDCP is also utilized in baby gear including strollers, nursing pillows and rocking chair foam (although it was banned for use in kid’s sleepwear in 1977)
TCEP is utilized in furniture foam, PVC plastic (vinyl),
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Specific Health Concerns Caused by Over-exposure
As with brominated flame retardant chemicals, overexposure leads to bio-accumulation which may cause long-term health damage. Studies have linked TDCP and TCEP to cancer and have been found to harm the liver, kidney, brain and testes. CFR’s were banned in kid’s pajamas when the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) determined to them be a probable human carcinogen. TCEP, a similarly structured chemical, also causes cancer, neurological and reproductive harm in laboratory animals.
Because so many household products contain CFR’s,
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CFR’s have been routinely found in:
Breast milk
Body fat
Fish and sea life- tissue of whales, seals, mussels and dozens of freshwater and marine fish
Wildlife,
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Sewage Sludge
It’s Time We Demand Change
In November 2010, 145 scientists in 22 countries issued the first-ever consensus statement documenting health hazards from flame retardant chemical substances which was published from the open academic journal Environmental Health Perspectives. The scientists stated that many different types of brominated and chlorinated flame retardants have been incorporated into products even though comprehensive toxicological information is lacking. They recommended that improvements be made to the availability of and access to information on flame retardants from the product supply chain and throughout each product’s life cycle because consumers can play a role within the adoption of alternatives to harmful flame retardants if they are made aware from the presence of your substances, for example, through product labeling.
I agree, so let’s get educated and start advocating for change!
Stay Tuned for More in this Series
Piece 3: the safer choice inside the long run, Non-halogenated
Aspect 4: health concerns related to over exposure,
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Part 5: how to reduce exposure and safer means of fire-proofing products
Element 6: companies/products using safer flame retardants (as well as products typically made without them)
>> READ the Flame Retardant Sequence Introduction HERE and Component 1, Brominated Fire Retardants HERE.
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