Furniture Retailer Phase Out of Toxic Flame Retardant Chemicals Brings Safer Choices

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Several of the nation's largest retailers have eliminated or begun phasing out furniture with chemicals known as toxic flame retardants, which have been linked to cancer and learning and developmental disabilities in children. However the pace of the phase-outs and disclosure of the contents of the furniture remains a muddle according to public health advocates, and they are urging the nation's biggest furniture retailers to provide better disclosure.

The nation's largest furniture retailer and manufacturer, Ashley Furniture, for example, has announced it will be phasing out such products, but declined to publicly say when. For years, public health advocates said the chemicals threatened human health and the environment, and did not provide an added fire safety benefit as claimed by the chemical industry.

Mike Schade, Mind the Store campaign director for Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families said:

"For years, consumers were saddled with few safe choices when they wanted to buy a couch or other foam-padded furniture. Thankfully big retailers are beginning to remove toxic flame retardants.  The nation's top furniture retailer Ashley has recognized that these toxic flame retardant chemicals are not necessary and will be manufacturing and selling furniture products that are safer as they meet the new California flammability standards. But customers want and have a right to know what they are buying. It's vital Ashley take the next step by announcing a clear public timeframe for phasing out these chemicals in furniture foam and fabrics.

"Eliminating toxic flame retardant chemicals makes our homes safer while improving our health. The industry is responding, but with varying degrees of success to consumers."

Today the Chicago Tribune reported that major furniture retailers including Crate and Barrel, Room and Board, Williams-Sonoma (Pottery Barn, West Elm) have mostly eliminated chemicals known as toxic flame retardants from their furniture. They also reported that the Futon Shop, Scandinavian Designs and Walmart "have told vendors to stop adding flame retardants to furniture" and that Ashley Furniture, the largest furniture retailer and manufacturer in America, is "committed to designing furniture … without the use of flame retardant chemicals."  

For the full story, visit www.SaferChemicals.org.

SOURCE Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families

Related Links

http://www.SaferChemicals.org

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