"For decades, UK sofas have been chemically treated to meet strict fire safety rules. To pass the 'open flame' test introduced in 1988, manufacturers have relied on flame retardants such as TCPP - an organophosphate compound that can make up a significant proportion of sofa foam and has been classified as 'possibly carcinogenic'."
"Only in recent decades have their health effects become clear, with research linking PFAS to cancers, immune dysfunction, fertility problems and birth defects. Because they do not break down, they accumulate in the body and environment - earning the nickname 'forever chemicals'."
The UK government is reforming furniture fire safety regulations by replacing the stringent open flame test with a less severe cigarette-style test. This change aims to decrease the reliance on chemical flame retardants, which have been linked to health risks. Alongside PFAS, flame retardants in furniture are significant sources of chemical exposure in homes. These chemicals, including TCPP, can escape into household dust and pose health risks, including potential carcinogenic effects.
Read at Mail Online
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]