Why your couch could be killing you

Dr. Arlene Blum warns the chemicals in most couches are full of carcinogens leaching into our bodies (image courtesy UC Berkeley)

Most couches are built with foam doused in fire retardant chemicals to keep them from bursting into flames. But the chemicals themselves are a much bigger danger, according to a leading scientist.

“We’ve known for a long time that virtually everyone in North America has flame retardants in their bodies from their furniture,” says Dr. Arlene Blum in an interview with Ross and Burbank.

Blum is a leading biochemist and head of the California-based Green Science Policy Institute. She’s well known for pioneering work that led to the removal of carcinogenic flame retardants from kids pajamas in the 70’s. After her cat got sick in 2007, she returned to the work to discover the prevalence of carcinogenic chemicals in her furniture.

Most manufacturers use flame retardants that can withstand up to 12 seconds of direct flame from a candle or cigarette lighter. They adhere to rules set by the Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation, which sets the guidelines. Blum says many are highly carcinogenic.

“They’re some of the most toxic chemicals around. There have only been 22 chemicals globally banned where 180 countries agreed they are that bad,” she says of the flame retardants used between 1975 and 2004.

While some of the most toxic chemicals have been banned since 2004, Blum warns the replacements are just as bad.

“The replacement chemicals appear to have very similar properties to the banned ones, but they haven’t yet been banned. The problem with chemicals is very few are regulated. People don’t realize in America only foods, drugs, and pesticides are regulated and all other chemicals, there’s no other information required.”

Blum says the chemicals are constantly released from the foam, especially when people sit on furniture. She points to numerous studies that show a variety of health problems linked to the flame retardants on the health of humans and animals alike.

“We know in humans, children with higher levels have lower IQ’s, it changes hormonal levels, could be contributing to reproductive and neurological impairments,” she says.

Blum is part of a large effort working to change flammability standards in furniture. Critics argue the chemicals don’t provide the promised benefit while posing such significant health risks. She says the chemical industry has spent millions to fight it.

“The hope is in a year-long regulatory process, the standard will change and it will be possible to buy furniture that is more fire safe and doesn’t have any chemicals.”