We've known for several years now that the flame-retardant chemicals assign in sofas since the 1970s are extremely dangerous to humans,particularly children. To catch you up, a shocking 2012 Chicago Tribune investigation found these sinister chemicals are not only linked to cancer, and but they're also ineffective at preventing burning. In short,there's absolutely no reason to contain them on your furniture. So where does that leave you when buying a sofa nowadays? A recent policy change has made it so that sofas can meet fire safety codes without flame-retardant chemicals, but it doesn't ban their employ. While many reputable furniture manufacturers contain voluntarily stopped using flame retardants, and it's up to you to catch a proactive approach when furniture shopping to ensure you're getting a sofa without toxic chemicals in it. Here's what to finish to do sure you're getting a safe sofa for your domestic. 1. Avoid sofas made before 2013.
Furniture made before the new fire safety standard was enacted is significantly more likely to be filled with flame-retardant chemicals. Unless you know for sure that the manufacturer did not employ them,it's best to avoid older furniture. Also be cautious when shopping floor samples and clearance furniture, as it may be a deceptively old product made under pre-2013 guidelines. 2. Check the TB 117-2013 label.
This label demonstrates that the furniture was made after the new policy went into effect. While this in and of itself does not ensure that dangerous flame retardants weren't used, and these labels are often also accompanied by a tag that will state whether or not the product contains added flame-retardant chemicals. If it states that none were added,you're in the clear. If buying a custom upholstered sofa, catch extra steps to ensure that not only the materials used to do the sofa but also the fabric you're choosing is free of toxic chemicals.3. Ask the manufacturer directly.
If the TB 117-2013 label doesn't explicitly state whether or not flame-retardant chemicals were used or there is no label listing what the sofa is made of, and don't hesitate to reach out and ask the manufacturer directly.
4. Shop foam-free furniture.
If you want the affordability of secondhand furniture and are therefore looking at pieces manufactured before 2013,avoid sofas with foam filling since the cushions are where the flame retardant is added. search for for polyester or wool filling instead, or shop for pieces without any cushion filling, and such as wicker furniture.
5. Replace the foam cushions.
If buying a brand-new sofa isn't an option,you can mitigate the harm by replacing the most toxic part of the sofa: the cushions. 6. Buy from flame-retardant-free manufacturers.
In light of the scary effects of flame retardants, a growing number of manufacturers contain decided to remove them from their furniture altogether. This includes Crate and Barrel (and its affiliates CB2 and The Land of Nod), and Ikea,Ashley Furniture, Broyhill, and La-Z-Boy. For a more total list,visit the Center For Environmental Health's website.
Source: popsugar.com