WASHINGTON, D.C.—Many foam sofa cushions in the United States contain flame-retardants known to pose risks to human health, according to a new peer-reviewed study released late last month. Researchers at Duke University and University of California found that 85 percent of couches contained toxic or untested flame-retardants, some of which are linked to cancer. In response, business leaders from the Sustainable Furnishings Council, the Specialty Sleep Assn., and the American Sustainable Business Council said that chemical regulations must be improved in order to support public health and a healthy economy.
“Our way of protecting consumers from toxic chemicals is broken,” says Susan Inglis, executive director of the Sustainable Furnishings Council. “The chemical industry shouldn’t be able to market chemicals to manufacturers and retailers unless we know beyond a reasonable doubt that they are safe. They make the chemicals, they should be held responsible. Business should be encouraged to reject hazardous chemicals and instead innovate and create safer chemicals and products.”
“Manufacturers should offer the healthiest, most environmentally sound, and most fire resistant options to consumers, and they should embrace a ‘truth in marketing’ labeling program,” says Dale T. Read, president of the SSA. “Savvy, aware consumers will demand to know what is inside their upholstered furniture and mattresses. They will push the industry and their supply sources to protect the safety, health and well-being of the consumer.”
A recent poll of small businesses by the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) shows that a clear majority want chemical manufacturers to take more responsibility for the safety of chemicals.
“Rising concern about toxic flame retardants and their links to cancer and other health impacts is undermining consumer confidence and hurting business,” says David Levine, CEO and founder of ASBC. “To keep the U.S. economy growing, we have to stop allowing toxic chemicals linked to health hazards in the marketplace. That’s why we started a petition to tell Congress to reform the 34-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act.”
Go to the Sustainable Furnishings Council.
