A new study published in Environmental Pollution draws the connection between California regulations on the use of flame retardants in furniture and a reduction in consumers’ exposure to PBDE chemicals.
In short:
- In 2014, California passed policies that allowed manufacturers to meet product flammabilty safety standards without the use of PBDE flame retardants.
- Consumers who replaced older furniture with new products made after the 2014 policy updates experienced a drop in the level of PBDEs in their blood.
- While consumers who didn’t purchase new furniture also had their PBDE levels decline, the reduction was smaller and happened at a slower rate.
Key quote:
“Given the well-established associations with adverse health outcomes, efforts should be made to reduce exposures to PBDEs… while considering the potential health effects of substitutes. Updating flammability standards can be an effective way to reduce these harmful exposures at a regulatory level.”
Why this matters:
PBDEs have been used as flame retardants in a wide range of consumer products since the 1970s, from electronics to textiles, car upholstery, and furniture. Exposure to PBDEs has been linked to a number of severe health impacts, including cancer, reproductive issues, and developmental delays in children. The authors of this study emphasize that policy change is an effective tool for reducing harmful chemical exposures, echoing the findings of other studies which show that regulatory interventions can produce consistent and widespread impact.
Related EHN coverage:
- Supposedly “safe” flame retardants become more toxic when they break down
- Flame retardant chemicals linked to increased risk of cancer-related death
More resources: The Green Science Policy Institute provides resources on flame retardants and has worked successfully to change regulations, leading to reduced exposure levels to some toxic flame retardant chemicals.
Attfield, Kathleen et al. for Environmental Pollution vol. 390. Feb 1, 2026
