Quite possibly the most Widespread Flame Retardants,
Microsoft Office 2007 Product Key, Part two: Chlorinated
by Alicia on March 5, 2011
In Portion 2 of our series investigating flame retardant chemical substances,
Office 2007 Key, we’re seeking at another of your most typical flame retardants utilized in the usa, Chlorinated Flame Retardants (CFR’s).
I realize that we may not be able to avoid this group of chemical substances, but it’s important to learn where they’re found so that we can confidently can make safer choices for our families.
Chlorinated Flame Retardants (CFR)
Restrictions on the use of brominated flame retardants (PBDEs) has resulted within the increased use of alternate flame retardant chemical compounds to meet flammability standards. Some from the most commonly substituted alternatives are CFR’s, often called the “Chlorinated Tris.” The flame retardants TDCP (Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate) and TCEP (Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate) are routinely bonded into the materials of baby products, furniture and many other household items.
CFR’s Hiding Places
Just think foam – foam cushions,
Purchase Windows 7, foam filled pillows, foam-padded strollers and cars – and you’re searching CFR’s right inside face. Many plastics used in electronics are also woven together with this group of chemical substances (yet some other great reason to avoid PVC,
Microsoft Office 2010 Home And Student!).
TDCP is the main flame retardant utilized in automotive foam and foam-padded furniture such as couches,
Microsoft Office Pro 2007, chairs, and sofa beds
TDCP is also used in baby gear including strollers, nursing pillows and rocking chair foam (although it was banned for use in kid’s sleepwear in 1977)
TCEP is used in furniture foam, PVC plastic (vinyl), home electronics (including televisions and computers), adhesives, upholstery, carpet backings, rubber, paints and varnishes
Specific Health Concerns Caused by Over-exposure
As with brominated flame retardant chemicals, overexposure leads to bio-accumulation which may cause long-term health damage. Studies have linked TDCP and TCEP to cancer and have been found to harm the liver, kidney, brain and testes. CFR’s were banned in kid’s pajamas when the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) determined to them be a probable human carcinogen. TCEP, a similarly structured chemical, also causes cancer, neurological and reproductive harm in laboratory animals.
Because so many household products contain CFR’s, the unbound chemical compounds slough off and accumulate in household dust causing higher exposure and increased indoor air pollution. The sad fact is that between 10 and 50 million pounds of TDCP were imported or produced inside Usa in 2006 and demand is anticipated to increase.
CFR’s have been routinely found in:
Breast milk
Body fat
Fish and sea life- tissue of whales, seals, mussels and dozens of freshwater and marine fish
Wildlife, water and sediments of rivers- birds/eggs, moose
Sewage Sludge
It’s Time We Demand Change
In November 2010, 145 scientists in 22 countries issued the first-ever consensus statement documenting health hazards from flame retardant chemicals which was published with the open academic journal Environmental Health Perspectives. The scientists stated that many different types of brominated and chlorinated flame retardants have been incorporated into products even though comprehensive toxicological information is lacking. They recommended that improvements be made to the availability of and access to information on flame retardants while in the product supply chain and throughout each product’s life cycle because consumers can play a role in the adoption of alternatives to harmful flame retardants if they are made aware with the presence for the substances, for example, through product labeling.
I agree, so let’s get educated and start advocating for change!
Stay Tuned for More in this Series
Part 3: the safer choice while in the long run, Non-halogenated
Aspect 4: health concerns related to over exposure, resulting in bio-accumulation
Piece five: how to reduce exposure and safer means of fire-proofing products
Aspect 6: companies/products using safer flame retardants (as well as products typically made without them)
>> READ the Flame Retardant Series Introduction HERE and Portion 1, Brominated Fire Retardants HERE.
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