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Chemical Update: Chlorinated Tris
Healthy_Child
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
What do everyday household items like couches, armchairs, wall paint, baby carriers, wall hangings, and mattresses have in common? The answer is that they are all laced with a group of flame-retardants known as Chlorinated Tris. Once removed from children’s pajamas 30 years ago due to its toxicity, Chlorinated Tris is used with increasing regularity in many popular products, though it goes undisclosed by manufacturers.
The chemical is one of the three most commonly used flame-retardants and is believed to be harmful by several international health and regulatory agencies, including the National Cancer Institute, the World Health Organization and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Additionally, one program within the US Environmental Protection Agency has identified the chemical as a cancer hazard and notes that it caused reproductive problems, developmental defects, anemia, liver failure and eye and skin irritation in laboratory animals.
Here are some simple steps you can take to limit your exposure:
- Buy Smart. Our consumer-driven society constantly tells us buy, buy buy, without informing us how our purchases are made or how they affect our health. The Healthy Child Marketplace offers alternatives to everyday products for baby care, non-toxic household cleaners, sustainable furniture, natural beauty projects, and much more.
- Be Informed. Make sure you know how chemicals are being used to better avoid them when purchasing new products. As the outcry for more protective legislation continues, Healthy Child will continue to publish the most up-to-date legislative action on these issues.
- Buy Local. Some research shows PentaBDE, one of the more toxic forms of PBDE that has been banned in the EU and phased out in the US, is still being produced in China, so furnishings imported from there could be contaminated.
- Choose Zero-VOC or Low-VOC Latex Paints and Stains. Zero or Low-VOC latex (water-based) paints are the healthiest choices for home. We recommend Safecoat or BioShield.
- Avoid Using Vinyl (PVC). Stay away from plastic roller shades and wallpaper, which frequently use vinyl (PVC). Additionally, make sure to clean the window coverings as often as possible to avoid dust build-up.
For the science sleuth in you, consult these resources to learn more:
- For a Q&A about Chlorinated Tris, consult Hard to Detect, Hard to Test
- Check out why Chlorinated Tris is one reason the Environmental Working Group advocates for The Kids Safe Chemicals Act.
- Learn about other flame retardants that are present in your everyday home products.
In addition to the information listed above, consult our new book for a more in-depth look at sustainable living strategies and alternative product ideas.
