California has very strict regulations regarding flammability of items, such as couches and chairs. That leads to more flame retardant being added, which could be harmful. But some manufacturers do what they can to protect the people buying their product.
Camay Arad's store in Arroyo Grande, Chameleon Style, sells furniture of all kinds. Her products are required by California regulations to have a certain amount of fire retardant chemicals in the foam inside the furniture.
A recent survey tested over 100 couches made between 1998 and 2010. The survey found many flame retardant chemicals to be harmful to health, with one in particular listed as a carcinogen. Arad says the strict regulations from the state are burdensome.
"I think it adds undue cost to the product, undue regulations."
Even though there are concerns over the chemicals in the flame retardant foam, there are ways to make the foam have less impact.
"One of the ways we mitigate the impact of chemicals is we use an envelope system," says Arad. "The foam is on the inside," she says, referring to the flame retardant foam inside a down-feather casing.
Arad's business also has the option of making a piece of furniture organic. All natural fibers are used like hemp. No polyester or cotton blends are used. The purpose is to offset the dangers caused by the chemical-filled foam that all furniture must have.
Camay is hopeful the survey findings will help in relaxing the state's strict regulations.
"I think the customers should have the option of buying something natural," says Arad.
The American Chemistry Council, which represents flame retardant chemical makers, says the chemicals have been reviewed by regulators and found to be safe at the levels people are exposed to them.
