So what is the problem with the flame retardants in our sofa and our insulation? Why do we want to get rid of plastic foam in our buildings? Flame retardants are supposed to do what their name says, namely retard fire. They do, to a degree; they were legislated into our sofas and mattresses in an era when a lot more people smoked, and they were designed to prevent smouldering cigarettes from starting fires. Once the fire gets going, they are deadly.Paula Melton at BuildingGreen points to a study by Susan Saw of the Marine Environmental Research Institute. Dr. Shaw explains in a press release:
Our study provides clear evidence that firefighters are exposed to high levels of cancer-causing chemicals including brominated flame retardants and their combustion by-products ? dioxins and furans ? that are formed during fires by the burning of flame-retarded foam furniture, televisions, computers and building materials. Firefighters have much higher levels and different patterns of these chemicals in their blood than the general population. There is no doubt that firefighting is a dangerous occupation. What we have shown here points to the possible link between firefighting and cancer.
The study itself is behind the usual paywall, but the key points are summarized. Doctor Shaw concludes: "The findings of this pilot study indicate that firefighters are at risk for cancer and serious health effects from their occupational exposure."
Given that the stuff doesn't effectively stop fires, and is as harmful to the homeowners as it is to the firefighters, why is it still in so many things? Why do people buy them?
Citizens for Fire Safety/Promo image
For one thing, the lobby groups are really rich and powerful, including the Bromine Science and Environmental Forum, (funded by Albemarle Corporation, ICL Industrial Products, Chemtura and Tosoh Corporation.) and the astroturfing Citizens for Fire Safety, (funded by Albemarle Corporation, Chemtura Corporation and ICL Industrial Products).
There are so many issues here. I wrote earlier:
The fire risk has been decreasing steadily with the decline in the number of smokers; the bromine industry is huge and they don't want to lose their market; the sofas are made primarily of polyurethane foam, a huge part of the chemical industry. If people were willing to invest in decent furniture that was made from natural materials like wool and cotton, which are far less toxic when they burn, there would be less of a problem. If the building industry would stop fighting the idea of sprinklers, there would be no problem at all.
Read more at BuildingGreen
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