6 Ways to Make Sure You're Buying a Sofa Without Toxic Flame-Retardant Chemicals

We've known for several years now that the flame-retardant chemicals put in sofas since the 1970s are extremely dangerous to humans, especially children. To catch you up, a shocking 2012 Chicago Tribune investigation found these sinister chemicals are not only linked to cancer, but they're also ineffective at preventing burning. In short, there's absolutely no reason to have them on your furniture.

So where does that leave you when buying a sofa today? A recent policy change has made it so that sofas can meet fire safety codes without flame-retardant chemicals, but it doesn't ban their use. While many reputable furniture manufacturers have voluntarily stopped using flame retardants, it's up to you to take a proactive approach when furniture shopping to ensure you're getting a sofa without toxic chemicals in it.

Here's what to do to make sure you're getting a safe sofa for your home.

Furniture made before the new fire safety standard was enacted is significantly more likely to be filled with flame-retardant chemicals. Unless you know for sure that the manufacturer did not use them, it's best to avoid older furniture. Also be cautious when shopping floor samples and clearance furniture, as it may be a deceptively old product made under pre-2013 guidelines.

This label demonstrates that the furniture was made after the new policy went into effect. While this in and of itself does not ensure that dangerous flame retardants weren't used, these labels are often also accompanied by a tag that will state whether or not the product contains added flame-retardant chemicals. If it states that none were added, you're in the clear. If buying a custom upholstered sofa, take extra steps to ensure that not only the materials used to make the sofa but also the fabric you're choosing is free of toxic chemicals.

If the TB 117-2013 label doesn't explicitly state whether or not flame-retardant chemicals were used or there is no label listing what the sofa is made of, don't hesitate to reach out and ask the manufacturer directly.

If you want the affordability of secondhand furniture and are therefore looking at pieces manufactured before 2013, avoid sofas with foam filling since the cushions are where the flame retardant is added. Look for polyester or wool filling instead, or shop for pieces without any cushion filling, such as wicker furniture.

If buying a brand-new sofa isn't an option, you can mitigate the harm by replacing the most toxic part of the sofa: the cushions.

In light of the scary effects of flame retardants, a growing number of manufacturers have decided to remove them from their furniture altogether. This includes Crate and Barrel (and its affiliates CB2 and The Land of Nod), Ikea, Ashley Furniture, Broyhill, and La-Z-Boy. For a more complete list, visit the Center For Environmental Health's website.