Foam contains toxic chemicals
The list of things that can kill you just got scarier. A new study says your couch can kill you.
A study done by Duke University and UC-Berkeley says the foam in sofas made within the last five years contain flame retardant chemicals that are toxic. The study found 94% of couches five years old and newer contained such chemicals as chlorinated Tris and pentaBDE.
The flame retardants have been added to the foam to mean stringent guildlines imposed in California that require materials used in couches to withstand 12-seconds of contact with an open flame before catching fire.
Houston toxic chemical expert Dr. Al Johnson says the chemicals can easily be absorbed through the skin or into our lungs in the form of house dust.
The American Home Furnishings Association says the study is too vague and does not link the chemicals to any human health problems.
