Flame-Retardant Furniture Foam
Moderate burden — Flame-Retardant Furniture Foam adds a moderate, reducible exposure.
Older upholstered sofas and chairs with FR foam.
The breakdown
Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)
Evidence strength: strong · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.
What this means for you
A Detox Score of 44 places flame-retardant furniture foam in the Moderate band. The persistence rating is the standout concern here — these compounds linger in the body and environment for years. Older upholstered foam often contains persistent flame retardants that migrate into house dust. Newer 'no added flame retardants' labelling avoids them.
Frequently asked questions
Is flame-retardant furniture foam a toxic exposure?
Flame-Retardant Furniture Foam has a Detox Score of 44 out of 100 (Moderate burden), which means it adds a moderate, reducible exposure. Older upholstered foam often contains persistent flame retardants that migrate into house dust. Newer 'no added flame retardants' labelling avoids them.
What is a safer alternative to flame-retardant furniture foam?
A lower-exposure swap for flame-retardant furniture foam is: Furniture labelled free of added flame retardants (TB117-2013). Older upholstered foam often contains persistent flame retardants that migrate into house dust. Newer 'no added flame retardants' labelling avoids them.