Can flame retardants in furniture and electronics trigger allergies?

What's actually in it

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are added to couch cushions, mattresses, carpet padding, electronics, and some children's clothing to slow the spread of fire. Over time, these chemicals escape from the products and settle into household dust. You breathe them in and absorb them through your skin every day.

Common BFRs include PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) and their replacements. Even though some PBDEs have been phased out, they linger in older furniture that's still in use.

What the research says

A 2026 study using NHANES data looked at blood levels of brominated flame retardants in a nationally representative sample of Americans. The researchers compared those levels to allergy diagnoses and symptoms.

People with higher BFR levels in their blood were more likely to report allergies, including hay fever, skin rashes, and respiratory allergic reactions. The link held up even after accounting for age, weight, smoking, and other factors that affect allergy risk.

The connection makes biological sense. BFRs can disrupt the immune system by pushing it toward overreaction. That's exactly what an allergy is: your immune system attacking something harmless like pollen or pet dander.

Replacing old foam cushions, using a HEPA vacuum regularly, and washing hands before eating can help keep flame retardant dust out of your body. When buying new furniture, look for items that meet flammability standards without added chemical treatments.