Can the flame retardant TDCIPP in couches and nursing pillows cause miscarriage?

What's actually in it

TDCIPP (tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate) is a flame retardant used in polyurethane foam. That foam is inside your couch cushions, nursing pillows, car seats, and mattress pads. TDCIPP doesn't stay locked in the foam. It migrates into house dust, where you and your family breathe it in and ingest it daily. Pregnant women are exposed through the same everyday activities everyone does: sitting on the couch, lying in bed, and breathing indoor air.

What the research says

A 2026 study in J Hazard Mater investigated how TDCIPP affects the decidua, the specialized lining of the uterus that supports early pregnancy. The researchers found that TDCIPP disrupted decidual macrophages, immune cells that play a critical role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

TDCIPP triggered a type of cell death called ferroptosis, where iron builds up inside cells and destroys them from within. The dying macrophages released signals that damaged the surrounding uterine tissue and caused DNA damage in nearby cells. This cascade of destruction destabilized the uterine lining enough to cause miscarriage in the study.

The scary part: TDCIPP is one of the most commonly detected flame retardants in house dust. Nearly everyone has measurable levels in their body. Pregnant women spending time on foam furniture or in rooms with treated products get a steady dose.

When shopping for nursery items, look for products labeled flame-retardant-free. Many baby brands now sell foam-free or naturally fire-resistant options. Vacuuming regularly with a HEPA filter also helps reduce dust exposure.