Do flame retardants in new furniture pose a risk to indoor air quality?

What's actually in it

Many pieces of furniture contain organophosphate ester flame retardants and plasticizers. These chemicals are added to foam and fabrics to slow down fire. However, they don't stay inside the furniture. They leach out over time and settle into your house dust.

Because these chemicals are semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), they constantly move from your furniture into the air and onto surfaces. According to a 2026 study in J Hazard Mater, these substances are a priority for risk screening in residential environments because they are so common in our living spaces.

What the research says

The science is clear: these chemicals are not just sitting in your couch. A 2026 study in J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol examined the Canadian CHILD Birth Cohort and found a link between these flame retardants in house dust and specific behavioral outcomes in children.

The risks extend beyond just behavioral impacts. A 2026 study in Environ Res highlights that exposure to indoor air pollution during pregnancy is tied to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in children. While this research covers broader air quality issues, it confirms that the quality of the air inside your home is a critical factor for long-term health.

When you bring new furniture into your home, you are often bringing in a source of these persistent chemicals. research continues to show that the dust in your home acts as a reservoir for these substances, making it harder to avoid exposure once they are present.