Does replacing old flame-retardant furniture lower exposure?

What is actually in it

Older upholstered furniture can be a major source of flame retardants in house dust. This includes chemicals like PBDEs and organophosphate flame retardants.

California updated its furniture flammability standard so companies could meet the rule without adding flame retardant chemicals. That matters because old foam can keep shedding chemicals for years.

What the research says

A 2026 Environmental Pollution study followed people who replaced furniture foam or upholstered furniture made after the policy change.

For several PBDEs, the time to decline by half was shorter in the furniture replacement group than in the comparison group. The authors concluded that updated flammability standards can reduce flame retardant exposures.

What to do instead

Replace old foam furniture when it is practical, especially torn couches or items that shed dust. Look for furniture labeled as made without added flame retardants. Use cotton, linen, or washable covers as a short-term dust barrier, and HEPA vacuum often.