Is it safe to keep flame-retardant furniture after California updated standards?

What's actually in it

California's TB 117-2013 standard replaced the older requirement that pushed flame retardants into furniture. Furniture made after 2014 to the new standard typically has no added flame retardants. Older furniture (pre-2014) usually contains PBDEs, Firemaster 550, and TDCIPP, which continue off-gassing for the life of the product.

A recent flame retardant body burden study mapped what happens when households replace their old furniture.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environ Pollut measured flame retardant biomarker changes with furniture replacement after flammability standard update. Households that replaced old furniture with post-2014 compliant products showed measurable reductions in flame retardant biomarkers over months to years. The effect was meaningful.

For prioritizing furniture replacement: bedroom mattresses and couches first, because these are where people spend the most hours. Look for "TB 117-2013" compliance without added flame retardants. Brands like IKEA, Crate & Barrel, West Elm explicitly certify flame-retardant-free. For an existing older couch, a washable cotton or canvas slipcover reduces direct skin contact with the treated foam. HEPA vacuuming weekly lowers the dust-borne flame retardants.