Scientists Discover Previously Unrecognized Flame Retardant in Americans: TCEP

It turns out that chemicals may not only be in our environment--but also in our bodies. Scientists have discovered that several toxic flame retardants, called TCEP, can be found within Americans. The new findings reveal the importance of regulating this class of flame retardants.

"We found that several toxic flame retardants are in people's bodies," said Robin Dodson, the lead author of the new study. "When you sit on your couch, you want to relax, not get exposed to chemicals that may cause cancer. Some flame retardants have been targeted for phase out, but unfortunately there are others that have largely been under the radar."

A lot of products possess flame retardants, such as furniture. More than half a million pounds of TCEP are produced every year for use in polyuetherane foam, plastics, polyester resins and textiles. Fortunately, there are now several options for furniture without flame retardants since the State of California recently revised its flammability standard.

In this recent study, scientists detected the chemical TCEP (tris-(2-chloroethyl) phosphate), which is a carcinogen that can harm people's nervous and reproductive systems.  In fact, the scientists detected the biomarkers for the chemical in the urine of 75 percent of the people tested. More interesting was the fact that people with the highest level of TCEP and TDCIPP, another carcinogenic chemical similar to TCEP, metabolites in their urine lived in homes that had the highest quantity of the respective chemical in dust.

"This study provides more evidence that our homes are a primary source of exposure to toxic flame retardants," said Julia Brody, one of the researchers, in a news release.

The findings add to previous analysis of flame retardants in dust samples. More specifically, it highlights the importance of regulating flame retardants in products that are used in our homes.

The findings are published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.