WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is weighing in on the furniture flammability issue, announcing last week that it will begin risk assessments on 20 flame retardants in addition to other chemicals as part of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

The TSCA Work Plan identifies commonly used chemicals for risk assessment. Factors used in determining chemical assessment include: children’s health risks; neurotoxic effects; persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT); probable or known carcinogens; used in children’s products; and detected in biomonitoring programs.

Of the 20 flame retardant chemicals under evaluation, EPA said it will conduct full risk assessments on four groups: 2-Ethylhexyl ester 2,3,4,5- tetrabromobenzoate (TBB); 1,2- Ethylhexyl 3,4,5,6-tetrabromo-benzenedicarboxylate or (2-ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6 tetrabromophthalate (TBPH); Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP); and Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). Eight additional flame retardants with similar characteristics also will be assessed.

TCEP is a part of the “chlorinated members of the halogenated phosphate esters group” which also includes the already listed chlorinated tris, known as TDCPP. Commonly used as a flame retardant in upholstered furniture and baby products, TDCPP has been linked to higher risks of cancer, infertility and lower IQs in children.

“EPA is committed to more fully understanding the potential risks of flame retardant chemicals, taking action if warranted, and identifying safer substitutes when possible,” James J. Jones, acting assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention said in a statement. “Though [the] announcement represents a significant step forward on chemical safety, it’s important to remember that TSCA, this country’s chemicals management legislation, remains in dire need of reform in order to ensure that all Americans are protected from toxic chemicals in their environment.”

During its data review process, the organization also said it has identified approximately 50 flame retardant chemicals that are “unlikely to pose a risk to human health, making them possible substitute for more toxic flame retardant chemicals.”

EPA’s announcement on March 27 follows news that nearly a dozen states, including New York and California, are considering legislation that would ban certain flame retardant chemicals from furniture use. Since 2011, California has required a warning label on all upholstered furniture and baby products containing TDCPP, which is on its Proposition 65 list of harmful chemicals.

Other states such as Illinois are taking a “wait and see” stance on the issue; on March 20 a House committee rejected a measure that would have banned upholstered furniture and baby products incorporating TDCPP.

Click here to read a list a full list of the chemicals announced by EPA for further assessment.