Flame-retardant chemicals in sofas, mattresses, and curtains may do more harm than good, according to scientists who warn that UK furniture contains more of these toxic substances than anywhere else in the world. The chemicals, linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and reduced IQ, have been required since the 1980s despite no clear evidence they save lives. Meanwhile, gas cooking, cleaning sprays, non-stick pans, and plastic containers add to the cocktail of indoor pollutants that affect respiratory and cardiovascular health, cognition, and even dementia risk.
Indoor air pollution from burning and cooking
“We spend 80-90% of our time indoors,” says Prof Francis Pope, chair of atmospheric science at the University of Birmingham. “And there is potential to have quite high concentrations of pollution indoors. This affects your respiratory and cardiovascular systems; certain components are carcinogenic, and there’s a growing body of evidence that air pollution affects cognition.” Prof Frank Kelly of Imperial College London adds that gas cooking produces nitrogen dioxide and tiny PM2.5 particles that can reach the brain. “Our nose and throat are really good at blocking out bigger particles, but these small ones can get all the way down into your lungs,” explains Nicola Carslaw, professor in indoor air chemistry at the University of York.
The solution is simple: open windows whenever possible, burn as little as possible indoors, use extractor fans during cooking, and clean or replace filters regularly. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters help reduce PM2.5 and PM10 particles.
Flame retardants in furniture and bedding
Dr Joanna Cloy, who leads the Scottish anti-pollution charity Fidra’s flame retardants project, states: “There’s no evidence that our outdated regulations have saved more lives in the UK, and these chemicals can actually make smoke more toxic while a fire smoulders. Firefighters are developing cancer from exposure to it.” Prof Miriam L Diamond at the University of Toronto adds that “evidence has mounted for health effects that could be caused by flame retardants, including everything from endocrine disruption to reduced IQ.” Her lab found flame retardants and plasticisers in children’s mattresses, and when simulating a child bouncing on the bed, “it accelerated the release of the chemicals”.
To reduce exposure, choose products made with naturally fire-retardant materials like wool, cotton, leather, or solid wood, or buy secondhand furniture made before 1988. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, damp dust regularly, and consider replacing foam in cushions. Look for Oeko-Tex, Greenguard Gold, Global Organic Textile Standard, or Global Organic Latex Standard certifications, which ban chemical flame retardants.
Cleaning products and personal care
Many cleaning and personal care products release volatile organic compounds (Vocs) that react with indoor ozone to form ultrafine particles or formaldehyde. “A lot of ‘natural’ cleaning products are full of Vocs,” says Carslaw. Plug-in air fresheners, essential oils, and fragrance sticks constantly release volatiles. Prof Kelly notes that “there’s no understanding of what these products do to us because there is no requirement for them to be tested from a health point of view.” For babies, whose breathing zone is close to the floor, opening windows is especially important.
The solution: avoid spraying products. Dab on perfumes, avoid aerosols, and buy unperfumed cleaners. Tip liquid cleaner onto a cloth instead of spraying, and open windows after cleaning.
Antibacterials
Antibacterial cleaning products rose 40-60% during the pandemic, but they aren’t safer or more effective than soap and water. “Using them to clean our homes and ourselves is a very stupid, ill-advised use of antimicrobials,” says Diamond. “It means our children and grandchildren may not have access to antibiotics.”
Stick to soap and water. Avoid quaternary ammonium compounds; use ethanol-based hand sanitisers. For surfaces, a solution of water and 3% hydrogen peroxide works without causing antimicrobial resistance.
Vinyl flooring
Plasticisers in vinyl flooring leach into dust and are inhaled or absorbed through skin. “Many studies show that if you have a vinyl floor, the plasticiser that comes off it will be absorbed into dust and then inhaled,” says toxicologist Paul Scheepers of Radboud University. “If you have small children crawling on the floor, they pick up more by hand to mouth contact than adults.”
Wet mop vinyl floors rather than vacuuming to reduce dust. When replacing flooring, choose materials low in Vocs.
Pots and pans
Non-stick coatings contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas), “forever chemicals” that persist in the body and environment. According to the European Environment Agency, Pfas hurt young children and the elderly most, and high exposure during pregnancy can cause slower foetal development and lower birth weight. Pfas are linked to testicular, breast, and kidney cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, raised cholesterol, and obesity. In April this year, UK MPs called for a complete ban on all non-essential Pfas.
Avoid using metal spatulas on non-stick pans, as they accelerate coating release. Don’t use scratched pans. Switch to cast-iron or steel cookware and use wooden or metal utensils.
Bottles, cans, and storage boxes
Bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols are banned in food-contact plastics in the EU but still allowed in the UK for storage boxes, can linings, and reusable bottles. “Bisphenols are part of the chemical structure of the plastic, so they are not released very easily,” says Scheepers. “They’re released if you heat them up, mainly by putting them in a microwave.”
Look for polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) containers marked “microwave safe”; otherwise, decant into glass or ceramic before microwaving.
Mould
Mould releases mycotoxins that can cause allergic reactions and irritate lungs, especially in vulnerable people. Prof Kelly’s WellHome Study in west London found damp in homes where people couldn’t dry clothes outside or open windows due to traffic pollution. Awaab’s Law now requires landlords to deal with mould quickly in rented housing.
Reduce mould by drying clothes outside, opening windows after showering and cooking, using extractor fans, or buying a dehumidifier.
