# Chemical Furniture Retailers Taking Steps Towards Safer Choices - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/03/chemical-furniture-retailers-phase-out-toxic-flame-retardant-chemicals-brings-safer-choices/ - Published: 2015-03-03T02:38:39-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy Let’s talk chemical furniture retailers. For I  recent years, there has been a growing concern. That’s especially about the presence of toxic flame retardant chemicals in furniture. These chemical furniture retailers have been selling us things with various health issues. For that’s including cancer and developmental disabilities in children. Public health advocates have long been urging furniture retailers to eliminate these harmful substances. Especially from their products and provide better disclosure to consumers. ## The Slow Phase-Out of Toxic Flame Retardants from Chemical Furniture Retailers Several of the nation’s largest chemical furniture retailers have taken steps to phase out furniture containing [toxic flame retardants](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/03/macys-plans-to-ensure-its-furniture-is-free-of-flame-retardants/). One such retailer is Ashley Furniture. They are also the largest furniture retailer and manufacturer in the country. While Ashley Furniture has announced its intention to eliminate these products. Yet it has not publicly disclosed a specific timeline for this phase-out process. ![Chemical furniture retailers](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1681418076877- e84ba89713a4?ixlib=rb-4.0.3&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1yZWxhdGVkfDV8fHxlbnwwfHx8fHw% 3D&w=1000&q=80) Image Source: Unsplash Public health advocates, such as Mike Schade, the campaign director for Safer Chemicals, [Healthy Families’ Mind the Store campaign](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/healthy-campbells-campaign-remove-bpa-soup/). He did applaud the efforts of retailers like Ashley Furniture but emphasized the need for clear timelines. They believe that customers have the right to know. Especially what they are buying and when these chemicals will be completely phased out. ## The Need for Safer Choices from Chemical Furniture Retailers For years, consumers had limited options. Especially when it came to purchasing furniture without toxic flame retardants. However, the tide is slowly changing. That’s as more retailers recognize the unnecessary nature of these chemicals.  Moreover and the potential harm they pose to human health and the environment. Eliminating toxic flame retardant chemicals not only makes our homes safer. However, it also improves our overall health. The industry is gradually responding to consumer demands. Yet the progress varies among retailers. Advocates urge other leading furniture retailers to adopt policies. Most importantly with clear timeframes.  That’s for phasing out these unnecessary and dangerous chemicals. ## The Impact of Toxic Flame Retardants from Chemical Furniture Retailers To understand the urgency behind eliminating toxic flame retardants, it’s important to grasp the potential consequences of their presence in furniture. These chemicals have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, learning disabilities, and developmental disorders in children. Additionally, they do not provide any significant fire safety benefits as claimed by the chemical industry. For years, consumers unknowingly exposed themselves and their families to these harmful chemicals when purchasing foam-padded furniture. However, with the recent push for safer choices, big retailers like Ashley Furniture have started to recognize the need for change. ## Ashley Furniture’s Commitment to Safer Products Ashley [furniture](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/prius-sells-like-hotcakes-in-california/), in particular, has acknowledged that toxic flame retardant chemicals are unnecessary and has committed to manufacturing and selling furniture products that meet the new California flammability standards. These standards prioritize safety while eliminating the need for harmful chemicals. While this commitment is commendable, advocates stress the importance of transparency. Customers have the right to know precisely what they are purchasing and when these chemicals will be completely phased out from the furniture foam and fabrics. ## Urging Other Retailers to Follow Suit from Chemical Furniture Retailers The steps taken by Ashley Furniture are a positive sign, but the fight against toxic flame retardants is far from over. Advocates are urging other leading furniture retailers to join the cause and adopt similar policies with clear timeframes for eliminating these harmful chemicals. By working collectively, the industry can make significant strides in providing safer furniture options to consumers. Customers deserve to have confidence in the products they bring into their homes, knowing that they are free from unnecessary and dangerous substances. ## The Path Towards Safer Homes The elimination of toxic flame retardant chemicals from furniture is a critical step in creating safer homes. It not only protects consumers from potential health risks but also promotes a healthier environment for all. As the industry responds to consumer demands, it is crucial for retailers to prioritize transparency and provide clear timelines for the phase-out process. This will empower customers to make informed choices and encourage other retailers to follow suit. By adopting policies that prioritize the well-being of their customers, furniture retailers can contribute to a safer and healthier future for everyone. --- _Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. It is always recommended to consult with experts or professionals in the field for specific guidance._ For the entire release, please visit [Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families](https://saferchemicals.org/2015/01/23/furniture-retailer-phase-out-of-toxic-flame-retardant-chemicals-brings-safer-choices/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)