Is it safe for kids to live with older carpet and flame-retardant furniture?

What's actually in it

Older carpet padding, foam furniture, and some treated textiles can contain organophosphate ester flame retardants. These chemicals can leave the product and settle into house dust.

Kids are closer to the floor. They crawl, play, touch dusty surfaces, and put hands or toys in their mouths.

What the research says

A 2026 study in J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol used data from 601 children in the Canadian CHILD Birth Cohort. Researchers measured organophosphate esters in house dust when babies were 3 to 4 months old, then compared those levels with Child Behavior Checklist scores at age 5.

Higher dust levels of TCEP were linked with higher odds of clinically relevant total and externalizing behavior scores. A Firemaster 550 component was linked with higher odds of internalizing scores.

What to do at home

Use a HEPA vacuum and damp mop often. Wash hands before meals and snacks. Keep shoes at the door.

When replacing old rugs, throws, or soft goods, look for wool, organic cotton, solid wood, or untreated materials. Avoid older foam items with torn covers, since exposed foam can shed more dust.