If you’re like us, the couch is a central part of your at-home time. Whether we’re sitting down to watch TV, read a good book or get a little work done, we spend many hours on the trusty piece of furniture. But could our couch be a source of cancer? Susan Kasper, Ph.D. and associate professor at the University of Cincinnati, says yes.
Since 2008, Kasper has been studying the effects of Firemaster 550, a common flame-retardant chemical used in couches, on human prostate cancer cells.
What did she discover? Here’s the four findings you need to know:
- Firemaster 550 is a flame retardant mixture that used to be the second most-common retardant in polyurethane foam in the U.S.
- Flame retardants can be absorbed and stored in fatty tissues.
- Dr. Kasper’s research indicates flame retardants, like this one, can affect the development and function of the male reproductive system.
- Firemaster 550 components are capable of stimulating the rapid expansion of prostate cancer stem cells.
Don’t throw out your couch just yet. You can reduce your exposure with a little spring cleaning. According to The Dr. Oz Show, flame retardants become dangerous when they settle in household dust, so frequent dusting with a damp cloth should reduce your chemical exposure.
