Why is Phthalate In Futon Frames?

What Is Phthalate?

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break and are commonly referred to as plasticizers. Polyvinyl chloride is made softer and more flexible by the addition of phthalates. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Food and Drug Administration have released warnings on the health risks from prolonged exposure to phthalates. Some types of phthalates have affected the reproductive system of laboratory animals, but more research may be needed to assess the full effects of exposure to phthalates on human health.

Where Is Phthalate Found?

While biomonitoring data can also help scientists plan, conduct research on exposure, and advise consumers on the health effects of phthalate, we believe that furniture made with these sorts of chemicals such as phthalate is best kept out of your home. The general population is unaware of the amount of chemical exposure they are subject too depending on the products they purchase. We have included our line of modern sofa bed sectionals made without the use of phthalate because we believe every family has the right to know how to live a healthy life with less chemical exposure.

What Affect Does Phthalate Have on My Health?

Tests have been performed that indicate that inside most homes today can usually be found traces of more than 60 toxic chemicals. These chemicals interfere with hormones; can be linked to behavior problems in children, obesity, diabetes and cancers. The hormone disruptors are in house dust, from your furniture and carpets, air, and chemicals inside plastics and household cleaners. Antique furniture and old homes are full of lead paint. Mercury in antique clocks, and lamp bases, reflective mirrors even thermometers can leach mercury. If you inhale mercury, long-term exposure can lead to insomnia, memory loss, headaches as well. Shower curtains, plastic forks and spoons, table clothes and generally plastic coverings can hold Phthalates, a hidden toxin. These to are hormone disruptors, especially dangerous to pregnant woman and children. These phthalates have also been linked to low sperm count in males. Imagine what your memory foam mattress is leaching out into the air.

There are toxic Phthalates in furniture glues and stains. So always purchase low VOC paints and furniture finished with hand rubbed oil finishes or low VOC stains and lacquers. We cannot protect ourselves from everything, but we can be mindful of the dangers that lurk inside furniture and mattresses that can play a part in our future health and wellbeing.

Additional Resources

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Public Health Statement for Di-n-butyl Phthalate

Public Health Statement for Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)

Public Health Statement for Diethyl Phthalate

Everything You Need To Know About Futons