Is your sofa bad for your health? Sounds crazy but it may be true. Older cushion foam may contain fire retardant chemicals that can pose a risk to your family and pets.

Replacing an older cushion that may have fire retardant chemicals depends on a few factors. Fire retardant chemicals are often used in furniture and cushions to meet fire safety regulations. However, some of these chemicals can pose health and environmental risks over time. Here are some considerations to help you decide when to replace an older cushion that contain fire retardant chemicals:

1. Age of the Cushion: Fire retardant chemicals can break down over time, especially with exposure to sunlight, heat, and wear and tear. As cushions age, their fire resistance properties may degrade. If your cushion(s) are older that 2015 it might be a good idea to replace it, according to the Green Science Policy Institute.

2. Signs of Deterioration: If the cushion's fabric, foam, or cover is visibly deteriorating, it could be a sign that the cushion is breaking down. This can also indicate that the fire retardant chemicals may be degrading, which could potentially release harmful compounds into the air harming you, your family and your pets.

3. Health Concerns: Some fire retardant chemicals have been linked to health concerns, such as hormone disruption, respiratory issues, cancer, reduced IQ, reproductive and neurological impairments. If you have concerns about the health risks associated with these chemicals, you might consider replacing the cushion sooner rather than later.

4. Personal Sensitivity: If you or your family members are particularly sensitive to chemicals, odors, or allergens, you might want to replace the cushion earlier to avoid potential discomfort or health issues.

5. Regulatory Changes: Starting in 2020 a California law banned the sale of new upholstered furniture, juvenile products, and mattresses containing most flame retardant chemicals. Fire safety regulations and standards for furniture and cushions can change over time. If newer regulations require different or safer fire retardant materials, you might consider replacing your cushion to ensure compliance and safety.

6. Environmental Impact: Some fire retardant chemicals can be harmful to the environment. If you're concerned about the environmental impact of disposing of your old cushion, you might choose to replace it with an eco-friendly option.

7. When making the decision to replace an older cushion, it's a good idea to research safer and more eco-friendly cushion options that meet current fire safety standards. Look for cushions labeled as "flame-retardant-free" or those that use safer alternatives to traditional fire retardant chemicals. Always ensure that any new cushion you purchase complies with relevant fire safety regulations in your area.

8. What is the Flammability Standard TB117-2013: Implemented in 2015, TB117-2013 allows for safer, healthier furniture: Polyester- or wool-filled furniture is unlikely to contain added flame retardants. Now that manufacturers have adhered to TB117-2013, more furniture options without added flame retardants are available in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

9. What can we do? Besides looking fir the TB117-2013 label that states whether or not furniture contains added flame retardants, consider other materials such as wool, feather/down or polyester-fill, instead of foam. Purchasing furniture that is made with solid wood, wicker, rattan and bamboo will also reduce your exposure.

Ultimately, the decision to replace an older cushion depends on your comfort level with the risks, your health concerns, and your willingness to invest in a safer and potentially more sustainable option. The Green Science Policy Institute offers more information on Furniture without added Flame Retardants and more links to healthier alternatives.