[Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate, TDCPP, or TDCIPP]
Why am I being warned about potential exposure to chlorinated tris?
- Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (also known as chlorinated tris, TDCPP, or TDCIPP) is on the Proposition 65 list because it can cause cancer.
- Exposure to chlorinated tris may increase the risk of cancer.
- Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about significant exposure to listed chemicals.
What is chlorinated tris?
- Chlorinated tris is a chemical flame retardant that has been used in consumer products to reduce their flammability.
- Studies show that compliance with California upholstery flammability standards is widely achieved without the use of chemical flame retardants.
- As of 2020, California has banned the sale and distribution of new upholstered furniture, replacement components of reupholstered furniture, foam in mattresses, and certain children’s products made for residential use if these products contain more than 0.1% of certain flame retardant chemicals, including chlorinated tris.
- Some consumer products on the market may still contain chlorinated tris.
How does exposure to chlorinated tris occur?
- Chlorinated tris can be gradually released from treated products into indoor environments, including houses, schools, day care centers, offices, and vehicles. Sources may include:
- Motor vehicle seats and child safety seats; carpet padding; and gymnastic equipment treated with or otherwise containing chlorinated tris.
- Camping tents and other textile products such as draperies treated with chlorinated tris.
- Other products sold in California before 2020 that were made with polyurethane foam and treated with chlorinated tris. These include some upholstered furniture and children’s products (including some bassinets, booster seats, infant carriers, nap mats, nursing pillows, playpens, and strollers).
- Once chlorinated tris is released from products, it is present on floors, furniture, and other surfaces, and in air and dust.
- In environments with items treated with chlorinated tris, infants and young children may be exposed to higher levels of the chemical in air and dust, and on surfaces. This is because they often crawl and play on the floor, getting more dust on their hands, and putting their fingers, toys, and other objects in their mouths.
Some ways you can be exposed to chlorinated tris:
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How can I reduce my exposure to chlorinated tris?
- Try to avoid products, especially those for children, labeled as containing chemical flame retardants.
- Replace upholstered furniture, children’s products and other products that have exposed or crumbling polyurethane foam.
- Consider replacing older products made with polyurethane foam that may contain chlorinated tris.
- When selecting products such as child safety seats or carpet padding that may still be sold with chemical flame retardants, consider products made with untreated polyurethane foam or untreated cotton, wool, or natural latex.
- For upholstered furniture products:
- Look for the TB 117-2013 label required by California law. If the label says “contain[s] NO added flame retardant chemicals,” the product does not contain significant levels of flame retardants.
- If you do not see a TB 117-2013 label, ask if flame retardants have been added to the product.
- Also look for the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission label that states “complies with U.S. CPSC requirements for upholstered furniture flammability.” This indicates compliance with California’s existing TB117-2013 flammability requirements.
- If you install new carpet, avoid using padding made from scrap polyurethane foam.
- Minimize your exposure to dust, which can contain chlorinated tris.
- Wash your and your child’s hands frequently, especially before preparing food and before eating.
- Clean your floors regularly, using a wet mop, or a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, if possible.
- Wipe up dust regularly, using a damp cloth.
For more information:
General Fact Sheets and Resources
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) - Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
- California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)
- US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Scientific Information on Chlorinated Tris
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) - Biomonitoring California
Proposition 65
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets
