How dangerous can 12 seconds be? In the case of California’s 12-second rule, it can be pretty toxic.
California requires that furniture be able to withstand a candle flame for 12 seconds without igniting. Because California’s market is so big, most manufacturers build furniture to pass the 12-second rule.
No study has ever proven the 12-second rule makes furniture safer—but it does fill our homes with toxic flame retardants linked to a host of ailments. Just how serious is the problem? Sightline’s newest infographic makes the case. (Download here.)
Special thanks to intern Valerie Pacino for her excellent work on the topic, and webmaster Christine Winckler for impeccable design skills.
Read more about toxic couches:
Maybe you should just not light your furniture on fire. Duh!