Quick Answer: Dechlorane Plus (DP) is a chlorinated flame retardant that has been found in household dust, indoor air, and consumer products including mattress components. Canada added DP to its Chemicals Management Plan watchlist, and Health Canada is assessing its risks. Consumers can reduce exposure by choosing mattresses that use natural flame barriers like wool instead of chemical treatments.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 7 minutes
What Is Dechlorane Plus?
Dechlorane Plus (DP) is a synthetic chlorinated flame retardant that has been manufactured since the 1960s. It was developed as a replacement for the pesticide Mirex (which was banned in the 1970s) and has been used in wire coatings, electronics, and various consumer products to reduce flammability.
The concern with DP is that, like many persistent organic pollutants, it does not break down easily in the environment, it accumulates in biological tissue, and it has been detected in human blood, breast milk, and household dust around the world, including Canadian homes.
Where DP Has Been Found
Research by Environment and Climate Change Canada has detected Dechlorane Plus in Great Lakes sediment, Arctic air samples, and Canadian household dust. A study published in Environmental Science and Technology measured DP concentrations in indoor dust from Canadian homes, with higher levels found near manufacturing regions. The compound's persistence and bioaccumulation potential led the Stockholm Convention to consider it for listing as a persistent organic pollutant (POP). In 2023, the Conference of Parties to the Stockholm Convention listed DP for global elimination.
Why Flame Retardants Are Used in Mattresses
Mattresses must meet flammability standards to reduce fire risk. In Canada, mattresses are required to meet CAN/CGSB-4.2 No. 27.7 (an open flame test). In the U.S., the 16 CFR 1633 standard is more stringent.
To pass these tests, manufacturers need to slow the combustion of mattress materials (particularly polyurethane foam, which is highly flammable). There are two approaches:
Chemical Flame Retardants
Chemical treatments are added to foam, fabric, or barrier layers to inhibit combustion. These chemicals can include halogenated compounds (chlorine or bromine-based, like DP), phosphorus-based compounds, or antimony trioxide. Chemical treatments are effective and relatively inexpensive, which is why they have been the industry standard for decades.
Natural and Mechanical Barriers
Wool, silica-based fibres (like fibreglass), and inherently fire-resistant fabrics can create a physical barrier between an ignition source and the combustible foam core. These barrier systems achieve fire compliance without adding chemicals to the mattress.
Chemical vs. Natural Flame Barriers
- Chemical treatments: Less expensive, easy to apply, but introduce synthetic compounds into the sleep surface
- Wool barriers: Naturally flame-resistant, biodegradable, also regulates temperature and moisture. More expensive
- Silica fibre barriers: Effective fire barrier, but some cheaper versions use fibreglass which can cause skin irritation if the cover is damaged
- Inherently FR fabrics: Fabrics engineered to resist combustion without added chemicals. Mid-range cost
Health Concerns with Dechlorane Plus
The health concerns with DP mirror those of other persistent halogenated flame retardants that have already been restricted or banned.
What Research Shows
- Persistence: DP does not break down in the environment. It persists in soil, water, and air for years
- Bioaccumulation: DP accumulates in fatty tissue. It has been detected in fish, birds, and human blood samples
- Endocrine disruption: Animal studies suggest DP may interfere with thyroid hormone function, though human data is still limited
- Reproductive effects: Some animal studies have reported reproductive effects at high exposure levels
- Neurodevelopmental concerns: Like other halogenated flame retardants, there are concerns about effects on developing nervous systems
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Putting Risk in Context
It is important to be honest about what we know and do not know. The concentrations of DP found in household dust are typically low, and direct health effects at these levels have not been conclusively demonstrated in humans. The concern is chronic, low-level exposure over years, particularly for children, pregnant women, and people who spend more time in bed (like those with chronic illness). The precautionary principle suggests reducing exposure where practical alternatives exist, and in mattresses, natural flame barriers are a practical alternative.
Exposure Through Mattresses
You spend approximately 8 hours per night with your face inches from your mattress surface. During sleep, body heat warms the mattress, which can increase the off-gassing of volatile and semi-volatile compounds from the foam and fabric. Mattress dust (shed fibres, foam particles) becomes part of the household dust you breathe.
For children, who spend even more time in bed and have developing bodies, the exposure concern is proportionally greater. This is one reason many parents seek mattresses with natural flame barriers for cribs and children's beds.
Canadian Regulations and Status
Canada has been active in addressing DP, though regulation is still developing.
Current Status
- Chemicals Management Plan: Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada have assessed DP under the CMP and concluded it meets the criteria for persistence and bioaccumulation
- Stockholm Convention: DP was listed for global elimination under the Stockholm Convention in 2023. Canada, as a party to the convention, is obligated to implement measures to eliminate or restrict DP use
- Proposed regulations: Canada is developing regulations to prohibit the manufacture, use, sale, and import of DP and products containing it. The timeline for final regulations is still being determined
What This Means for Ontario Consumers
As Canada moves toward restricting DP, mattress manufacturers are transitioning to alternative flame barrier systems. This is good news for consumers. At Mattress Miracle in Brantford, the brands we carry (Restonic, Sleep In) use modern flame barrier technology. If you have specific concerns about flame retardant chemicals in your mattress, Brad and Dorothy can walk you through the materials used in each model we carry. Call (519) 770-0001 or visit us at 441 1/2 West Street.
Choosing Safer Mattresses
You do not need to wait for regulation changes to make informed choices about the mattresses in your home.
Look For These Certifications
Certifications That Address Flame Retardant Chemicals
- CertiPUR-US: Certifies that foam is made without PBDE flame retardants, heavy metals, and formaldehyde. Does not specifically address DP but covers many chemical concerns
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests for harmful substances including flame retardants. Products that pass are certified safe for skin contact
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Prohibits chemical flame retardants. Organic mattresses with GOTS certification use natural barriers
- GreenGuard Gold: Certifies low chemical emissions, ensuring the mattress does not release significant amounts of VOCs or other compounds into indoor air
Ask the Right Questions
When shopping for a mattress, ask the retailer:
- What type of fire barrier does this mattress use? (Look for "knitted silica fibre barrier," "wool barrier," or "inherently FR fabric" rather than "chemical treatment")
- Is the foam CertiPUR-US certified?
- Does the manufacturer have documentation showing which flame retardant chemicals are or are not used?
At Mattress Miracle, we are happy to answer these questions. We believe customers deserve to know what is inside the mattress they are sleeping on. Our mattress materials and engineering guide covers the details of how mattresses are constructed.
Natural Alternatives
Wool is the gold standard for natural flame resistance in mattresses. It naturally chars rather than combusting, produces less toxic smoke than synthetic materials, and self-extinguishes when the flame source is removed. Our biodegradable mattress guide covers natural material options in more detail.
The Bigger Picture on Indoor Air Quality
Flame retardants are one component of indoor air quality. A study by the Canadian House Dust Study found that Canadian homes contain a complex mixture of chemicals from furnishings, cleaning products, and building materials. While no single source is typically responsible for health effects, reducing exposure from the surface you spend 8 hours breathing next to (your mattress) is a practical step. Combined with regular ventilation, HEPA air filtration, and regular cleaning, choosing a mattress with minimal chemical additives contributes to a healthier indoor environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my current mattress likely to contain Dechlorane Plus?
If your mattress was manufactured by a major Canadian or North American brand within the last 10 years, it is unlikely to contain DP specifically. Most manufacturers transitioned to other flame barrier systems (barrier fabrics, treated FR covers) as environmental concerns about halogenated flame retardants grew. However, older mattresses or budget imports from unverified sources may use chemical treatments that include DP or similar compounds.
Should I replace my mattress because of flame retardant concerns?
If your mattress is otherwise comfortable and supportive, there is no need to replace it immediately for flame retardant concerns alone. The exposure risk from a mattress with a chemical flame retardant, while present, is typically low. When it is time for a new mattress (every 8-10 years), choosing one with natural or mechanical flame barriers is a practical improvement.
Are mattresses with natural flame barriers more expensive?
Generally yes, but the premium is smaller than it used to be. Natural wool barriers typically add $100-$300 to the mattress cost compared to chemical treatments. Given that a mattress lasts 8-10 years, this works out to roughly $1-$3 per month. Many customers find that worthwhile for the peace of mind.
Can I use a mattress protector to reduce chemical exposure?
A waterproof mattress protector creates a physical barrier between you and the mattress surface, which can reduce exposure to any chemicals in the mattress fabric or foam. It also protects against dust mite allergens and moisture. We recommend a quality mattress protector on every bed, regardless of the mattress type.
What mattresses does Mattress Miracle carry that avoid chemical flame retardants?
The brands we carry use modern flame barrier technology that meets Canadian fire safety standards. Our Restonic Luxury Silk and Wool model uses natural fibre components. For specific information about the flame barrier system in any model, ask Brad or Dorothy during your showroom visit at 441 1/2 West Street in Brantford, or call (519) 770-0001.
Sources
- Environment and Climate Change Canada. (2019). Screening assessment of Dechlorane Plus. canada.ca/screening-assessment-dechlorane-plus
- Stockholm Convention. (2023). Listing of Dechlorane Plus under the Stockholm Convention. pops.int
- Sverko, E., et al. (2011). Dechlorane Plus and related compounds in the environment: a review. Environmental Science and Technology, 45(12), 5088-5098. doi.org/10.1021/es2003028
- Health Canada. (2022). Chemicals Management Plan: flame retardants. canada.ca/chemicals-management-plan
- Shin, M., et al. (2016). The effects of fabric for sleepwear and bedding on sleep. Nature and Science of Sleep, 8, 121-131. doi.org/10.2147/NSS.S100271
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.