Are there flame retardants in children's clothing and are they safe?

Flame retardants have historically been added to children's sleepwear and some synthetic fabrics to meet flammability regulations. The most commonly used types include PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) and OPFRs (organophosphate flame retardants). Despite their widespread use, these chemicals only delay ignition by a matter of seconds, providing minimal real safety benefit while posing documented health risks.

PBDEs are known endocrine disruptors and neurotoxins that have been linked to developmental delays, reduced IQ, and thyroid dysfunction in children. OPFRs, which replaced PBDEs as the older chemicals were phased out, have shown similar health concerns in recent studies. Both types can migrate from fabric through direct skin contact and off-gassing, with children absorbing higher relative doses due to their smaller body size.

A safer approach to sleepwear flammability is to choose snug-fitting garments made from naturally flame-resistant fibers like merino wool, which self-extinguishes when a flame is removed. Organic cotton sleepwear in snug-fit designs also meets flammability standards without chemical additives. ONDU advocates for untreated natural fibers in all children's products.