Question from Michelle W
Hi Debra,
I recently contacted a small furniture company to ask about the toxicity of the materials they use. Here’s part of their reply:
“The inner liner is made of a Polyester (92%) / Spandex (8%) blend. Likewise, they contain no known latex content. However, they are treated with a flame retardant called Pyrovatex SVC. This material is not known to cause allergic reactions or contain latex derivatives and is non toxic.”
I tried to look up the MSDS for the Pyrovatex flame retardant, but the website seems to be down (and has been for at least a week.) Do you know anything about this flame retardant or how they can claim it is nontoxic?
Thanks!
Debra’s Answer
Pyrovatex is a trade name for Phosphonic acid, (2-((hydroxymethyl)carbamoyl)ethyl)-, dimethyl ester
Phosphonic acid is an organophosphorus compound. There are many types of phosphorates, including Gyphosate (“Roundup”).
Here is an MSDS for Phosphoric Acid
It says it’s 98% phosphorous acid.
There is no toxicity information given, however, it is hazardous by burning the skin and is harmful if swallowed. Inhalation can cause chemical burns to the respiratory tract.
That’s how they can say it’s nontoxic.
It doesn’t appear to be volatile, so if you are not inhaling it as a powder, it would be not toxic.
It’s difficult to find information on pyrovatex.
I did find that it is a Phosphonic Acid, (3-{[Hydroxymethyl]amino}-3-Oxopropyl)-Dimethyl Ester flame retardant. This source says this type of fire retardant, and specifically pyrovatex, has been in use in more than 30 countries for more that 40 years.
A study shows that there is no absorption through the skin and there are no studies for other routes of exposure.
“All PA-containing commercial FR preparations contain PA as the main ingredient and also contain melamine or a similar polymeric resin or resins, phosphoric acid, detergents, fabric-wetting agents, and possibly other compounds including known impurities.” So there are many other possible unknown chemicals in addition to the Phosphonic Acid.
Basically, it seems this fire retardant hasn’t been tested. You can read the report and see that they questioned many effects, but no studied were found. This does not mean it is safe. It means it hasn’t been tested.
The MSDS for Phosphonic Acid says
Harmful if swallowed. Causes severe burns.
Potential Health Effects
Eye: Causes eye burns.
Skin: Causes skin burns.
Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. May cause severe gastrointestinal tract irritation with
nausea, vomiting and possible burns.
Inhalation: Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract.
So it basically looks like a powder that burns the skin rather than a gas that is a vapor.
That’s all I can tell you.