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Chlorinated Tris

[Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate, TDCPP, and 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 and TDCIPP) is on the Proposition 65 list because it can cause cancer.
  • Exposure to chlorinated tris may increase cancer risk.
  • Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about exposures to listed chemicals.

What is chlorinated tris?

Chlorinated tris is a chemical flame retardant. Adding flame retardants to products is one way to reduce flammability.

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 cars. Sources include:
    • Polyurethane foam treated with chlorinated tris used in upholstered furniture, automotive products, carpet padding and gymnastic equipment.
    • Some children’s products containing polyurethane foam or other treated materials, such as toys, strollers, car seats, nursing pillows, and sleeping products, including nap mats, sleep positioners, travel beds, bassinets, portable crib mattresses, and play pens.
    • Textile coatings containing chlorinated tris.
    • Camping tents treated with chlorinated tris.
  • Once chlorinated tris is released from products, it is present on floors, furniture and other surfaces, and in air and dust.
  • Young children may have higher exposure to chlorinated tris because
    • It can be present in many children’s products (see list above).
    • Infants and toddlers often crawl and play on the floor, getting more dust on their hands, and they often put their fingers, toys and other objects in their mouths.

Main ways you can be exposed to chlorinated tris:

How can I reduce my exposure to chlorinated tris?

  • Consider products made with foam alternatives, such as cotton, wool, natural latex, or products made with untreated polyurethane foam. 
  • Look for children’s products that are labeled as not using flame retardants.
  • For upholstered furniture, check the label commonly found underneath the seat cushion, and look for:
    • TB 117-2013 label (Technical Bulletin 117-2013) for furniture manufactured and sold in California beginning in January 2015: The label must indicate whether or not the product contains added flame retardants. Products with this label are less likely to have chlorinated tris.
    • TB 117 label (Technical Bulletin 117) for furniture manufactured and sold in California prior to 2015: The label will not indicate whether or not added flame retardants are present. Products with this label are more likely to have flame retardants such as chlorinated tris.
    • If you do not see a label, ask if flame retardants, and specifically chlorinated tris, have been added to the product.
  • Replace upholstered furniture, children’s products, and other foam products that are torn or have crumbling foam.
  • If you install new carpet, avoid using padding made from recycled or scrap polyurethane foam.
  • Avoid exposure to dust which can contain chlorinated tris:
    • Wash your and your child’s hands frequently, especially before preparing food and eating. 
    • Clean your floors regularly, using a wet mop if possible, or a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
    • Dust regularly, using a damp cloth.

For more information:

Chlorinated Tris in Products:

Chlorinated Tris in Furniture Products:

Proposition 65:

  • California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
    Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)

Scientific Information on Chlorinated Tris:

Posted March 2016
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