Chlorinated Tris

[Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate, TDCPP, or 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, or TDCIPP) is on the Proposition 65 list for cancer.
  • Exposure of laboratory animals to chlorinated tris caused cancer.
  • California’s Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn people before exposing them to a significant amount of a chemical listed under Proposition 65 for cancer or reproductive toxicity.
What is chlorinated tris?
  • Chlorinated tris is a flame retardant chemical that has been used in consumer products to reduce their flammability.
    • Studies show that compliance with California upholstery flammability standards is widely achieved without the use of flame retardant chemicals.
    • As of 2020, California has banned the sale and distribution of new upholstered furniture, replacement components of reupholstered furniture, foam in mattresses, and certain children’s products made for residential use if these products contain more than 0.1% of certain flame retardant chemicals, including chlorinated tris.
    • Some consumer products still on the market may contain chlorinated tris.
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 vehicles.
  • Sources may include products treated with or otherwise containing chlorinated tris, including some:
    • Motor vehicle seats and child safety seats; carpet padding; and gymnastic equipment.
    • Camping tents and other textile products such as draperies.
    • Other products sold in California before 2020 that were made with polyurethane foam. These include some upholstered furniture and children’s products (including some bassinets, booster seats, infant carriers, nap mats, nursing pillows, playpens, and strollers).
  • Once chlorinated tris is released from products, it is present on floors, furniture, and other surfaces, and in air and dust.
  • In environments with products treated with chlorinated tris, infants and young children may be exposed to higher levels of the chemical in air and dust, and on surfaces. This is because they often crawl and play on the floor, getting more dust on their hands, and putting their fingers, toys, and other objects in their mouths.
Main ways you can be exposed to chlorinated tris:
Main ways you can be exposed to chlorinated tris
How can I reduce my exposure to chlorinated tris?
  • Try to avoid products, especially those for children, that are labeled as containing flame retardant chemicals.
  • Replace upholstered furniture, children’s products, and other products that have exposed or crumbling polyurethane foam.
  • Consider replacing older products made with polyurethane foam that may contain chlorinated tris.
  • Some products like child safety seats or carpet padding may still be sold with flame retardant chemicals. When buying these products, look for ones made with untreated polyurethane foam, cotton, wool, or natural latex.
  • For upholstered furniture products:
    • Look for the TB 117-2013 label required by California law. If the label says “contain[s] NO added flame retardant chemicals,” the product does not contain significant levels of flame retardants.
    • If you do not see a TB 117-2013 label, ask if flame retardants have been added to the product.
    • Also look for the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission label that states “complies with U.S. CPSC requirements for upholstered furniture flammability.” This indicates compliance with California’s existing TB117-2013 flammability requirements.
  • If you install new carpet, avoid using padding made from scrap polyurethane foam.
  • Minimize your exposure to dust, which can contain chlorinated tris.
    • Wash your and your child’s hands frequently, especially before preparing food and before eating.
    • Clean your floors regularly, using a wet mop, or a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, if possible.
    • Wipe up dust regularly, using a damp cloth.
For more information:

General Fact Sheets and Resources

Scientific Information on Chlorinated Tris

Proposition 65

Updated April 2025
Fact Sheet - Chlorinated Tris

Related Chemical(s)

Related Product or Place

References
Chemical