Tris(2-chloroethyl) Phosphate (TCEP)

Why am I being warned about potential exposure to TCEP?

TCEP is on the Proposition 65 list because it can cause cancer. Exposure to TCEP may increase the risk of cancer.
Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about significant exposure to listed chemicals.

What is TCEP?

TCEP is a flame retardant.
TCEP has been added to polyurethane foams and plastics in:
- Certain children’s products with foam padding, such as some crib bumpers, sleep mats, changing table pads, and portable mattresses.
- Some motor vehicles, furniture, building insulation, back-coatings of carpets and upholstery, and electronic and electrical devices.
As of January 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 retardants, including TCEP.

How does exposure to TCEP occur?

TCEP can be gradually released from products treated with TCEP into indoor environments, including houses, schools, day care centers, offices, and cars.
Once TCEP is released from products, it is present on floors, furniture, and other surfaces, and in air and dust.
During pregnancy, TCEP can pass from mother to baby.

Main ways you can be exposed to TCEP:

How can I reduce my exposure to TCEP?

Where possible, choose products labeled as not containing chemical flame retardants.
- Look for furniture products made with foam alternatives, such as cotton, wool, or natural latex.
- If you choose furniture products made with polyurethane foam, consider products with foam that has not been treated with flame retardants.
- Check the flame retardant label commonly found under the furniture seat cushion. There are two kinds of labels:
  - For furniture manufactured and sold in California starting in 2015, the TB117-2013 (Technical Bulletin 117-2013) label tells you whether or not the product contains added flame retardants, though it does not identify them by name.
  - For furniture manufactured and sold in California before 2015, the TB117 (Technical Bulletin 117) label does not tell you if the product contains added flame retardants.
  - To learn more about which flame retardants may have been added to the product, contact the manufacturer.
Replace upholstered furniture products that are torn or have crumbling foam.
Minimize your exposure to dust, which can contain TCEP.
- Wash your hands and your child’s hands frequently, especially before preparing food, and before eating.
- Clean your floors regularly. If possible, use a wet mop or vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
- Dust regularly, using a damp cloth.

For more information:

General Fact Sheets and Resources

Scientific Information on TCEP

US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Toxicology Program (NTP)
- Testing Status of Tris(2-Chloroethyl) Phosphate 10178C
California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
- Effective July 1, 2017: Children’s Foam-Padded Sleeping Products with TDCPP or TCEP as a Priority Product

Proposition 65

California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets

Updated October 2020

Fact Sheet - Tris(2-chloroethyl) Phosphate (TCEP)