Flame retardants and breast cancer.

What is the link?

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Is there a link between exposure to flame retardants and breast cancer?

Some older flame retardants, which are mostly now restricted, may be linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, but the evidence on chemicals currently still in use is limited. 

While individual studies show a mix of evidence, a 2024 review of all the available research found that a group of older chemicals, known as brominated flame retardants, may increase the risk of breast cancer. 

Flame retardants may contribute to the development and progression of breast cancer by interfering with the normal function of the body’s endocrine (hormone) system. Laboratory studies show that some flame retardants can act as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), copying the effects of oestrogen or raising its levels. Having high levels of oestrogen is a known risk factor for breast cancer. 

In animals, exposure to flame retardants has been shown to change how the mammary gland develops or increase the speed at which breast cancer grows. 

No flame retardants have been banned specifically for causing breast cancer. However, in 2023, the European Union (EU) officially restricted the first flame retardant for being an EDC. 

Tips to reduce your exposure to flame retardants.

Dust and vacuum often.

Flame retardants can attach to household dust which may be breathed in or swallowed.

Let fresh air in.

Ventilating your rooms well can help reduce indoor levels of flame retardants in the air.

Choose natural materials.

For furniture and textiles, pick wool over synthetic materials. For kitchen utensils, pick wood over black plastic.

Key facts about flame retardants. 

What are flame retardants? 

Flame retardants are chemicals added to materials to prevent or delay the spread of fire, either by absorbing heat or forming a physical fire barrier. They are usually grouped by whether they mainly contain chlorine, bromine, or phosphorus. 

Most of the widely used flame retardants containing bromine or chlorine are now banned or restricted over concerns about their effects on human health and the environment. Phosphorus flame retardants have come into use more recently, meaning less is known about their effects on the human body. However, they are starting to show links to health problems, including disruption to the hormone system. 

Unfortunately, banning a chemical does not immediately stop our exposure to it. Flame retardants can remain in our homes for decades after being restricted. This is partly because they are found in and can continue to be released by items we keep in our homes for long periods of time, such as furniture and mattresses. Once inside the body, many flame retardants can build up and remain in fat tissue. 

How are you exposed to flame retardants? 

Many flame retardants are slowly released into surrounding air and dust from everyday items like furniture, textiles, and electronics. We are exposed mainly from breathing in indoor air, swallowing contaminated dust, and skin contact with treated items.  

These chemicals can also contaminate food. Flame retardants that are released into the environment can migrate into the food supply, building up in high-fat animal products, like fish and dairy. They can also enter food from cooking utensils, particularly those made from recycled materials (such as black plastic) which can contain flame retardants. 

People working in specific jobs, like electronic waste recycling, manufacturing, and firefighting, can face significantly higher exposure to these chemicals too. For example, in a study of female firefighters, one flame retardant was present at five times the levels found in office workers. Firefighters are exposed both through the burning furniture, which can release high amounts of flame retardants, but also through chemically treated personal protective equipment.  

Are flame retardants regulated? 

Many flame retardants are already restricted in the UK because of their harmful effects. Despite this, the UK still uses more of these chemicals than almost any other country in the world. This is largely because they are the most cost-effective way to meet strict furniture fire safety regulations introduced in the 1980s. For this reason, exposure to flame retardants is difficult for most people to avoid. 

However, some research suggests that flame retardants added to household products to slow or delay the spread of fire has not significantly helped reduce rates of fire-related deaths. This means the addition of these chemicals has made little contribution to the improvement of fire safety.  

In 2023, the EU officially recognised the first phosphorus flame retardant as an EDC and restricted its use. Since Brexit, UK chemical regulations have operated independently from the EU, meaning this restriction does not currently apply here.  

However, the UK is starting to show signs of relying less on chemical flame retardants. Following a consultation in 2023, the government removed some children’s products from furniture fire safety regulations to reduce babies’ and young children’s exposure . Another consultation was launched in 2026 to update fire testing rules, potentially reducing the need for flame retardants in all furniture. These changes would bring the UK closer to standards in other countries, including much of Europe and New Zealand, where flame retardant use is lower.  

Start your prevention journey today 

Here are three things you can do to start reducing your exposure to flame retardants: 

Remember, small changes add up over time and can help reduce your risk of breast cancer. 

Further reading

For more information, please read our Flame Retardants and Breast Cancer science review. 

Last review: Aug-26 | Next review: Aug-29

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