TDCP_TCEP

TDCP (Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate) and TCEP (Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate) are commonly used flame retardents that are found on most household products, and they are extremely toxic. The chemical formulas and structures are as follows:
 * __Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate and Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate:__**
 * TDCP and TCEP**


 * TDCP**: C 9 H 15 Cl 6 O 4 P




 * TCEP**: C 6 H 12 Cl 3 O 4 P

TDCP is a flame retardent that is used in most automotive seats and upholstered furniture. Many items involved with infants contain TDCP, such as nursing pillows and strollers, Some concentrations of these products contain up to 5% of TDCP. Many household furnitures contain TDCP, including most couches, chairs, and mattresses. Dust is also an extremely easy way to come in contact with TDCP, as it is often air-born. TDCP has been traced to sewage systems, rivers, sea water systems, and even drinking water reserves. Some fish have even been recorded to be carriers and are affected by TDCP.
 * Uses of TDCP and TCEP:**

TCEP is another hazardous and commonly found flame retardent. Used on most furnitures, as well as TV's, computers, other sorts of electronic software, paints and varnishes, the back coating for carpets, plastics, rubbers, and upholstery. TCEP is also found air-born in dust in many househlods, and has serious health risks when people are exposed to it.

Children are the most commonly affected victims of TDCP and TCEP poisoning. Both are very serious and toxic chemicals with distinct long-term health affects. TDCP has been experimented with and is seen to be a key influence on cancers involving the brain, kidneys, liver, and testicles. TDCP is also known to cause damage to these organs, aside from causing just cancer. TCEP is also extremely hazardous to your health, and has been linked to causing tumours in the kidney's and thyroid glands. Also, TCEP is known to cause other health affects, such as lack of fertility, poor sperm quality, and even hyperactivity, which is caused by brain inferences.
 * Health Affects:**

Very few steps heve been made to create the identification that TDCP is a harmful toxic substances that needs to be removed from household products, but TCEP has been recognized and is being expelled from most of it's regular uses. Although little has been done to remove both substances, alternative substances have been created and are capable of maintaining the same fire-proof levels as TDCP and TCEP. They are being affiliated with most household products now.
 * Efforts to remove TDCP and TCEP:**
 * Although it is still allowed and unrestricted in the U.S.A., TCEP is no longer produced and used in Europe.
 * TCEP is being considered for being banned from all substances in Canada, after being deemed harmful and toxic.
 * California has listed TCEP as a cancer causing agent, but they are yet to ban the product.

There are many ways that you can protect yourself from having to use dangerous chemicals to reduce your risk of a fire. They are very easy and take little to no effort, and greatly reduce your risk of exposure:
 * How to Protect Yourself:**
 * Install fire detectors and/or sprinklers in your home. These will detect and reduce your risk of fire, which decreases your need for many household flame retardents.
 * Replace any ripped furniture that has open foam, which is likely to contain TDCP/and/or TCEP.
 * The flame retardent standard, TB 117, calls for excessive amounts of TDCP and TCEP chemicals to be added to your furniture for fire protection. Avoid purchasing them to reduce your risk of exposure.
 * Buy furniture with natural fibers, like cotton and wool, to reduce your risk of exposure. These pieces of furniture do not need as many flame retardents.
 * Make sure to mop your floors and clean your counters, to reduce dust and your risk of exposure.
 * Check with the manufacturers of the products you buy, especially electronics, that they have not used excessive amounts of toxic flame retardents.

With these easy and careful steps, you can make sure that you are reducing your risk and the risk of your friends and family from TDCP and TCEP poisoning.