Posted June 3, 2014
Kaiser Permanente

Concerned about increasing levels of potentially harmful chemicals in the environment, Kaiser Permanente announced Tuesday that it will stop purchasing furniture treated with flame retardants. Kaiser Permanente is the first health system in the country to do this. The decision could impact more than 38 hospitals and 600 medical offices in eight states and the District of Columbia.

Kaiser Permanente’s new furniture standard specifies that upholstered furniture in new or remodeled buildings should not contain added fire retardant chemicals. Kaiser Permanente spends roughly $30 million a year to furnish its hospitals, medical offices and other buildings with chairs, benches, sofas and other furniture.

Continue reading full press release from Kaiser Permanente