Consumer response to the tris controversy: A research study

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to study the possible long-term effects of the public controversy that arose when the most widely used flame retardant (FR) finish. Tris, was first identified as a potential carcinogen. Parents of children enrolled in 15 selected nursery schools and day care centers in Rhode Island were surveyed to determine changes in their practices and in their attitudes toward the use of FR finishes for children's sleepwear. Almost 85% of the 269 respondents had heard or read about problems with FR chemicals. Of these, only 68% remembered that Tris was considered to be a carcinogen and/or health hazard and only 20% reported appropriate changes, such as reading labels, in their purchasing behavior. Absence of Health Risk was the primary consideration used in the purchase of children's sleepwear followed, in order, by Flame Retardancy, Comfort, Durability. Price, Ease of Care and Attractiveness. Despite the problems with Tris, most respondents felt strongly that FR garments should be available for a variety of population groups. They were less convinced that the government should set flammability standards and the majority wanted the freedom to choose between flame retardant and non-flame retardant garments for themselves and their children. Cluster and chi square analyses based on the criteria used in the selection of children's sleepwear showed seven distinct patterns of response but few significant differences between the clusters in respect to opinions and practices. Additional chi square analyses did, however, show some relationships between demographic variables and respondents' shopping practices, understanding of terminology, sources of information and opinions regarding the importance of FR garments and the expansion of government regulation. Many consumers appeared to be confused by the controversy. Specific recommendations for dealing with such problems need to be presented in a variety of media in order to reach different segments of the population; the often misunderstood term “flame resistant” should be retired from use; some non-toxic FR garments should be made available to all population groups: labels and promotional materials should be more informative; consideration should be given to the long-range health, safety and cost effectiveness of government regulations and more research should be conducted to increase understanding of consumer behavior.