WASHINGTON (Nov. 29, 1 p.m. ET) — Many foam sofa cushions in the U.S. contain flame-retardants known to pose risks to human health, a U.S. research team has claimed.

Researchers at Duke University and University of California found that 85 percent of couches contained what they claimed are toxic or untested flame-retardants, adding that some of these are linked to cancer, according to the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) in a 28 Nov news release.

ASBC said its recent poll of small businesses shows that a clear majority wants chemical manufacturers to take more responsibility for the safety of chemicals.

“Rising concern about toxic flame retardants and their links to cancer and other health impacts is undermining consumer confidence and hurting business. To keep the US economy growing, we have to stop allowing toxic chemicals linked to health hazards in the marketplace,” commented David Levine, CEO and founder of ASBC.