This study by Dodson et al, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, showed elevated levels of toxic PBDE flame retardants in the dust in California homes, even after these chemicals were phased out.

Higher house dust levels of PBDE flame retardants (FRs) have been reported in California than other parts of the world, due to the state’s furniture flammability standard. Fifty-five flame retardant compounds were detected in at least one sample; 41 in at least 50% of samples.