Researchers were shocked to discover the presence of a previously-unknown flame retardant in the bodies of Americans.

The researchers discovered a way to test for the class of flame retardants that could provide crucial insight into the understudied chemicals, Silent Spring Institute reported.

"We found that several toxic flame retardants are in people's bodies. When you sit on your couch, you want to relax, not get exposed to chemicals that may cause cancer," said lead author, Robin Dodson, ScD, a scientist with the nonprofit research group Silent Spring Institute. "Some flame retardants have been targeted for phase out, but unfortunately there are others that have largely been under the radar."

The state of California recently loosened their flammability standards, so there is more furniture available that does not contain flame retardants. The researchers hope the increased ownership of flame retardant-free furniture will help reduce levels of the chemicals in people's bodies.

"It disturbs me that Californians have cancer-causing flame retardants in their bodies. Another recent study showed San Francisco firefighters had higher flame retardant levels in their blood than the general population of California. We feel that these chemicals are a very large piece of a toxic, complex chemical puzzle we encounter when fighting a fire," said Tony Stefani, President of the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation.

The chemical seen in the study is called TCEP, and is not only carcinogenic but can cause harm the nervous and productive system as well. The biomarkers for the chemical was detected in the urine of 75 percent of California residents; six biomarker for other chemicals were also detected in many of the subjects.

TCEP can be found in "polyurethane foam, plastics, polyester resins and textiles."

"This study provides more evidence that our homes are a primary source of exposure to toxic flame retardants," said Julia Brody, PhD, Executive Director and Senior Scientist at Silent Spring Institute.

The findings were published in a recent edition of the journal Environmental Science & Technology.