California proposes flame retardant foam regulation

Furniture Today,
HIGH POINT — A proposed new California law could change the way flame-retardant foam is made for

upholstered furniture sold in the state, according to the American Home Furnishings Alliance.
A California state representative, Mark Leno, has introduced legislation that would ban the use of halogenated flame retardants in products such as furniture and mattresses. The move is in response to evidence that suggests halogenated compounds accumulate and persist in the environment.
Andy Counts, CEO of the AHFA, which represents furniture manufacturers, importers and suppliers, said certain flame retardant compounds “have been coming under increasing scrutiny as carcinogens and environmental toxins and have been banned or restricted in Europe. California has been expected to address these chemicals, and other states are considering similar measures.”
California’s legislature and governor would have to approve any ban.
“The primary impact on manufacturers of upholstered furniture would be changes in the formulation of flame-resistant polyurethane foam used for products shipped into California,” Counts said. “AHFA is working in partnership with foam suppliers, regulators and environmental advocates to prepare for such an eventuality.”
Several years ago the Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with Great Lakes Chemical Co. (now Amerbrom), removed another widely used flame retardant chemical, penta-bromodiphenyl ether, from the marketplace. AHFA’s vice president of environment, safety, health and standards, Bill Perdue, co-chaired a committee for an EPA program that worked with stakeholders to identify less toxic flame retardants to replace the banned substance.
“We will urge the EPA to revisit this project in light of the new legislation so that non-halogenated alternatives can be evaluated,” said Counts.
Environmental regulation of flame retardants and their impact on foam production will be discussed at the AHFA Flammability Workshop April 24-25 in Greensboro, N.C. To register or receive addi