California Regulators Seek To Curb Toxic Flame Retardants
Last week, the California Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation proposed new rules that would overturn a 1975 state rule that requires furniture foam to withstand an open flame, which critics say has increased the amount of toxic flame retardants in furniture and other consumer goods. Some say the law has prompted manufacturers to infuse upholstery foam with chemicals linked to health problems such as infertility, cancer, hormone disruption and learning disabilities. The proposal would require furniture only to resist a burning cigarette, which stage regulators say would ensure fire safety without the use of toxic chemicals.
- "California Moves To Scrap Toxic Flame Retardants" (Sullivan Brennan, U-T San Diego, 8/28).