In New York, S.4630 was introduced last week. The anti-FR bill would prohibit the use of intentionally added halogenated, organophosphorus organonitrogen and nanoscale FRs in mattresses, upholstered furniture and electronic displays. The bill exempts the thread or fiber used for stitching mattress components together. ISPA will monitor this bill and alert you to significant developments.
In West Virginia, HB 2126, another anti-FR bill was introduced. The bill limits the use of TDCPP, Decabromodiphenyl ether, pentabromodiphenyl ether, Hexabromocyclododecane and TCEP to 1,000 parts per million in each component of covered products, which includes mattresses. ISPA does not believe this bill is of immediate concern to manufacturers because the covered chemicals are not used to make mattress materials today. If enacted, however, it is possible that the bill could have a future impact since it limits which chemicals can be used to replace the restricted chemicals. Finally, the bill would require the state’s bureau of public health and the state fire marshal report to the legislature on laws and regulations regarding the use of flame retardants in mattresses and other products, existing fire safety standards for these products and studies that find a direct link between flame retardants covered by this article and any meaningful negative health and safety effects and impacts on firefighters. ISPA will continue to track this issue closely.