Consumer Product Safety Commission moves to ban hazardous flame retardants in furniture

On May 5, 2025, the Bureau of Household Goods and Services in California held a public hearing to discuss proposed amendments to flammability standards, particularly focusing on the controversial TB 133 regulation. This meeting attracted various stakeholders, including health advocates and environmental organizations, who voiced their concerns regarding the use of chemical flame retardants in furniture production.

A significant point raised during the hearing was the impact of TB 133, which has led to increased reliance on harmful chemical flame retardants. These chemicals, particularly bromine and chlorine-based compounds, have been linked to serious health risks and environmental hazards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's recent move to ban these substances in consumer products highlights the growing awareness of their dangers. Critics argue that TB 133 not only raises production costs for furniture manufacturers but also contributes to long-term pollution as these products eventually end up in landfills.

Adi Carr, a senior attorney with the National Resource Defense Council, expressed support for extending TB 117-2013 to commercial furniture. This regulation is seen as a more effective approach to fire safety that does not rely on toxic chemicals. Carr emphasized that TB 117-2013 has successfully reduced the incidence of furniture-related fires without compromising public health.

Arlene Bloom from the Green Plains Policy Institute commended the bureau for its previous transition from TB 117 to TB 117-2013, which she described as a significant victory for both fire safety and public health. She noted that the previous standards allowed for the use of flame retardants that could become airborne and accumulate in household dust, posing risks to residents. Bloom argued that revoking TB 133 would further enhance health protections, not just in California but across North America, as California's standards often set precedents for other states.

The public comment period for these proposed regulations remains open until September 17, 2025, allowing additional feedback from the community. The discussions at this hearing underscore the ongoing tension between fire safety regulations and public health concerns, as stakeholders seek to balance these critical issues in furniture manufacturing standards. As the bureau considers these amendments, the implications for consumer safety and environmental health will be closely monitored by advocates and industry representatives alike.