California bill aims to ban flame retardants in children's furniture and products

The BEARHFTI Advisory Council convened on March 29, 2018, to discuss significant legislative developments regarding the use of flame retardants in children's products and mattresses in California. The meeting highlighted a proposed bill aimed at prohibiting the sale of such items containing these chemicals, which are linked to serious health risks.

The discussion began with a note from a council member expressing disappointment that amendments to the bill were not yet available in print, limiting the scope of the conversation. Judy Levin from the Center for Environmental Health, a cosponsor of the bill, was invited to provide insights but opted to defer to the council for questions.

The bill builds upon a San Francisco ordinance passed in October and is supported by organizations including California Professional Firefighters and the Natural Resources Defense Council. It aims to eliminate the use of flame retardants in furniture and children's products, arguing that these chemicals do not enhance fire safety and pose health risks. The council noted that many of these products still contain flame retardants, despite their exemption from flammability standards.

A key point of discussion was the anticipated effective date of the bill, which is currently set for January 1, 2020. Council members inquired about the potential for a transition period should the bill pass, emphasizing the need for clarity on implementation.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing public health concerns related to hazardous chemicals in consumer products, with ongoing efforts to refine the proposed legislation before its finalization. Further amendments are expected to clarify the bill's provisions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safeguarding children's health in California.