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Bureau lab reports testing volumes; DTSC confirmation shows high pass rate for 'no flame retardant' claims
Summary
Bureau laboratory staff reviewed calendar-year test work and a label-verification program tied to state law requiring a flame-retardant chemical statement. Of manufacturers tested by DTSC for components claimed to contain no flame retardants, staff reported a roughly 94% pass rate for samples sent for confirmation.
Bureau laboratory staff summarized testing work and label-evaluation results during the advisory council meeting.
Rosemarie Picota, who presented the laboratory statistics, said the lab received 228 samples during the calendar-year reporting period and conducts both flammability and label-evaluation testing. “During this period, the lab received 228 samples,” Picota said.
Picota reviewed multiple test types (TB117‑2013 small-scale tests, the federal mattress standard 16 CFR 1633, TB133 for public occupancies, R‑value and E84 for insulation) and reported pass/fail counts across those categories. She explained that, under the state law implemented in 2015, manufacturers must include a statement on the flammability label declaring whether a product contains flame retardant chemicals, and the bureau requests supporting documentation for approximately 20 percent of articles claiming ‘‘no flame retardant chemicals.’’
Of components the bureau sent to the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) for confirmation, the presenter reported a DTSC pass rate of 94% on the samples analyzed: Picota said 16 passed, one failed and three remained in progress at the time of the presentation. She added that 19 manufacturers supplied sufficient documentation for their claims and one remained outstanding.
Council members asked for additional detail about whether samples originated from importers or California manufacturers and about breakdowns of specific test failures. Picota said the bureau keeps that information and would provide it later: “I know we have that information, but I don't have it available at this time. I would have to look into it and get back to you,” she said.
The laboratory discussion also covered mattress testing (including follow-up samples) and insulation testing; Picota said some reported failure rates include follow-up samples and that a finer breakdown was available on request.
Clarifying details from the presentation: laboratory received 228 samples (calendar year); for mattress testing the transcript noted 67 mattress samples with 58 passing and 21 failing (the transcript numbers overlap and include follow-ups); DTSC confirmation pass rate for components sampled was reported at 94% (16 pass, 1 fail, 3 in progress); 19 manufacturers supplied sufficient documentation and 1 remained outstanding.
Council members requested the draft lab and economic analyses and the bureau said it would publish draft results for committee review before final rulemaking materials are filed.
