Legislation on chemical flame retardants in various US states
As more and more consumers become aware of the potential adverse effects of chemical flame retardants on human health, legislatures in various U.S. states have successively proposed restrictions on the scope of use and product categories of these chemicals.
As state legislative sessions began in 2013, bills restricting the use of chemical flame retardants appeared in the legislatures of several states, including California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, and Washington. These bills target chemical flame retardants including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and various so-called "Tris" and "Chlorinated Tris" compounds. Maine is also likely to pass a bill restricting the use of flame retardants soon.
The draft regulations and policies currently under review include:
– California AB 127: Reduce the amount of chemical flame retardants added to foamed plastic insulation materials for buildings;
Connecticut HB 6332: Prohibits any products defined for use by children aged 3 years or younger containing “Tris” flame retardant chemicals such as TDCPP, TDCP, TCEP, and TCPP. The Act defines TDCPP and TDCP as tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate; “TCEP” as tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate; and “TCPP” as tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate.
– Maryland HB 99: TCEP will be prohibited in products for children under 3 years old, including baby products, toys, car seats, nursing pillows, crib mattresses and strollers;
Massachusetts SD 351: Bans the use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), TCEP, TCP, and TDCPP, or any "chemicals of very high concern" as alternatives, in children's products and upholstered furniture. The bill has been submitted to the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee.
– New Jersey A 760/S 1554: These bills restrict the sale of products containing decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE). A 760 has been submitted to the Consumer Affairs Committee. S 1554 just passed the Senate and is now going to the Consumer Affairs Committee.
– Vermont S 81/H 241: These two bills restrict the use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and prohibit the sale of children's products and home upholstered furniture containing TCEP, TDCPP, and TCPP. Bill H 241 has been submitted to the Human Services Committee. Bill S 81 has been submitted to the Health and Welfare Committee.
– Washington HB 1294/SB 5181: These two bills restrict the use of TCEP, TDCPP, and any other chemicals of very high concern in children's products and home upholstered furniture. Both bills have passed their commissioner hearings.
Sources: Chemical Watch (2013-02-22) (Compiled by PIDC)
