It’s been a ten year fight against toxic flame retardants, and we won. The state of California just passed a bill that would ban the most toxic flame retardants (halogenated flame retardants) from adult mattresses, children’s products and couches.
Championed by my state Representative Richard Bloom, the Center for Environmental Health, and the Natural Resources Defense Council, the bill will take effect soon, January 1st, 2020.
Does this mean safer products only for California, or the whole country?
Good question, California is now the fifth largest economy in the world (gasp!). What this means is that when California passes consumer safety legislation, it makes products safer for the rest of the U.S. (and in some cases North American) market. Companies do not want to create two separate product lines, so once the law goes into effect, they will ship flame retardant free products to all 50 states.
So if you don’t live in CA, you’ll still be protected, pretty cool huh?
What products are included?
The legislation is impressively comprehensive, covering:
- The foam used in adult mattresses (where most flame retardants are used).
- Children’s products including play mats, mattresses, changing pads, bassinets, booster seats, high chairs, strollers, nap mats, nursing pillows and clothing.
- Furniture including couches, arm chairs, recliners etc.
Not included is child car seats, which are regulated under a federal flammability standard.
Where can I find safer mattresses, children’s products and couches in the meantime?
Mattresses for adults, babies and children:
- Naturepedic (baby and adult)
- Avocado Green Mattress (adult)
- Babyletto (baby)
Changing pads:
Couches and furniture:
- Comprehensive list of flame retardant free brands HERE
Car seats:
- UPPAbaby (currently the only FR-free option on the market)
Sometimes passing meaningful legislation takes time, but it sure is worth it.
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