Inaccurate Flame Retardant Claims In CA Law

SB1019 Now Law, Dismantles Consumer Fire Protections

In September, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law a new furniture labeling bill that fails to provide fire-safety information to consumers, and contains inaccurate flame retardant claims. In response to the new law, the American Chemistry Council’s North American Flame Retardant Alliance released the following statement:

"We are disappointed that the Governor has signed SB 1019 into law. The law does consumers a great disservice by failing to inform them that furniture sold in the state may no longer be protected from open-flame sources, such as candles, lighters, and matches. The law also requires labels on furniture to make inaccurate claims about flame retardants – chemistries that have been proven to help stop or slow the spread of fire and save lives."

"Fire protection organizations, including the National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories, have stressed the importance of protecting furniture against open-flame ignition sources. We are disappointed that the governor signed into law a bill that does not give consumers all the information they need to choose products that contain strong fire-protection measures."

Statement courtesy of North American Flame Retardant Alliance