A California agency released proposed regulations today that could lead to the end of the use of flame retardant chemicals in household furniture.

 

Under the new flammability standard for upholstered furniture, an open flame test on foam would be eliminated.

That's according to Tonya Blood of the agency under the California Department of Consumer Affairs that wrote the new rules.

She says it is this open flame test that causes manufacturers to use flame retardants…. chemicals environmental groups say have toxic health effects.

BLOOD: "So our new standard looks at addressing where fires begin, which is on the cover fabric, and it looks at addressing the interactions of components of upholstered furniture."   

Blood says the current regulations were adopted nearly 40 years ago, and are inadequate.

The public comment period for the new standard will be open for 45 days. Manufacturers will be required to comply by July 2014.