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Foam producers seek California FR rule suspension

Temporary break would help industry develop alternatives

Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, March 20, 2007

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Polyurethane Foam Assn. has asked California regulators to temporarily suspend a portion of the state’s furniture flammability standards, because of a bill in the state legislature that would prohibit several widely used fire retardants.

The association said a suspension of the open-flame standard would allow producers time to develop alternative fire-retardant materials.

The bill would prevent brominated and chlorinated fire retardants from being used in the production of foam, but the trade association said such chemicals comprise more than 90% of the fire retardants currently used.

“If necessary, we can eliminate these materials from foam, but the industry needs a transition period for research and development,” said association President Bobby Bush. “It would be helpful if the California small open flame requirement in its flammability standard … could be temporarily suspended during the transition period.”

Bush, who also is vice president of foam and environmental technology at Hickory Springs Mfg. , said standards for smoldering cigarette ignition should remain in place.

Noting that the foam association has long supported a national, performance-based small open flame standard for upholstered furniture, Bush said a suspension of the existing California standards would give the industry time to research the safety and performance aspect of alternative chemicals should the bill become law.

“A careful and prudent approach now will help us create a safer, longer-lasting solution,” Bush said.

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