The Vermont legislature has passed a bill regulating chemicals used in consumer children’s products, including mattresses, intended for use by children under twelve. The bill is patterned after the state of Washington’s “Children’s Safe Products Act,” but has several additional requirements.
In addition to requiring children’s product manufacturers to notify the state regarding the use of certain chemicals in their products, companies would pay a $200 fee for every chemical registered, and the state may require product labeling or ban the use of certain chemicals. Vermont’s governor is expected to sign the bill soon. The International Sleep Products Association will continue to monitor this issue.