North Carolina, Alaska legislation introduced to ban flame retardants
Legislation recently introduced in North Carolina would ban organohalogen and organophosphorus flame retardants in “bedding,” which could include mattresses. The legislation also would allow manufacturers of products not containing these restricted flame retardants to label their products as such.
In Alaska, legislation has been introduced that bans 10 designated flame retardants, including antimony, in excess of 100 parts per million in crib mattresses and products that are “used primarily for or by a child.” The bill also would require labeling for these products if they contain any flame retardant.
Several states have introduced similar legislation this year.
The International Sleep Products Association is tracking these bills and is engaged in states where legislation could advance to eliminate or limit their impact on mattress manufacturers.
MRC information session planned for Vegas Market
The Mattress Recycling Council will host an information session about state recycling programs during the Summer Las Vegas Market on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 1 p.m. in the World Market Center, B-16. Save the date to learn about Connecticut’s Bye Bye Mattress program, as well as the proposed fee and plans for California and Rhode Island. An update on the progress of implementing Connecticut’s mattress-recycling program also will be given.
BSC video celebrates getting better sleep
Last month, the Better Sleep Council released a humorous YouTube video in celebration of “May is Better Sleep Month.” While “Sleep Study Gone Wrong” (http://bit.ly/1ct3GEN) points out the laughable ways people seek sleep, it also drives home the “revolutionary” idea that the sleep solution people are looking for can be as simple as a new mattress.
Mattresses not part of Minnesota flame retardant bill
Mattresses are now excluded from a Minnesota flame retardant bill. Previously, the Minnesota Senate had passed legislation that would ban 10 defined flame retardants (including antimony) in amounts greater than 1,000 parts per million in mattresses and other products.
The International Sleep Products Association opposed the measure and was successful in getting mattresses removed from the scope of the bill. The bill separately requires the state to conduct a study regarding applicable flammability standards and laws for mattresses and other products. ISPA will monitor and participate in the study as needed. The bill passed the Minnesota House and Senate and is expected to be signed into law by the governor.
Texas Senate passes bill repealing bedding law
The Texas Senate has passed legislation to reorganize the state’s Department of State Health Services and statutes enforced by the department. Included in the bill is a repeal to the state’s bedding law in its entirety.
The International Sleep Products Association supports existing bedding laws and proper enforcement because they help protect consumers from unclean and unhygienic mattresses, deceptive sales and fire risks.
ISPA is opposed to this development and is working on a number of strategies to amend the bill prior to its final passage.
ISPA comments on EPA-proposed TDI rule
The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a “significant new use rule” for toluene diisosyanate, a chemical used in the manufacture of flexible polyurethane foam. According to the Polyurethane Foam Association, TDI is fully reacted during the foam production process to the point where no TDI remains available for exposure in the finished foam.
The International Sleep Products Association met with EPA officials to inform them that TDI is not an exposure risk in mattresses. It later submitted comments to the EPA expressing its understanding that mattresses are not subject to the SNUR and requesting that the EPA confirm this point in any final SNUR it issues on TDI.
