As of Sunday, the sale or offering for sale of new, not previously owned, upholstered furniture or mattresses containing “covered flame retardants” and any electronic displays with organohalogen flame retardants is banned in New York.
Flame retardants are a class of chemicals added to furniture, mattresses, electronics, and other products that are intended to help prevent the start of fire or slow the spread of fire. However, many flame retardants are associated with adverse health effects in animals and humans. Flame retardant chemicals are also difficult to break down, meaning they can remain persistent in the environment or a home for years.
The DEC said it took this action to prohibit the sale of these items containing flame retardants is helping to keep these chemicals out of the state’s homes and out of the environment.
Electronic displays are products with a screen that displays visual information from wired or wireless sources and typically include products like computer monitors, video game monitors, televisions, eBook readers, portable DVD players with attached screens, notebook computers, tablets, and all-in-one computers.
To ensure compliance with the law, DEC recommends that anyone selling or offering for sale new upholstered furniture, mattresses, or electronic displays consult with the manufacturer or supplier to confirm that flame retardant chemicals are not intentionally added to these items.
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