OLYMPIA — Five toxic chemicals will be banned from home furniture and children’s products such as toys, car seats and nursing pillows under a bill Gov. Jay Inslee has signed into law.
The legislation approved Friday bans five chemical flame retardants from children’s products and furniture starting July 1, 2017. Flame retardants are commonly added to consumer products to slow the spread of fire.
House Bill 2545 also directs the departments of Ecology and Health to review whether six additional flame retardants should be considered chemicals of concern to children and recommend whether their use in consumer products should be restricted.
Supporters say the measure will protect children from dangerous chemicals and reduce household exposure to the chemicals.
Industry, business and other groups had lobbied against the measure.
