SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On April 18, the California Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxics Materials Committee approved a bill to ban the sale of mattresses and upholstered furniture that contain fiberglass and other toxic flame retardant chemicals.
The legislation, Assembly Bill 1059, authored by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee to deal with the fiscal issues around enforcing the bill if it becomes law.
The Environmental Working Group is sponsoring the bill, which would also prohibit upholsterers from using fiberglass and other toxic chemicals in repaired or reupholstered mattresses and furniture.
Purpose of fiberglass in mattresses
For many years, mattresses and upholstered furniture included chemical flame retardants, but they were linked to serious health harms. In 2018, California passed a law banning these chemicals in the foam part of mattresses. It exempted other components of the mattress, such as layers that contain so-called thermal barriers, from the ban.
In addition to the outright ban of chemicals in the foam, acknowledging consumer awareness of the issue,, manufacturers have eliminated most of the toxic chemicals. To meet flammability regulations, they make the other layers of the mattress using flame resistant materials that make up thermal barriers, some of which are problematic.
“While I understand the need for manufacturers to meet fire safety standards, I feel confident that they can do so without the use of any toxic or unhealthy components,” said Friedman.
“Manufacturers on many fronts are responding to the demands of health experts, consumers and lawmakers to make their products comfortable, effective and attractive without increasing exposure to unnecessary and often harmful chemicals,” she added.
According to a 2022 study by California Department of Public Health researchers, “Fiberglass was observed in two of the four [mattress] covers, including potentially inhalable fiberglass fragments that pose a health risk if the covers are opened by consumers.”
If fiberglass escapes containment, the fragments can get everywhere, not just creating a potential inhalation hazard but also damaging the lungs, and irritating the skin and eyes.
Minuscule fiberglass shards can settle on home surfaces and be difficult to remove without professional help, damaging HVAC systems, furniture, clothing and carpeting, in addition to harming people.
“Assemblymember Friedman has been on the forefront of protecting the state’s families from toxic chemical,” said Bill Allayaud, EWG’s director of California government affairs.
“When she learned that fiberglass can leak out of mattresses and cause health problems, she did not hesitate to speak out by authoring this important bill,” he added. “The Assemblymember and EWG are now engaged in a vigorous discussion with the industry about how to get all of the toxic chemicals out of their products in as little time as possible.”
Importantly, there are non-toxic replacements for fiberglass and other toxic chemicals that can be used to meet fire safety standards, including wool, rayon, and polylactic acid batting.
California has long been considered a bellwether state, leading the way for the rest of the U.S. in many areas of health and safety. If a manufacturer is required to satisfy California standards, it will likely adhere to the same high standard with products it sends to the rest of the country.
In the meantime, EWG recommends that when consumers are shopping for a mattress or crib mattress they look for a company that’s transparent about what it uses to meet fireproofing requirements and about the other materials in their products. It’s best to choose materials like wool and cotton and to beware overstated claims. And get more guidance about healthy mattresses.
###
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action
