Minnesota ban on fire retardants would be toughest in nation

Minnesota legislators are on the verge of approving the nation’s most restrictive use of flame-retardant chemicals in furniture and an array of household items such as textiles, mattresses and children’s products.

State firefighters have been pushing for legislation that would phase out the use of 10 such chemicals, saying they are ineffective in slowing the spread of fire and contain toxins that are sickening responders. Monday’s compromise, reached among the firefighters, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and chemical companies, would phase out the manufacture and sale of four commonly used flame retardants.

http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-ban-on-fire-retardants-would-be-toughest-in-nation/303357821/?recirculation=homepage