Consumer Product Safety Commission to Regulate Non-Polymeric Organohalogen Flame Retardants

On September 20, 2017, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC or Commission) voted to regulate non-polymeric organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs).  With this vote, CPSC granted a petition from a group of NGOs to initiate rulemaking under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) to address hazards posed by the substances.  In addition, the Commission requested that manufacturers of children’s products, furniture, mattresses, and electronics casings immediately eliminate the use of OFRs.  The Commission also urged distributors and retailers to inquire about the existence of OFRs in their products.

The Commission noted that it has the authority to address products containing OFRs on a class-wide basis.  The Commission further noted that in order to determine that OFRs as a class constitute a “hazardous substance” under FHSA, CPSC need only determine that OFRs are toxic.  Under FHSA, a substance is toxic if it has the capacity to produce injury or illness through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through any bodily surface, and may cause substantial illness during or as a proximate result of any customary or reasonably foreseeable handling or use of those products.

To address OFRs, CPSC will convene a Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) to assess and issue a report on the risks to consumers’ health and safety from the use of non-polymeric OFRs in the following products:

  • Durable infant and toddler products, children’s toys, child care articles and other children’s products;
  • Upholstered furniture sold for use in residences;
  • Mattresses and mattress pads; and
  • Plastic casings surrounding electronics.

The Commission also directed that a Guidance Document on Hazardous Additive, Non-Polymeric Organohalogen Flame Retardants be published in the Federal Register.  A prepublication draft of the Guidance has been released.

These actions by the CPSC come more than two years after Earthjustice and the Consumer Federation of America petitioned CPSC to adopt rules to protect consumers and children from the health hazards caused OFRs.  Groups joining the petition include the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumers Union, and the International Association of Fire Fighters.