Bills would ban chemicals in baby products, sofas
SEATTLE (AP) - Some state lawmakers are pushing to ban potentially cancer-causing chemicals from children's products and sofas.
Bills in the House and Senate would prohibit the use of two flame retardant chemicals, known as TCEP and TDCCP, in strollers, car seats, changing pads and other children's products, as well as home furniture.
The bills also prohibit manufacturers from using chemicals on the state's list of chemicals of concern as replacements.
Manufacturers often add the chemicals to polyurethane foam, plastics and fabrics to prevent fires and slow its spread. It's a cost-effective way to comply with a fire standard set by California.
The chemical industry says flame retardants have played an important role in reducing fires and can save lives.
Supporters of the bill say there are better ways to protect against fires without the chemicals.
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AP reporter Jonathan Kaminsky in Olympia, Wash., contributed to this report.
Bills in the House and Senate would prohibit the use of two flame retardant chemicals, known as TCEP and TDCCP, in strollers, car seats, changing pads and other children's products, as well as home furniture.
The bills also prohibit manufacturers from using chemicals on the state's list of chemicals of concern as replacements.
Manufacturers often add the chemicals to polyurethane foam, plastics and fabrics to prevent fires and slow its spread. It's a cost-effective way to comply with a fire standard set by California.
The chemical industry says flame retardants have played an important role in reducing fires and can save lives.
Supporters of the bill say there are better ways to protect against fires without the chemicals.
____
AP reporter Jonathan Kaminsky in Olympia, Wash., contributed to this report.
Seems to me we aren't getting out of life alive. What doesn't have chemicals in it these days? What are the benefits vs. the potential risks? Our whole world is one big chemical.
Bricks contain silica which is classified as a carcinogen accroding to the EPA. We should ban the use of bricks in the construction of anything.
 @Nitroxman Actually, Silica is a carcinogen only when in dust form. When inhaled, it causes siliconiosis and can lead to lung cancer. When it is locked into a brick, it isn't harmful.  So don't rush and ban bricks just yet...
@Cool Runnings @Nitroxman You just keep your facts to yourself, this is about doing something to make us safer, it doesn't matter if it works or not, just that we are banning something. Why do you hate children and puppies :P
So California put in regulations to prevent these products from being flammable, and we want to remove the flame retardant chemicals because they may eventually cause cancer. I'd rather my child not be burnt alive than have the chance of someday getting cancer because he mistakenly ate his car seat.
 @TP Just don't light a fire or cook on your sofa, and your child will not be burnt alive.Â
There are hazardous materials in the water we drink, they are just way below the LD50.
[i][color=#708090] Hazardous materials of any kind should not be allowed in any products meant for babies or children. - bearzooka [/color][/i]
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You might want to include everyone else. Hazardous materials for adults aren't good either.
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 @giveitarest an adult won't chew on their clothes or try to put their cell phone in their mouth....hopefully.
Hazardous materials of any kind should not be allowed in any products meant for babies or children.
 @bearzooka So we should go back to walking around without clothing or shoes because EVERYTHING contains chemicals that can be potentially hazardous.
 @Jalharad That is an extremely gross overstatement and exaggeration. Typically those lines of logic are reserved for those with nothing of value to add to the conversationÂ
@bearzooka so no medicine for children either?
Sounds like the chemical industry needs better lobbyists.
What are the better ways?