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Posted on 31/01/2022 in Fire Safety Regulatory 2022
New York bans halogenated FRs in TVs and non-mineral FRs in furniture

The New York State “Family and fire fighter protection act” (S. 4630-B/A. 5418-B) was signed into law 2nd January 2022. This law bans, from 1st January 2024, intentionally added “organohalogen” flame retardants in the enclosure and stand of electronic displays > 100 cm2, and also “halogenated, organophosphorus, organonitrogen or nanoscale chemical” flame retardants and FR synergists in upholstered furniture and mattresses. Mineral PIN flame retardants (if not nano-scale) can continue to be used in furniture and mattresses, and all PIN FRs in TVs and screens. The bill provides some limited exceptions to the bans. Organo- halogen / phosphorus / nitrogen are defined as chemicals containing one or more halogen*/ phosphorus/ nitrogen “elements” and one or more carbon “elements”. The Governor’s press release refers to “certain dangerous flame retardants” but then seems to suggest that all flame retardants are problematic, including accusing flame retardants of producing hydrogen cyanide in fires.

* halogen is defined as: “including fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine”.
New York State Family and Fire Fighter Protection Act (S. 4630-B/A. 5418-B) https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/s4630

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