
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has published regulatory guidance, to industry and the public, to protect consumers (particularly children) from exposure from exposure to additive, non-polymeric organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs) found in children´s products, childcare articles and toys; in domestic upholstered furniture; in mattresses; and in plastic casings for electronics equipment.
The Commission recommends to manufacturers to not use OFRs in these products, that retailers and distributors ensure that these products do not contain OFRs and that consumers request assurance from retailers that products they purchase do not contain OFRs. The Commission considers that OFRs pose a significant risk of exposure and can be considered “hazardous” [as under FHSA Federal Hazardous Substances Act 15 USC 126(1)g and (f)(1)(A)]. This published CPSC Guidance is not binding or enforceable. The CPSC has also voted to initiate further studies of the effects of OFRs as a class of chemicals to prepare possible federal rulemaking.
“Guidance Document on Hazardous on Additive, Non-Polymeric Organohalogen Flame Retardants in Certain Consumer Products”, CPSC, 28th September 2017 Federal Register vol. 82 no 187 https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=CPSC-2015-0022-0215