On July 03, 2019, Rhode Island's General Assembly has passed a bill that would increase the maximum allowable level of organohalogen flame retardants(OFRs) in bedding and upholstered furniture from 100 to 1,000 parts per million. It would come into force on 1 January 2020.

The state has been gearing up for restrictions on OFRs since October 2017, when it enacted a ban on the sale of bedding and furniture treated with the substances in amounts over 100ppm, effective from 1 July this year. 

But other states, such as Minnesota, Alaska and Washington state, have since placed restrictions on flame retardants with levels allowed up to 1,000ppm. The Rhode Island bill H5119 would therefore bring the state’s laws in line with others in the country.

Like the original law (2017's H5082), it would cover non-polymeric OFRs, defined as "any chemical containing bromine or chlorine bonded to carbon that is added to a plastic, foam, fabric or textile." 

Manufacturers of such products would be required to notify persons or entities that sell these products in the state about the provisions of the change no less than 90 days before the revised restrictions come into effect. 

The bill has some exemptions, including for:

ž◆ internal electric and electronic components of upholstered furniture;

ž◆ and bedding or furniture sold for use in commercial or public spaces.

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