This law prohibits the use of flame retardants in furniture, mattresses, and electronics cases. New York is the first state in the US to restrict organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs) in electronics cases, and the state joins California and Maryland in restricting broad classes of these chemicals in furniture and bedding. 

These chemicals do not provide meaningful fire safety. Instead, they emit highly toxic smoke when they burn and put firefighters at greater risk of leukemia, multiple myeloma, and esophageal, intestinal, testicular, and lung cancer. A growing body of scientific literature links chemicals used as flame retardants to cancer, hormone disruption, reproductive problems, and reduced IQ. 

Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of these toxic chemicals because they interact with their environment in unpredictable ways and are still developing. When they burn, chemicals used as flame retardants become even more toxic, making smoke more deadly and harder to escape, and becoming potent cancer-causing chemicals that increase risk for fire fighters.

Status: As of December 2024 no one can sell in NY new, not previously owned, upholstered furniture or mattresses, or any electronic displays that contain intentionally added flame retardant chemicals. 

Other states’ actions: California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, Maine, Rhode Island, and Washington all have restrictions on flame retardants in products.

Our partners

Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association (NYSPFFA), New York State Association of NAACP Branches, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Earthjustice, New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV), Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition (GNBCC), Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition (HBCAC), Toxic-Free Future (formerly Mind the Store), New York Sustainable Business Council (NYSBC)