California Prop 65 to Amend Requirements for Flame Retardants in Seat Cushions and Changing Pads

HONG KONG - Dec. 10, 2013 - PRLog -- Since its enactment, there have been numerous lawsuits which have brought about the reduction of carcinogenic and reprotoxic chemicals through the reformulations of consumer products containing such chemicals (1).

California Proposition 65 against Carcinogenic Chemicals

On 28 October 2011, the flame retardant tris-(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (CAS 13674-87-8, TDCPP) was incorporated into the Prop 65 list as a chemical that is known to cause cancer (2).

One year later, on 28 October 2012, TDCPP became subject to the ‘Clear and Reasonable Warning’ requirements under Prop 65 (3).

Since the beginning of 2013, SGS reported two Prop 65 settlements for flame retardants, including TDCPP, in

a. Polyurethane foam-cushioned pads for children and infants to lie on, such as rest mats

b. Foam-cushioned upholstered furniture (4)

Since the publication of Safeguards 177/13 (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000006/sgs-safeguards-17713-california-prop-65-flame-retardants-a4-en-13.pdf) dated September 2013, two additional Prop 65 settlements have been reached for the flame retardants i-iii in cushion pads containing polyurethane foams and changing pads:

i. Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP)

ii. Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate (TDBPP)

iii. Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP)

Highlights of the two new Prop 65 settlements for flame retardants TDCPP, TDBPP and TCEP are summarized below:

- Product: Changing pads – Reformulation: equal to or less than 25 ppm each flame retardant.
- Product: Seat cushions containing polyurethane foam – Reformulation: equal to or less than 25 ppm each flame retardant.

References:

(1) Prop 65, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) (http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65.html)

(2) Prop 65 List Change Documents (http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/CRNR_notices/list_changes/inde...)

(3) Proposition 65 - Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986
(http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/law/P65law72003.html)

(4) SGS SafeGuards No. 177/13 (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000006/sgs-safeguards-17713-california-prop-65-flame-retardants-a4-en-13.pdf)

About SGS Services for Toys & Juvenile Products

Throughout a global network of laboratories, SGS is able to provide a range of services, including analytical testing and consultancy, in consumer products for compliance with Prop 65 (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Hardgoods/Home-Furnishings-and-Houseware/California-Proposition-65.aspx) and worldwide requirements.

Please do not hesitate to contact the SGS experts for further information.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
HingWo Tsang
TJP Information and Innovation Manager
SGS Hong Kong Ltd.
1/F On Wui Centre
25 Lok Yip Road
Fanling, NT, Hong Kong , China

t: +852 2774 7420
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Hardgoods.aspx

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 75 000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1 500 offices and laboratories around the world.