Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) is a commonly used flame retardant and has been associated with thyroid disease, learning issues in children, potential links to autism and cancer.  PBDEs are used throughout the United States and flame retardants vary by state – however since California has the highest population, most manufacturers strive to meet California’s Technical Bulletin 117 (TB117) standard that requires raw foam to withstand a candle-like flame for 12 seconds.

In California, TB117 is being challenged and we have the chance to change the standard not only for California but potentially the rest of the country.  California has officially opened up public comment for revising TB 117 -- the 12-second small open flame test on bare furniture foam that does not protect us from fires but has led to toxic and untested chemicals in our homes, workplaces, and global environment. We have until March 26th to drum up public support for the new proposal, called TB 117-2013, which calls for improved fire safety without relying on toxic chemicals.