How can you get involved? NAFRA is actively engaged in helping ensure that the safety value and life-saving benefits of flame retardant chemistries are not jeopardized by inappropriate regulation or legislation that is not based in sound science. If you’d like to stay informed and involved with NAFRA’s advocacy, please click here to send an email to Erich Shea that includes your name, organization, and email address. We will be in touch!
WASHINGTON, DC (May 8, 2024) – In response to recent studies and reports highlighting the presence of flame retardants (FRs) in children’s car seats, NAFRA reaffirms its commitment to the safety and well-being of all consumers, particularly children.
Flame retardants are vital for meeting stringent safety standards set by regulatory bodies, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These substances play a crucial role in reducing the flammability of materials used in vehicles, thereby enhancing the safety of car seats which are critical in protecting young passengers from fire-related incidents.
It is important to note that flame retardants used in the automotive sector are used to achieve existing fire safety standards and have been rigorously assessed for health risks. More than a dozen federal laws govern the safe manufacture and use of chemicals, including flame retardants, on the market today and are subject to review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other national regulatory agencies around the world. Some of the substances reported have been phased out in favor of new chemistries with stronger safety profiles and NAFRA member companies have supported their phase-out consistent with national and international regulations.
Calls to restrict flame retardant use as a fire safety tool would be a departure from the best available science and would restrict substances that government agencies around the world have determined do not present a significant risk to human health or the environment. European and Canadian reviews for several of the measured chemistries have concluded that there is no concern for consumers or the general public for human health or environmental risk at the levels to which people are exposed.
NAFRA remains dedicated to advancing public safety through science-based approaches to flame retardancy in automotive applications. We welcome ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure that our efforts align with the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship.
For further details on the science of flame retardants, please visit https://www.flameretardantfacts.com/ https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/chemicals/flame-retardants/
North American Flame Retardant Alliance
The North American Flame Retardant Alliance (NAFRA) serves as the lead advocacy organization in North America for flame retardant producers and users to actively promote responsible methods for developing, handling, and expanding knowledge about current and new flame retardants. NAFRA represents the world’s leading producers of flame retardants and is dedicated to improving fire safety performance in a wide range of products. NAFRA is also committed to strong science-based chemical safety regulations, to help protect users and those who may be exposed to our products, while also helping to protect that same population from the dangers of fire by promoting fire safety.
Contact: Erich Shea
Phone: 202-249-6510
Email: Erich_Shea@americanchemistry.com