SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today, the California Legislature passed a state-wide ban on the sale of mattresses and upholstered furniture containing fiberglass and other toxic flame retardant chemicals.
The legislation, Assembly Bill 1059, authored by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), now heads to Gov. Newsom for his expected signature. If enacted, the ban would take effect on January 1, 2027.
“Manufacturers must meet fire safety standards, and I feel confident they can do so without the use of fiberglass or any toxic or unhealthy components,” said Friedman.
“Manufacturers on many fronts are responding to the demands of health experts, consumers and lawmakers to make their products comfortable, effective and attractive without increasing exposure to unnecessary and often harmful chemicals,” she said.
The Environmental Working Group is sponsoring the bill, which would also prohibit upholsterers from using fiberglass to repair or reupholster mattresses and furniture in California.
These hazardous materials are often added to mattresses and furniture marketed as “chemical free,” so consumers don’t know they can cause respiratory irritation or potentially life-threatening conditions if released into the air. If mattresses and their covers are removed or damaged, the materials can pose a serious health threat to everyone in the household.
“Californians are demanding healthier and safer alternatives to the toxic materials currently in some mattresses and sofas. Consumers increasingly want to know they’re not being unintentionally exposed to health hazards in their everyday life,” said Bill Allayaud, EWG’s vice president of government affairs in California.”
California has long been considered a bellwether state, leading the way for the rest of the U.S. in many areas of health and safety. If a manufacturer is required to satisfy California standards, it will likely adhere to the same high standard with products it sends to the rest of the country.
“The mattress industry is innovative – the ‘bed in a box’ option comes to mind. We expect them to be able to take out nasty chemicals while meeting flammability standards,” said Allayaud.
Purpose of fiberglass in mattresses
For many years, mattresses and upholstered furniture included chemical flame retardants, but they were linked to serious health harms. In 2018, California banned these chemicals in the foam part of mattresses. Other mattress components, such as layers that contain so-called thermal barriers, were exempt.
Under market pressure and legislative bans, manufacturers have eliminated most of the toxic chemicals. But to keep meeting flammability standards, they make the other layers of the mattress with flame resistant materials that are thermal barriers. Some are harmful to human health.
In a 2022 study by California Department of Public Health researchers, “Fiberglass was observed in two of the four [mattress] covers, including potentially inhalable fiberglass fragments that pose a health risk if the covers are opened by consumers.”
If fiberglass does escape containment, the fragments can get everywhere, creating a potential inhalation hazard, damaging the lungs, and irritating the skin and eyes.
“Fiberglass shouldn’t be used in mattresses,” said Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D., a senior scientist at EWG. “People may not realize their mattress contains this harmful substance until after they have been hurt or experienced property damage.”
Minuscule fiberglass shards can settle on home surfaces and be difficult to remove without professional help, harming people and damaging HVAC systems, furniture, clothing and carpeting.
There are non-toxic replacements for fiberglass and other toxic chemicals, including wool, rayon, and polylactic acid batting. These can be used to meet fire safety standards.
The bill’s author and EWG negotiated a provision requiring evaluation of another flame barrier material in the near future. The industry agreed to the independent analysis to show it doesn’t pose a health risk.
EWG recommends consumers shopping for a mattress or crib mattress look for one made by a company that’s transparent about what it uses to meet fireproofing requirements and the other materials in their products. It’s best to choose materials like wool and cotton, beware of overstated product claims, and get guidance about healthy mattresses.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action. Visit www.ewg.org for more information.
