UK Furniture Fire-Safety Rules Outdated, Putting People at Risk, Warns MP
UK furniture fire-safety regulations, dating back to 1988, have not been updated for decades, raising concerns over public safety, according to Bob Blackman, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on fire safety.
Millions of households are potentially exposed to toxic fumes emitted by materials used in upholstered furniture when burned, including flame retardants found in foams, fabrics, and backing materials.
While Europe has reformed its regulations over the past 20-25 years, significantly reducing the use of toxic flame retardants in sofas, mattresses, and upholstered furniture, the UK has lagged behind.
Consumers purchasing secondhand furniture often lack information about the chemical contents, which means these items could pose long-term fire and toxic risks.
The Grenfell Tower fire heightened concerns about the adequacy of fire safety checks; current testing methods have allowed inflated safety ratings and are considered unfit for purpose.
The Building Safety Act now permits ministers to introduce new rules without primary legislation, but the industry argues that tightening standards would increase costs.
Balancing the reduction of harmful chemicals with maintaining effective fire safety is crucial, requiring evidence-informed decisions.
Additionally, the disposal methods for old sofas and mattresses, such as incineration or recycling, raise further questions about toxin emissions and the environmental fate of these materials.
There are calls for the UK to align chemical restrictions with those of the European Union to better protect consumers from toxic flame retardants.
