Flame Retardant Testing

 

The addition of flame retardants in consumer goods such as upholstered furniture, children’s products and tent fabric were once lauded for increasing fire safety. Commonly added to polyurethane foams and textiles, flame retardant compounds created unique chemistries which inhibited ignition of a fire or reduced fire severity.

In the past few years though, research has linked flame retardants to numerous health and environmental problems. It’s these studies that have given rise to a plethora of new regulations. Manufacturers and retailers are now tasked with ensuring that their soft goods comply with the various state, federal and international requirements. Flame retardants testing can confirm compliance to regulations, as well as providing peace of mind that products are free of these harmful chemicals and safe for consumer use.

SOLUTION
At Bureau Veritas, we have been partnering with manufacturers, brands and retailers in meeting the chemical requirements of today’s challenging marketplace for decades. We can identify and address the flame retardants that may be present in products or used during manufacturing process, developing a customized program to help you meet the applicable requirements and industry standards for markets in which products will be sold, as well as any retailer requirements.

Factors such as where a product will be sold, the nature of the product, and its applicable regulations help determine which flame retardants to test for.

For example, there are numerous CA Proposition 65 settlements for products such as upholstered furniture, certain children’s products, mattresses, seat cushions, and tent/shelter fabrics. Each product type has its own list of compounds and maximum allowable limits. For example, foam pregnancy cushions and nursing pillows sold in California must contain no more than 25 mg/kg of each TCEP, TRIS, and TDCPP. Washington State has their own requirements (HB 2545 under chapter RCW 70.240.025), as do other states, municipalities and countries such as Minnesota, Vermont, Maine, New York, Maryland, Washington D.C., Canada (SOR/2014-79 of CCPSA), and the EU (2009/48/EC).

With our state-of-the-art analytical testing instrumentation and experienced analytical testing team, we operate testing systems such as GC/MS, GC/MS-NCI, HPLC/MS, and ICP-OES to efficiently and accurately detect and quantify the levels of flame retardant compounds present in your samples. 

What are the key benefits?
• Validate the raw materials in the early stages of your supply chain are compliant
• Evaluate if your end products meet regulatory requirements and consumer expectations
• Implement quality management throughout the supply chain
• Reduce potential losses due to returns and recalls
• Enhance risk management and brand protection

FAQ
What types of regulations exist for flame retardants?
There are too many to list here. In recent years, more and more governments and municipalities have placed restrictions on flame retardants. Please contact one of our subject matter experts to help navigate you through your unique situation. 

What types of products contain flame retardants?
Flame retardants can be added to almost any type of product, but in the textile world, they are most commonly found in foams and fabrics. This includes clothing, drapery, mattresses, cushions, carpets, and even materials in textured children’s books.

What are the health risks of flame retardant exposure?
Many studies have linked certain classes of flame retardants with adverse health problems. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has stated that there is a growing body of evidence that associate them with endocrine and thyroid disruption, impacts to the immune system, reproductive toxicity, cancer, and fetal/child neurological development and function. Exposure can occur via direct contact, dust accumulation, and even while fighting fires.

How much does flame retardant cost and how quickly can I get results?
Cost and turnaround times are situation specific. The list of selected compounds and which testing systems require utilization are often determining factors. Please contact one of our knowledgeable engineers to create a plan that meets your needs, timeframe, and budget.