Proposed Ban on Flame Retardants Resurfaces in Legislature

A proposed ban on chemicals known as TRIS that are used as flame retardant used in children’s products resurfaced last week when the House General Government Appropriations and Oversight committee voted 7-6 in favor of House Bill 2821. The bill, prime-sponsored by Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, D-Seattle, follows up on similar legislation that failed to pass during the regular session. Dickerson said she believes it has a chance of passing the Legislature now. However, the Association of Washington Business and other business groups continue to oppose it, arguing that a ban is premature, noting in part that one of the chemicals it seeks to ban has not been listed by officials as a chemical of “high concern to children.”