Foam Furniture
From the collection of
From the collection of
Toxic foam banned.
Cornwall trading standards officers are cracking down on businesses selling furniture with newly banned toxic foam. The Truro fire department demonstrate the different between an old style sofa and one treated with new flame retardant chemicals. Flame retardants are chemicals used on foam, furniture, toys, clothes, food packaging and electronic goods which help to prevent ignition from small flames or cigarettes. The chemicals interfere with the chemistry of burning, this does increase the levels of toxic gases produced in the smoke, meaning it's necessary to buy a smoke detector and to close your doors at night.
The 1988 Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations became law that year. UK legislation is often considered to be the strictest in Europe. Only furniture made before 1950 is excluded from the 1988 regulations.