Firefighter & Children's Health Protection Act (HF 359 / SF 321)

Prohibits four classes of toxic flame retardants from children's products, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and other household products. Prohibits use of PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam where not required by federal regulation.

An important step toward protecting children and firefighter’s health was accomplished in 2015 at the Minnesota capitol.  With broad, bi-partisan support a bill banning four toxic flame retardants passed the state legislature, paving the way for further action by the state.  

While the 2015 ban prohibited four toxic flame retardants (Deca, HBCD, TCEP and TDCPP) from children’s products and upholstered furniture, the law does not ban all flame retardants of concern.  This is why the Minnesota Professional Association of Firefighters and Healthy Legacy is supporting a ban of any halogenated, phosphorus-based, nitrogen-based, and nanoscale flame retardant chemicals.

HF 359 / SF 321 will also address firefighters’ exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS chemicals that are currently present in firefighting foam. PFAS chemicals have been linked to multiple cancers, as well as elevated risk for heart disease and other complications. Firefighters are exposed not only while fighting fires with these foams, but also during mandatory training exercises. PFAS-free alternatives exist for firefighting foam, making these risks unnecessary!