Rep. Carey Hamilton’s proposal takes aim at silent killers in our homes

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) has filed legislation asking that Indiana ban flame retardant materials that have been identified as one of the most common sources of toxicity in our homes and our lives.

House Bill 1219 would prohibit the manufacture and sale in Indiana of upholstered furniture, mattress and mattress pads that contain more than 0.1 percent of a flame retardant chemical. At present, 12 states across the country have similar bans.

“At first, it seems counter-intuitive that materials designed to protect us from fires in our homes would carry their own risks, but there is increasing evidence that these same materials carry significant health risks,” Hamilton said. “Studies have shown links from exposure to these retardants to such things as thyroid cancer, endocrine disruption, decreased fertility, lower birth weights and developmental and cognitive problems in our children.”

“What is equally disconcerting is that these retardants are used on so many items that can be found in your home,” she continued. “Flame retardants are frequently applied to furniture, mattresses, carpeting, and all matters of children’s products, such as the cribs and nursing pillows that cradle vulnerable children. Notably, these toxins are not only released when they burn, but also as we use the items in our daily lives. The dust you sweep up from your floor likely contains toxic levels of flame retardants.”

Hamilton also noted that the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has asked the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to ban products that contain a toxic class of fire retardant chemicals linked to heightened levels of cancer among fire fighters.

“Whenever we learn about opportunities to improve safety in our homes, I believe it is important to take action as quickly as possible,” she noted. “There is compelling evidence of health risks that can be found in practically every home in this state. We should not wait to act.”

House Bill 1219 has been assigned to the House Public Health Committee. Committee Chair Cindy Kirchhofer (R-Beech Grove) has yet to schedule a hearing on the proposal.