The UK Government is preparing to reform longstanding furniture fire safety regulations that have required widespread use of chemical flame retardants in sofas for nearly four decades.
Plans include replacing the current "open flame test" with a smoulder-based standard, a shift expected to significantly reduce reliance on such chemicals while maintaining fire safety.
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The move follows growing scientific evidence linking flame retardants to a range of health risks, including hormone disruption, reduced fertility, cancer and developmental issues in children. Studies have shown these chemicals can escape from furniture into household dust, leading to widespread exposure, particularly among infants and pets.
Campaigners have described the issue as 'a hidden health risk in people's homes', arguing the regulations unintentionally made chemical treatments standard in upholstered furniture.
The UK's rules have historically been among the strictest globally, although similar requirements have already been relaxed in the United States and are not used across much of Europe.
The Government stated it aims to "maintain a high level of fire safety while meaningfully reducing chemical flame retardant use", as it works towards updated legislation.
Source: www.gbnews.com
