Senator Kaminsky, Advocates, and Fire Fighters Rally For Bill Banning Hazardous Chemicals
Bill would prohibit carcinogenic furniture, mattressess, and electronic enclosures that endanger first responders, children
(Queens, New York) — Today, Senator Todd Kaminsky, Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, urged the State Legislature to pass the New York Family and Firefighter Protection Act (S.4630) before the end of session. Kaminsky was joined by Dr. Leonardo Trasande, an internationally-renowned leader in children’s environmental health from NYU Langone, FDNY and volunteer firefighters, as well as environmental groups in support of the measure. The bill would prohibit the addition of carcinogenic flame retardant chemicals — which pose a serious hazard to children and first responders — in furniture, mattresses and electronic enclosures.
“Flame retardants targeted by this bill contain carcinogens and pose a serious risk to our children and fire fighters,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky, Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee. “By banning these toxic substances from everyday items in our homes, we will be taking a major step in keeping our families and first responders safe. It is long past time we put our children and firefighters before giant, corporate chemical producers.”
“Our state’s 85,000 volunteer firefighters volunteered to protect their communities, but they did not volunteer to get cancer or face unnecessary exposure to potential cancer-causing toxins,” said Michael Krummenacker, member of the Board of Directors of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York. (FASNY) “Removing unnecessary toxic chemicals from home furnishings has been a priority of FASNY’s for several years and we thank Senator Kaminsky and all of the sponsors in both houses for their continued support of these efforts. With firefighter cancers becoming more and more prevalent, we need to act now to remove these harmful agents from our homes and from the fire environments where our members operate.”
“As a cancer survivor and as a person who has lost multiple family members and friends to cancers related to their volunteer fire service, this change is an urgent necessity,” said Tom McDonough, Ex-Chief of the Port Washington Fire Department. “As firefighters, we are already exposed to significant amounts of toxins in the course of our duties, but to continue adding possible cancer causing agents to our furniture and electronics - chemicals that have actually been show to do little to reduce fire growth or spread – is a recipe for more illness and potential losses of firefighters to cancer.”
“On behalf of The Uniformed Firefighters Association we want to show our support of Senate Bill S4630A. The Uniformed Firefighters Association is always interested in reducing the ignition and spread of any fire, but not at the cost of our loved ones, especially children. Removing these harmful chemicals from our homes is in the best interest of all New Yorkers. We are grateful to Senator Kaminsky for making this a priority, and we hope this bill makes its way to the governor smoothly,” said Bobby Eustace, Vice President, Uniformed Firefighters Association IAFF Local 94.
“Adding dangerous and carcinogenic flame retardants to furniture, mattresses and electronics will be taking us in the wrong direction as we try to keep our families safe,” said Senator Leroy Comrie. “I support this bill and I will be working closely with my colleagues to make this happen.”
“This legislation is important for fire officers that make an aggressive interior search for occupants during a fire. The smoke generated by these chemicals is very toxic and may take the life of the occupants before we can reach them. These toxins also add to the exposure of our members and the citizens we protect, increasing the risk of developing cancer. We thank Senator Kaminsky for introducing this life saving legislation and look forward to supporting him in the future,” said President James “Jake” LeMonda, UFOA.
“It is the firefighters, it is the doctors, it is the people of science that we have to listen to. Whatever incremental claims or gains that these manufacturers make, they are far away from the hazard and the danger caused to our families and the people in our community,” said Senator John Liu, “That’s why I am in strong favor and a co-sponsor on this bill. Bottom line, it’s time to get the poison out of our homes.”
“As a former Fire Chief and still active member of the Oceanside Fire Department, I am very concerned about the impact these chemicals are having on firefighters – especially when these treated items are involved in a fire,” said Steven Klein, Past President of the FASNY. “I am especially concerned about our younger firefighters – like my son and grandson, who we can still protect from ongoing exposures to these toxins and hopefully help reduce the scourge of firefighter cancers in the process. I want to personally thank Senator Kaminsky for his continued leadership on this very important issue. He is a true friend to our state’s firefighters.”
“The use of certain flame retardants exposes our children, animals, and firefighters to dangerous chemicals and health risks. It is long past time for New York to join additional states and countries in banning the use of flame retardant chemicals in furniture and electronics. I applaud Senator Kaminsky for leading on this environmental and safety issue,” said Senator Alessandra Biaggi
“This bill will save the lives of firefighters and the public by not allowing these dangerous chemicals to attack our bodies in the event of an exposure. They cause cancers and other serious health hazards that can have long-term and devastating effects,” said Sam Pinto, President of Long Beach IAFF Local 287, representing NYS Professional Firefighters Association. “Our greatest fear is bringing home the toxins we are exposed to back to our families, and this will reduce that.”
Flame Retardants are often added to furniture, mattresses and electronic enclosures to help prevent fires. However, these substances have been linked to cancer and infertility as well as adverse effects on fetal and child development. Children, in particular, are extremely susceptible to exposure to the chemicals contained in flame retardants due to their developing body systems, size, behaviors and metabolic capabilities. Additionally, flame retardants are difficult to break down and can remain in an environment for years. Moreover, flame retardants are highly hazardous for firefighters as well. These substances increase the amount of carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide released during a fire, making a blaze even more hazardous for entrapped victims and first responders alike. By passing Kaminsky’s legislation banning the sale of products containing these toxins — similar to what Maryland, California and Washington, among other states, have already done — New Yorkers will be protected from the harmful effects of these carcinogens.
“Protecting New Yorkers from toxins, especially our vulnerable children and low-income families, is improved by prohibiting manufacturers from having dangerous chemicals added as flame retardants within furniture, televisions, and consumer products," said Hazel N. Dukes, President of the New York State Conference of NAACP Branches. "In addition to reducing the harm of toxins on developing brains, this important legislation will also improve workplace safety for firefighters and other first responders who often breathe in harmful smoke and fumes as they provide aid to the public."
“Two things are abundantly clear: toxic chemicals used as flame retardants don’t protect people from flames, and they poison children and firefighters. This is not complicated: they have no place in our homes,” said Bobbi Wilding, Executive Director of Clean and Healthy New York and the JustGreen Partnership. “We thank Senator Kaminsky, Assemblyman Englebright, and the New York State legislature for their unwavering commitment to a healthier, cleaner New York.”
"The chemical industry has a well-documented history of distorting the evidence on toxic flame retardants. And as long as it keeps happening, consumers, firefighters, and kids remain in harm’s way," said Rich Schrader, New York Policy and Legislative Director for NRDC. "The risk remains until the legislature bans the unnecessary use of toxic flame-retardant chemicals in furniture and mattress foam."
“Every day, millions of New Yorkers are unknowingly exposed to toxic flame-retardant chemicals through their furniture and electronics,” said Eve Gartner, Managing Attorney for the Toxic Exposure and Health Program at Earthjustice. “The science is clear: flame retardants migrate out of household products, into our homes and then our bodies, where they can cause serious health consequences including cancer, brain impairments in children, and infertility. These chemicals also make household fires more toxic, endangering firefighters. The passage of the Family and Fire Fighter Protection Act is necessary to protect our communities and first responders, and an important step as we lead the country toward a healthier, more sustainable future.”
“Toxic chemicals found in flame retardants have no place in our homes, or hidden in products we come in contact daily, like furniture, mattresses, or electronics. These chemicals endanger our children and pose serious health risks for firefighters when they burn during a fire.” said Kate Kurera, Deputy Director of Environmental Advocates NY. “We commend Senator Kaminsky, Assemblyman Englebright, and the New York State legislature for tirelessly fighting for the health of New Yorkers and the environment.”
Patrick McClellan, Policy Director of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said, "Toxic chemicals have no place in our homes, workplaces, and environment. The Family and Fire Fighter Protection Act will help prevent flame retardants from polluting our household items and improve public health, especially for firefighters who are most at risk from these toxic chemicals. Thank you to Senator Kaminsky and Assemblymember Englebright for your leadership on this important issue."
“Studies have shown that people of color are more likely to have higher levels of the toxic chemicals used in flame retardants in their bodies, which results in higher incidences of the adverse health impacts these chemicals cause – especially among children of color,” said Sonal Jessel, M.P.H., Director of Policy at WE ACT for Environmental Justice. “We see this often in our communities, with the cumulative impacts of disproportionate exposure to toxic chemicals poisoning people of color. That is why we seek to put an end to this environmental racism with the passage of The Family and Fire Fighter Protection Act.”
“For decades, television makers have been putting harmful chemicals into their products,” said Mike Schade, Mind the Store Campaign Director. “Each year, they put millions of pounds of toxic flame retardants in the plastic casings of televisions sold at major U.S. retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Flame retardants in TVs constitute a large and growing source of unregulated toxic pollution in our homes, workplaces, and environment, and pose serious health threats.”
“Based on a growing body of literature which shows that flame retardants have been associated with endocrine disruption and breast cancer risk, the Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition supports the regulation of chemicals in upholstered furniture, mattresses and electronic enclosures.”, said Laura Weinberg, President, Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition.
“The business community is beyond ready for this change,” said Bob Rossi, Executive Director of the New York Sustainable Business Council (NYSBC). “Leading retailers are already eliminating flame retardants, which are ineffective at reducing the spread of fire and have well known health impacts. These health impacts increase employee turnover and absenteeism for businesses and create a broad economic drag on our communities.”
”I love New York: we’re smart, we’re tough, and we’re vocal - especially when it pertains to the health of our family. We know organohalogen flame retardant chemicals causes cancer, contribute to lower IQ and cause reproductive harm. We also know since New Yorkers can drive the marketplace in one direction or another with our support of the Family and Fire Fighter Protection Act, we will lead the country by further reducing toxic exposure to this harmful chemical,” said Karen Joy Miller, President, Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition, Inc.
“The science is clear: flame retardant chemicals can harm brain development,” said Kathryn Cappella from the Learning Disabilities Association of New York. “Prenatal exposure to these dangerous chemicals may result in long-term consequences, including lower IQ, as well as learning and behavioral problems.”
“Flame retardant chemicals are making their way into our air, water, communities, and remaining wild places,” said Caitlin Ferrante, Conservation Program Manager, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. “It’s been demonstrated that these toxic chemicals that coat furniture and appliance coverings do nothing to substantially slow the spread of house fires, yet through everyday exposure, find their way into our lungs and bloodstream – causing a host of health problems, including cancer. The Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter is grateful to Senator Kaminsky and Assemblyman Englebright for leading NY’s fight against toxic chemical exposure and thank the Legislature for supporting this bill!”
“We strongly support the Family and Firefighter Protection Act,” said Elie Ward, MSW, Director of Policy for the NYS American Academy of Pediatrics. “Flame retardants - which are regularly added to household products such as upholstered furniture, children’s toys, and mattresses - have been proven to negatively impact children’s brain development. They can cause problems with verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, motor coordination, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention. They can also impede maximum IQ development. These associations are seen with flame retardant exposures before birth, when the mother is pregnant, and in infants and young children. Organohalogen Flame Retardants (OFR) are also dangerous to firefighters because they offgas carcinogenic chemicals when they burn. We strongly urge the New York legislature to protect our children our firefighters and our communities by passing the Family and Fire Fighter Protection Act now.”
Enactment of this policy is a top JustGreen Partnership priority.
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The JustGreen Partnership is a coalition of about 50 groups representing nearly a million New Yorkers, all working together for environmental health and justice for New York’s people and communities. The Partnership focuses on transforming the policies that govern how chemicals are regulated or marketed in the great State of New York. Through our work, we are building a better movement for health and environmental justice in New York State.