CALIFORNIA AB 2998 – FLAME RETARDANT ADDITIVES (FR):
After years of research and advocacy by various organizations, flame retardancy standards in California were revised to require manufacturers to phase out potentially hazardous flame retardant chemicals. California AB 2998 prohibits the sale and distribution of juvenile products, upholstered furniture, replacement components of reupholstered furniture, and foam in mattresses that contain certain flame-retardant (FR) chemicals at levels above 1,000 parts per million (ppm) on or after January 1, 2020. Appian has proactively addressed this issue by phasing out FR additives since the end of 2018. This legislation does not just affect the state of California. Several states have adopted (or are in the process of adopting) similar legislation (visit https://www.saferstates.com/toxic-chemicals/toxic-flame-retardants for more information). The good news is, our products still pass CAL 117, UFAC Class 1 and NFPA 260 without the use of additives. For customers requiring higher FR standards, (e.g. ASTM E-84, MVSS 302 or IMO 2010 FTP Code, Part 8, etc.), please contact Appian so that we can assist you.
PROP 65 – PHTHALATES:
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible, pliable, and less prone to cracking and breaking. In the past, the majority of plasticizers have included phthalates as a key component. Through significant research, concerns were raised about potential issues of phthalate exposure not only to fetal development, but also to fertility, reproductive development, and an exacerbation of allergic reactions. Additionally, certain phthalates have been identified as potentially carcinogenic. Phthalates also became officially classified as “endocrine disruptors.” Even after the disclosure of this information, phthalates are still found in a variety of everyday products. However, there are certain government and industry organizations that have limited the use of certain phthalates, and/or required disclosure of their existence, including California Prop 65, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals). As a result of revisions to Prop 65 regulations in 2015 and additional legislative actions in process and/or under consideration in several other states, Appian Textiles and our mill partners began proactively transitioning our plasticizer content to phthalate-free formulations beginning as early as 2016. All Appian production is now 100% phthalate-free.
ANTI-MICROBIAL BIOCIDES:
Led by intitiatives within the health care industry, the removal of certain antimicrobial biocide additives from fabrics and faux leathers has been recommended. Buyers and specifiers have established standards with the goal of creating healthier commercial spaces. As an example, in 2015, Kaiser Permanente® banned the use of 15 potentially hazardous antimicrobial chemicals added to fabrics, furniture, and finishes to make their facilities healthier for patients and staff.
One of the common misconceptions that has been uncovered is that antimicrobial additives improve infection control. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not found any evidence to suggest that antimicrobials in fabrics and faux leathers offer any enhanced protection from the spread of bacteria and germs. These findings state that proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces (see Appian Textiles Cleaning Matters Technical Bulletin 2020.001) would kill microscopic pathogens more effectively and reduce the risk of spreading infections. Associated risks are further reduced with appropriate hand washing.
Appian’s growth in the senior living, assisted living and healthcare markets has resulted in the introduction of products which are biocide-free. Again, Appian has the products you need.
Appian Textiles is committed to staying ahead of environmental and legislative requirements. This effort has resulted in stocked products that are FR-Free, Biocide-Free, Phthalate-Free, BPA/OBPA Free, Lead-Free, Formaldehyde-Free, etc. We will continue to evolve and make changes to keep our products ahead of the curve.
