Lawmakers OK Ban On Chemical Flame Retardants Deemed Toxic

BOSTON (AP) - A bill approved by Massachusetts lawmakers will prohibit the use of several types of toxic flame retardants in a variety of household products. 

The measure was sent to Republican Gov. Charlie Baker's desk on Tuesday, the last official day of the 2017-2018 legislative session.

Supporters, including the advocacy group Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow, say the chemical flame retardants in question are used by some manufacturers in furniture, bedding and children's products such as toys, high chairs and car seats. 

The chemicals, according to the alliance, aren't necessary to meet current standards but can produce toxic dust in a home and pose dangers to firefighters responding to a house fire.

The alliance says more than a dozen other states prohibit the flame retardants.

The 2019-2020 legislative sessions begins Wednesday.

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