BILL NUMBER: S7821A
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to prohibiting the
sale of children's products, mattresses and upholstered furniture
containing fiberglass unless they contain a prominent label
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this legislation stipulates that no person or manufacturer
can sell or distribute in commerce any new children's products,
mattresses, or upholstered furniture which contain fiber glass and that
a custom upholsterer cannot repair, reupholster, recover, restore, or
renew any juvenile products, mattresses, upholstered furniture, reuphol-
stered furniture using fiberglass unless it contains a prominent perma-
nent label which informs the consumer that fiberglass can be harmful to
the consumer if ingested, inhaled, or exposed to skin.
Section 2 states the act will take effect on January 1, 2026.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Over the past decade there has been a growing concern over the health
risks that are associated with interaction and or exposure to textile
fiberglass. Textile fiberglass has been linked to a variety of health
and environmental risks. Fiberglass is commonly used as a cheap fire
retardant in juvenile products, mattresses, and upholstered furniture.
The use of these materials has raised serious concerns due to their
toxicity and the long-lasting effects in the environment it is exposed
to. The textile fiberglass poses risks during handling, repair, or
reupholstery especially in unregulated environments.
This legislation follows suit with ongoing national and state efforts to
reduce hazardous chemicals in consumer products, especially those used
by children and other vulnerable consumers. California and the European
Union have recognized the dangers of fiberglass in juvenile products,
mattresses, and upholstered furniture and banned the sale of these
products that contain fiberglass. By following suit and prohibiting the
sale of these products that contain fiberglass, we will help promote
public health, better environmental practices, and a safer New York for
all New Yorkers.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
None.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.