Fire Fighters Gain Allies in Drive to Ban Toxic Chemicals in Furniture

The Fire Fighters are gaining allies in their campaign to ban toxic chemicals from the nation’s furniture. The campaign, which started with a proposal from IAFF, several consumer groups and other organizations last year, is to convince the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to write rules to outlaw such chemicals. They endanger Fire Fighters’ lives when the workers battle blazes, especially home blazes, IAFF says. “Fire Fighters dying from occupational-related cancers now account for more than half of our members' line-of-duty deaths each year," Pat Morrison, IAFF’s top safety and health official, told CPSC last month. "This is the largest health-related issue facing the firefighting profession.” Testifying in support of local legislation on the issue last year, IAFF 36 president Ed Smith told the DC City Council that "It’s truly hard to imagine that in our homes, a place of refuge, security and comfort can be a major source of exposure to harmful toxins. Hard to believe…but sadly it is very true." 
- Press Associates; photo from IAFF 36 Twitter feed 

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