Identification and evaluation of data on flame retardants in consumer products

In the EU, fire safety has been an issue of public and political concern during the past years and Member States have taken different approaches to the flammability of consumer products used in domestic environments. While some Member States have put in place very stringent flammability requirements which have led to the generalised use of flame retardants, other Member States, especially in continental Europe, preferred to limit such very stringent requirements to professional or public areas due to concerns about the possible negative impact of flame retardants on human health and the environment. This divergence of views about the use of flame retardants has persisted throughout the years.

The aim of this study was therefore to acquire an up-to-date knowledge about flame retardants currently applied in consumer products used in dwellings, and thus to provide a contribution to move forward the debate.

Go to final report Evaluation of data on flame retardants in consumer products