Prohibits the manufacture, distribution and sale of children's foam mats containing formamide

1 Co-sponsor

• Brad Hoylman-Sigal

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to prohibiting the manufacture, distribution and sale of children's foam mats containing formamide

Purpose

To prohibit children's foam mats and exercise mats from containing the chemical formamide, as formamide has been found to be a health hazard to both children and adults.

Summary of provisions

Section I amends Article 37 of the environmental conservation law by adding Title 4, that would prohibit the manufacture, distribution, and sale of foam mat products containing formamide. The bill would also amend the environmental conservation law to create a penalty for those who violate any of its provisions.

Section II sets forth the effective date.

Justification

The chemical formamide has been found to be harmful to those who come in contact with it, particularly when it exists in high quantifies in foam mats intended for children. Formamide is toxic to the reproductive system and can pose harm to fetuses and infants. Exposure to the chemical can also cause eye, nose, throat and skin irritation. Mats containing formamide have been banned and removed from shelves in Belgium and France because of these safety concerns. Prohibiting the sale of these foam mats would create a safer environment for New York's children and families.

Legislative history

2014: S7806/A5298A - ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION/Third Reading 2013: A5298A (Rozic) - Environmental Conservation 2012: A6070A (Meng) - Codes 2011: A6070A (Meng) - Environmental Conservation

Fiscal impact on the state

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.