News Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On October 8, Gov. Gavin Newsom banned the state-wide sale of mattresses and upholstered furniture that contain fiberglass, a harmful replacement fire retardant.
The law, introduced in the state Legislature as Assembly Bill 1059 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), will take effect on January 1, 2027.
“By passing this bill, the state has taken significant steps toward enhancing California residents’ safety in the very place where we want to feel most protected – our homes,” said Friedman. “I’m proud of this bill and the work California policymakers did together to make it a reality.”
Sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, the bill gained widespread bipartisan support throughout its legislative journey. Legislators on both sides of the aisle rightly acknowledged that consumers deserve protection from exposure to fiberglass in the furniture they interact with everyday.
“Just as we don’t accept hidden toxic substances in our food or water, we must demand transparency and accountability about the chemicals we’re exposed to in our homes,” said Bill Allayaud, EWG’s vice president of government affairs in California.
“Manufacturers have the innovation it takes to create quality products that Californians love without all the health-harming materials they don’t. Now California law will ensure it,” he said.
This law will safeguard consumers by reducing the risks of fiberglass exposure if fragments are inhaled. Studies show that if mattress covers are removed or damaged, the fiberglass fragments can escape and disperse into a room, potentially irritating the skin, eyes and lungs. It’s impossible to remove the fragments without professional help.
These hazardous materials are often added to mattresses and furniture marketed as “chemical free,” or “non-toxic,” so consumers don’t know they are bringing these particles into their homes.
“A.B. 1059 is a commitment to consumers in the Golden State that mattresses and furniture won’t contain these hidden hazards, because a good night’s sleep shouldn’t come at the cost of our health,” added Allayaud.
An industry association, the International Sleep Products Association, will fund an independent study to more closely examine the safety of a particular flame resistant fiber used to meet standards, modacrylic fibers.
Since a health risk assessment of this component, which is found in some mattresses, is somewhat outdated, the bill was amended to require a new assessment by late 2025. The timing means legislation can be introduced in 2026, if necessary.
There are safer replacements for fiberglass and other toxic chemical flame retardants, including wool, rayon and polylactic acid batting. These can be used to meet fire safety standards.
EWG recommends that consumers shopping for a mattress or crib mattress look for one made by a company that’s transparent about what it uses to meet fireproofing requirements and the other materials in their products. It’s best to choose materials like wool and cotton, beware overstated product claims, and check EWG’s guidance on healthy mattresses.
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
