asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the alleged dangers from lethal gas produced by rapidly burning polyurethane from upholstery used in livingroom sofas and other household furniture, the extent to which this upholstery is in use at present and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Polyurethane Foam Upholstery.
230.
I understand that the bulk of modern upholstered furniture on sale today incorporates some form of synthetic material, viz. polyurethane foam or similar material, and I am aware of the special hazards which can arise when such furniture becomes ignited.
The introduction of any statutory measures for promoting the safe use by the public of a commodity intended for sale to the public is primarily a matter for the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism in the context of the powers available to him in section 44 of the Industrial Research and Standards Act, 1961. I understand that he has under consideration the question of introducing regulations governing the flammability characteristics of all upholstered furniture manufactured for sale, and that notification of his proposals in this regard was published in the daily papers on 11 January 1980.