Minnesota Considers Tough Ban On Flame Retardants

The Minnesota legislature is considering a bill to ban four flame-retardant chemicals. If approved, the ban would be the most restrictive in the nation. Flame retardants are found in couches, mattresses and some baby products.

Firefighters say the chemicals are toxic and wanted 10 chemicals included in the proposed ban. The chemical industry and state chamber of commerce opposed the ban. A compromise proposal limits the number of flame retardants from 10 to four.

The Minnesota House is expected to vote this Friday on the initiative. The Senate passed a previous version of the bill and is expected to approve a House version. Minneapolis Star Tribune reporter Abby Simons tells Here & Now's Robin Young about the proposal and what a ban might mean for the rest of the country.