Combustibility Of Upholstered Furniture And Mattresses Will Be A Key Topic At Polyurethanes Conference 2002

Furniture World Magazine

Two sessions on the flammability of polyurethanes in home furnishings - including a new technical session - will be part of the Polyurethanes Conference 2002 program. This year's conference is scheduled for Oct. 13-16 in Salt Lake City. Building on the combustibility sessions held the previous two years, the Alliance for the Polyurethanes Industry (API) is arranging for another high profile panel to present what the industry, lobbyists and the government are doing to address this crucial issue. "This year's panel session will be a mix of updating attendees on issues they are familiar with, and educating them about others they aren't as familiar with," says Dick Mericle, executive director of API. A team of speakers will inform the audience about issues concerning brominated flame retardants. Other presentations include a legislative update covering insulation and furnishings flammability, and API's efforts in fire safety education. An update on European construction and furniture fire standards and regulations will also be offered. Following the presentations, the audience will be able to participate in a question and answer session with the panelists. Combustibility Technical Session New This Year : Polyurethanes Conference 2002 will address the combustibility issue from a technical standpoint as well. Papers will present information about U.S. building codes for flammability, flame retardants, and toxic combustion gas emission data. The session will also explore economic and performance issues related to intumescent coatings as an alternative means of fire protection in flexible foam applications. For more information about API and Polyurethanes Conference 2002, contact Lisa Smith at (703) 741-5656; or visit the API web site at www.polyurethane.org