HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1126

BYRepresentatives Valle, Ferguson, Rust, Van Luven, Crane, Wineberry, Sprenkle, Kremen, D. Sommers and Wolfe

Requiring a review of combustion toxicity testing of plastics.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (12)

      Signed by Representatives Rust, Chair; Valle, Vice Chair; D. Sommers, Ranking Republican Member; Brekke, G. Fisher, Fraser, Phillips, Pruitt, Schoon, Sprenkle, Van Luven and Walker.

House Staff:Bonnie Austin (786-7107)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 10, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The use of plastic materials in building construction has increased dramatically over the last 20 years.  This trend has changed the health risks associated with structure fires.  A majority of the deaths that result from structure fires occur not as a result of flame but as a result of the inhalation of toxic gases and smoke.

For instance, pathologists investigating the 1980 MGM fire in Las Vegas concluded that 84 of the 85 deaths that resulted from the fire were the result of toxic and corrosive gases emitted from plastic and other synthetic products.  Vinyl wall coverings, plastic decorative trim, plastic ceiling mirrors, chairs and booths padded with polyurethane foam and covered with vinyl plastic, and plastic insulation on electrical power distribution and communications wiring were cited as combustion sources.

Additionally, studies are now beginning to indicate that fire- fighters are at risk for cancer.  A recent study by researchers at the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle suggests that fire- fighters under the age of 40, while healthier overall than the general population, are 60 percent more likely to die of cancer (lymph tissues and brain) than the general population.

In response to the growing concern, in 1986 New York passed a law requiring that building materials be tested for toxicity. Building materials that have been tested are filed with the Secretary of State.  Testing information is kept in a data file that is open to the public.  Additionally, plastic manufacturers have begun to design new materials that reduce the amount of smoke and gas produced upon combustion.

SUMMARY:

SUBSTITUTE BILL:  The Director of Fire Protection is required to conduct a review of existing research on the toxicity and flammability of plastic materials used in building construction.  The review must include an analysis of testing results from:  (1) The New York state laboratory; (2) other laboratories that test plastic building materials; and (3) the international conference of building officials.  The Director of Fire Protection is directed to use the results of this review to identify those plastic building materials that present an unacceptable health hazard due to flammability and toxicity.

The Director of Fire Protection must report the results of the review and provide recommendations for possible controls on the use of specific plastic building material to the legislature by January 1, 1990.

SUBSTITUTE BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The review and recommendations are to be made by the Director of Fire Protection rather than the State Building Code Council.  The director is to identify specific materials that pose an unacceptable health hazard and recommend control measures to the legislature rather than ban the use of these materials.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 23, 1989.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Hank McGuire, IBEW; Willy O'Neil, State Building Code Council; Paul Blaski, Roofers  54, Seattle; Robert Dilgen,  Washington State Building Trade Council; and Darrell Chapman, IBEW.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Certain plastic materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), are extremely toxic when burned.  Toxic gases are often given off while plastic products are smoldering, before there is open flame.  Some of the most dangerous materials should be banned. Even with the use of protective equipment, fire-fighters are at risk from these toxic gases.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.