[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz signed H.F. 359, banning the use of flame-retardant chemicals in mattresses and residential textiles. When burned, flame-retardant chemicals produce known carcinogens and have been linked to higher incidence rates of cancer and other negative health outcomes for firefighters.

“Minnesota’s brave firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe,” said Governor Walz. “The least we can do is to help protect their health. This law will help protect firefighters from exposure to dangerous chemicals that pose devastating health consequences long after a fire has been put out.”

H.F. 359 also bans the use of firefighting foam that contains perfluorinated chemicals (PFAs) that have been found to contaminate drinking water. The bill expands on a law passed in 2015 banning the use of flame-retardant chemicals in children’s products and upholstered furniture.

There will be a ceremonial bill signing of H.F. 359 this summer.