The Government says it has taken steps to improve safety in New Zealand homes by making furniture safer.
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi says furniture needs to be made safer due to it being in every home in New Zealand.
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A Product Safety Policy Statement has been enacted, which means manufacturers and retailers must find ways to make the products safer.
"About 80 percent of new and existing household furniture is foam-filled, including lounge suites, some mattresses, and seats," Faafoi said. "These are highly flammable when ignited and the foam can catch fire at relatively low temperatures, burn quickly and intensely, and emit suffocating poisonous smoke that can spread quickly through a home."
Coroner's reports show more people die from smoke inhalation than burns from flames.
Between 2006 and 2016, the total number of deaths in residential structural fires was 177.
"Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) ran a demonstration for me and I saw first-hand how this foam-filled furniture can play a significant role in domestic fire risk," Faafoi said.
"The product safety statement we have now enacted is the first step to improving the situation, as currently there is no requirement to inform consumers about the potential fire danger."
Faafoi said it gave the industry the chance to deliver without the need for regulation.
"My hope is that manufacturers start adopting safer foam materials," he said.
A strong response had been received from FENZ, Faafoi said, adding the Government would continue to work with the organisation to ensure better safety.
Newshub
