Dangerous Chemicals in Mattresses

Mattress manufacturers are required by law to have their mattresses pass fire safety tests. Many of these manufacturers use fire-retardant chemicals in their models that consumers consider dangerous. Some manufacturers are taking new approaches to combat these concerns.

Significance

• Mattress fires kill approximately 500 people a year, according to the Consumer Safety Products Commission (CSPC). The CSPC requires all mattress models to pass a 30-minute burn test.

Types

• Trace amounts of flame-retardant chemicals antimony and boric acid have been found in certain mattress models. Boric acid is harmful to the respiratory and reproductive systems. Antimony is harmful to the heart, liver and reproductive systems and has been cited as contributing to the risk of developing cancer.

Expert Insight

• According to the CSPC, there is no significant health concern relating to flame-retardant chemicals found in mattresses. If they find a substance to be dangerous, they can ban or limit its use.

Misconceptions

• The CSPC does not require mattress manufacturers to use flame-retardant chemicals in order to pass their fire safety tests.

Potential

• Some companies are manufacturing mattresses out of fire-blocking fabric instead of filling them with chemicals.