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Table of Chemicals in Beds
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Medical Doctors Comments, (Click Here for Printer Friendly Version)
(See Other Doctor, Public and Scientific, and Retailer Comments Below)


Hippocrates left us with the admonition: "First do no harm.”

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Dr. Mayer-Proschel, Ph.D.
Rochester, NY  14534

Dr. Mayer-Proschel is a professor and scientist at a major US Medical School, and has published 18 scientific studies in neurotoxicology.


After doing my own literature research it is quite incredible that law makers are willing to risk the health of thousands of people. According to available scientific data it is NOT clear whether the levels of chemicals one is exposed to on a chronic basis by sleeping on treated mattresses is safe, especially for children and pregnant women. I have yet to find a single scientific study that supports the use of these chemical in mattresses and labels them as "safe". It is another example of an ignorance beyond reason and one begins to questions the true motivation of the individuals pushing for a national law to include these chemical in all mattresses. Maybe one should start to ask who would financially benefit from such a law to get the true motivation?

In light of the information available, I support your quest for caution and agree that the potential danger far outweighs the benefits of fire prevention (you might want to add to your reasoning that prevention of fire is far more effective and safe by enforcing a non-smoking policy in a house and mandatory fire alarms).
As an additional suggestion, I would also include more up-to-date scientific article citations in your website that directly address the issue of fire retardants. I have included a sample list of original scientific publications I have read, which make the point quite clearly.
Thanks for fighting a "nonsense law" that seems dangerous and agenda driven.

Sincerely
M. Mayer-Proschel

Toxicol Sci. 2005 Jun;85(2):952-62. Epub 2005 Mar 16.
Differential effects of commercial polybrominated diphenyl ether and polychlorinated biphenyl mixtures on intracellular signaling in rat brain in vitro.
Kodavanti PR, Ward TR.
Cellular and Molecular Toxicology Branch, Neurotoxicology Division, NHEERL, ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA. kodavanti.prasada@epa.gov


J Occup Environ Med. 2005 Mar;47(3):199-211.
Polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants in the U.S. population: current levels, temporal trends, and comparison with dioxins, dibenzofurans, and polychlorinated biphenyls.
Schecter A, Papke O, Tung KC, Joseph J, Harris TR, Dahlgren J.
University of Texas School of Public Health, Dallas Campus, 6011 Harry Hines Boulevard V8.112, Dallas, TX 75390, USA. arnold.schecter@utsouthwestern.edu

Environ Health Perspect. 2005 Feb;113(2):149-54.
Developmental exposure to low dose PBDE 99: effects on male fertility and neurobehavior in rat offspring.
Kuriyama SN, Talsness CE, Grote K, Chahoud I.
Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Toxicology, Charite University Medical School Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.


Environ Health Perspect. 2004 Jan;112(1):9-17.
Brominated flame retardants: cause for concern?
Birnbaum LS, Staskal DF.
Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Experimental Toxicology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.

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Dr Lawrence A. Plumlee,  MD
Chemical Sensitivity Disorders Association
Dallas, TX 75220-3757

The benefits do not outweigh the risks. I know many chemically sensitive people who do not tolerate treated mattresses. And how many are intolerant who don't know why they can't sleep or feel bad? This law is premature, and just a measure by mattress manufacturers to avoid liability for fires. Why not address this directly?
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Dr.  Susan Toron,  D.C.
106 E. Ridgewood Ave.
Paramus, NJ  07652

I was forced to purchase an organic cotton bed for my son after learning he was being poisoned by the chemicals in his mattress. In testing, he had 3x the level of Antimony in his system, which was causing significant health and behavior problems (he was 4 at the time). Within 6 months of getting him out of the chemical bed and into the organic one, his antimony levels went back to normal, and his health and behavior problems stopped. Bottom line is that we do not deserve to be poisoned by chemicals we are unaware of, especially when it comes to our mattresses. How many of us have health problems we are dealing with that are from the chemicals we are being exposed to from our mattresses? As someone who lived through the horror of watching her son deal with chronic health and behavior problems at 4 years old, only to find out it was from his mattress, I feel these chemicals definitely do not belong in our homes. We should have a choice, don't you think. Unfortunately, most of us do not have the knowledge to make the choice, because this information is not readily available. Let's fight for change.
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Dr. JESUS R. MARANTE,  MD
DAYTOP VILLAGE Inc.,
92 EAST BROAD ST
BERGENFIELD, NJ  07621

IT IS MY PERSONAL OPINION (AS A PHYSICIAN), THAT, IF WE HAVE DOUBTS REGARDING THE EFFECTS OF ANY PARTICULAR SUBSTANCES TO HUMAN BODY, WE CANNOT PUT ANYBODY IN THAT PARTICULAR RISK; THIS IS ETHICALLY UNACCEPTABLE. MAY BE THERE ARE BIG INTERESTS IN THAT LAW, BUT, FOR ME, THE MOST IMPORTANT IS THE HUMAN BEING AND ITS HEALTH.
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Dr. Elizabeth Vaughan, MD
Vaughan Medical Center
1301 W. Wendover Ave. Suite A
Greensboro, NC  27408

I am a physician who treats patients with many debilitating illnesses that other physicians can't figure out. I practice environmental medicine and integrative medicine.

People are already exposed to an inordinate number of chemicals in our environment that our ancestors never had to detoxify or eliminate from their bodies.

We are seeing more autism, more neuro-degenerative diseases, more asthma and allergies, more "irritable bowel syndrome", more early dementia, etc. Many of these patients get better when they are detoxed and avoid the chemicals that are triggering the symptoms and illnesses.

Didn't we already learn this lesson in the 50-60's with cigarettes?

There is ample scientific and epidemiological evidence right now that these chemicals can be very dangerous for humans.
The CPSC needs to protect us from these chemicals, not throw more at us.

The vision of people experiencing a vibrant and vigorous retirement will be eroded by untreated toxicities of chemicals and heavy metals.

The least we can ask for is a safe bedroom.

If the CPSC pushes this law forward, they need to change their name.
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Dr. Stuart Kossover, MD
Greensboro, NC  27410

This is a joke, right? Wouldn't we be better off requiring a fire/smoke alarm directly over the mattress? Or, how about a sprinkler system? In a nutshell, we are going to make roaches/other pests resistant to boric acid and humans sick from it at the same time. Maybe we need a controlled study before we commit. Good luck finding volunteers. Class action law suit, here we come (just as feasible as people sueing the tobacco companies, yikes).
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Dr. Rapp, MD, F.A.A.A., F.A.A.P., made the following statement:

 

“The world has gone completely crazy. Until the powers that be can prove that what they propose for protecting mattresses against fire will not harm a pregnant woman, an unborn baby, an infant, a child, the elderly or a normal male or female they should UNQUESTIONABLY NOT EVEN CONSIDER PUTTING CHEMICALS INTO EVERY MATTRESS.

What can we do to stop the nonsense!!!

 

 

Doris J. Rapp, MD, F.A.A.A., F.A.A.P.   Is a board-certified environmental medical specialist and pediatric allergist. She was a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Rapp is the founder of the Practical Allergy Foundation and is a past President of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine. She is also the author of several books.

• 1421 Colvin Blvd • Buffalo, New York 14223 Phone 716-875-0398 • Fax 716-875-5399 • Website: www.drrapp.com Email drrappmd@aol.com

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Dr. Liberman, M.D., F.A.A.E.M., made the following statement:

We live in a very technologically advanced world, which advocates the advantages of these technologies but rarely ever considers the disadvantages or potential harm. Everything in life must be considered on a cost/effectiveness ratio basis.

 

It seems ill advised to expose hundreds of millions of people to a potential health hazard in order to protect a very few.  …. I am absolutely opposed to adding the proposed toxic chemicals to mattresses. I render my opinion based on my education, training and experience in the field of occupational and environmental medicine.”

 

Sincerely,

 

Allan D. Lieberman, MD

Consultant in Occupational and Environmental Medicine

ALLAN D. LIBERMAN, M.D., F.A.A.E.M.
Diplomate, American Board of Environmental Medicine
Member, American College of Occupational
& Environmental Medicine

CENTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL &
ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, P.A.
7510 NORTHFOREST DRIVE,
N. CHARLESTON, SC. 29420-4297
Phone 843-572-1600 / Fax 843-572-1795
Website: www.coem.com E-mail: allanl@coem.com

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Other Doctors Comments

Dr. Sher K. Malik, Ph.D. Chemistry
Stockton, CA  95205
Phone: 209-943-1197


As a chemist, I am quite concerned that products like Boric Acid and Antimony Oxides are being used in bedding materials that we spend 6-8 hr. every day. These chemicals are toxic and will affect the human health if in contact with over a long period which the case in a bed.
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Dr. Anja Sturm, PhD
Newark, DE  19711

I have followed some of the mounting evidence that flame retardants are highly toxic and possibly a significant pollutant in our homes with far reaching effects on our health.

I know that other countries are moving away from their use and are considering bans. I am simply baffled that at such a time the US legislature moves to pass a law that would make their use mandatory in all mattresses, thereby even robbing people of their free choice.

I sincerely hope that this campaign to stop such irresponsible legislature will be successful! Thanks.
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Dr. Kenward Vaughan, Ph.D. (Chemistry)
Bakersfield, California  93305

I am not interested in spending a third of my life lying against and exposed to a chemical I use to kill cockroaches and other insects in my home.

Why buy such a product??
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Dr. Rachel Smook, Psy.D.
Boston, MA  02171

This is terrifying legislation. I can't imagine putting my child to sleep on poison every night!
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Public and Scientific Comments       

City: Sequim
State: WA
Zip: 98382

Every flame retardant chemical suggested for inclusion in mattresses has NOT been proven to be safe to humans. Existing data does not support the use of these chemicals on a long term basis for all people including pregnant women, infants, children, the elderly, those with immune diseases, those with cancer and/or heart disease, those with respiratory illnesses, those with neurological conditions, those with mental illnesses, those with skin diseases - or anyone for that matter.

Use of these chemicals in mattresses will bring them into contact with other chemicals found in bedding, personal care products, air fresheners, laundry product residues, off-gassed chemicals from building materials and carpets - no studies have been done to determine the synergistic effects of these chemicals.

Forced inclusion of these chemicals constitutes a human experiment without consent.

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City: Scottsdale
State: AZ
Zip: 85251


As an Environmental Specialist, I'm shocked that mattresses will have to have more chemicals added in order to meet such extreme fire resistance testing. It's getting increasingly difficult to avoid contaminants in our environments. The addition of finely milled boric acid will undoubtedly increase inhalation and dermal exposure and to a lesser amount ingestion of this toxic chemical to adults, children and infants. Many adults sleep with their infants and will cause respirable dust from the inside of the mattress to become airborne. We test homes of individuals with respiratory problems, allergies, chemical sensitivities, impaired immune systems, have other health problems or simply concerned about there environment. Mattresses and bedding are tested with a laser particle counter. The addition of this powder will easily show up in testing and the mattress will most likely fail for cleanliness. Mattress accumulate dander, atmospheric contaminants and construction debris, including drywall dust,. These fine respirable contaminants pose a health risk to many individuals and are almost impossible to remove from mattresses. Now it’s almost law that almost incalculable numbers of extremely small sized respirable toxic chemicals will be added in powder form and pose an even greater risk to us that the risk that fire pose. How many of us have health problems that will be exasperated from this fire retardant? Considerably over 10% of our population has respiratory problems. Add to that infants and young children with not fully developed lungs. How many will develop hypersensitivities to just the fine dust size aspects of boric acid and now have chronic problems to other particulates as well. Add to this number the people with chemical sensitivities and you will have over 50 million people affected (assuming they all were exposed to these treated mattresses). Then add the unknown long term health problems that will develop from up to ten years of exposure for up to eight hours per day.
The risk far outweighs the benefit in trying to save the lives of 100 people per year.
How may lives can we save by eliminating defective smoke alarms by testing them with smoke rather than simply pushing the button ? Why are dual sensor smoke detectors not required?
It should not be the responsibility of our government to go overboard in trying to save a few lives and in doing so jeopardize the health of the majority.
Russell B. Olinsky, M.S. Environmental Specialist
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City: Appleton
State: WI
Zip: 54913-9563

Consumers must be offered choices. I choose not to smoke and I choose not to burn candles in my home. I have smoke detectors and Co2 detectors placed at our bedroom doors. Currently, I purchase chemical-free all cotton feminine hygiene products (European) over the Internet. I purchase dye- and fragrance-free household products. I purchased cotton diapers as my children developed rashes from disposable ones. I NEED to retain the CHOICE to purchase bedding materials that will not harm my family's health.
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City: kerhonkson
State: ny
Zip: 12446

I say let the people who want these chemicals to be put in beds should be the ginnie pigs for the rest of us. After they and their families have slept in them for at least 30 years, then we will know if they are safe or not.
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City: Lumberton
State: NC
Zip: 28360

It is very disturbing that more chemicals will be required in our homes. The number of persons already dying from cancer, leukemia, etc is overwhelming. Imagine the numbers added to that from chemical poisoning. As a young woman suffering with infertility, I also would not want to take any chance that these mattresses would not increase that possibility for others. This law must be stopped!
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City: Coarsegold
State: CA
Zip: 93614

I live in California. Years ago I was chemically poisoned and now have severe multiple chemical sensitivities and sinus disease. I am on Social Security Disability as a result. I cannot think of anything more incredibly stupid than to sleep on a mattress full of chemicals. I cannot, as I must avoid all chemicals. I know thousands like me, who would probably die from such a prolonged and continuous exposure. Are we not to ever sleep in a bed again? (Of course, I would have to import a new mattress from out-of-state since this law has already gone into effect). Most house fires do not begin in the mattress and most people die from the smoke inhalation, not from the fire spreading into the bedroom and onto the mattress.

It would be better to require indoor house sprinklers in all new construction, and increase awareness of the importance of smoke detectors than enact this law.

This law is profoundly foolish and will result in many mystery respiratory problems and eventual disabilities.
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City: Marina Del Rey
State: CA
Zip: 90295

Any use of chemicals compromises our immune system. And, people are already in stressed situations due to the air, water and other chemicals. When a person sleeps this is the bodies repair time. To use any chemicals in the bed or bedding is just putting the immune system under more stess and compromises the bodies ability to heal itself.
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City: Jordan
State: New York
Zip: 13080

I have already been injured by chemicals which resulted in my becoming disabled by Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. We need a new mattress but I know I would not be able to tolerate sleeping on one without becoming very ill. When will this senseless over use of chemicals be stopped?
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City: Riverside
State: IL
Zip: 60546

Putting toxic chemicals in mattresses will create more problems than the one it was designed to solve. I am sensitive to many household chemicals and am currently working very hard to eliminate toxic chemicals from my household. I am strongly opposed to the new industry standards which require mattresses to be flame retardent.
Julie Laffin
Riverside, IL
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City: San Leandro
State: CA
Zip: 94577

This chemical soup is deadly; stop this crazy attempt by chemical companies and major mattress makers to reap overwhelming profits at the risk of anyone using a new bed!
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City: Huntington
State: NY
Zip: 11743

Like most things it seems like informed consent would be a nice option to have. Also, the ability to have options (a mattress with no problematic chemicals added to it) is a good thing as opposed to having to have these beds with things in them that I might not choose to have for health reasons.
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City: Kallangur
State: Queensland
Zip: 4503
 Australia

Please visit my website Diana Buckland GLOBAL RECOGNITION CAMPAIGN for MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY and other chemically induced illnesses, diseases and injury
www.mcs-global.org
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City: Strathmore
State: CA
Zip: 93267

We all carry harmful chemicals in our bodies today...chemicals need to be tested, and they need to be regulated. Putting chemicals in our bedding will cause more harm than good.
I do what I can to protect my family from contact with chemicals.
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City: Norridgewock
State: ME
Zip: 04957


The idea that the mattress industry pushed for these laws makes them suspect. Each human being in this world already carries a large chemical burden in their bodies from the manufactred chemicals and pollutants of the last 100 years. We spend one third of our lives sleeping. Exposing humans to known poisons ON PURPOSE for one third of their lives is just absurd. Making it a LAW, so that those who want to opt out, can't, is unacceptable. All mattresses must be labled with all chemicals used - not just a cover category, as in FIRE RETARDANT, but a list of all chemicals used, so that the consumer can research what it is they are sleeping on and breathing in for eight hours, every night of their lives. Where are the studies which show effects over time on humans sleeping on mattresses with these poisons in them?
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City: Kenmore
State: WA
Zip: 98028


The toxic load on our bodies is high enough without purposefully increasing the load.
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City: Olympia
State: WA
Zip: 98502

Flame retardants may be important if you smoke in bed - I don't intend to do so.
Flame retardants are known to be hazardous to health - the bed should be the safest place for a person, hence the flame retardants should be removed.
I also don't want them in my nightclothes.
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City: Federal Way
State: WA
Zip: 98023

I would really like it if companies would stop trying to poison us unnecessarily!

Thanks!
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City: Vail
State: AZ
Zip: 85641


Please allow me the choice of chemical free bedding.

I lead a chemical free, healthy lifestyle (organic foods, cotton clothing, organic tampons, discretely dress with no bra, house built without formaldehyde products in my air space, no spraying for bugs, no vaccinations for me hubby or cats, network chiropractic care, vitamins & herbs, aerobic workouts -- these choices are not cheap, but they support my physical and mental health just fine, thank-you. I refuse to use the standard medical system. It's broken.

Now you want to pollute my body more, against my will and without enough data to support this choice. This smacks of pocket lining!!

AT LEAST figure out how to give me the CHOICE. Make me sign a contract or something! Just let me sleep in a chemical free bed.

And getting back to brass tacks ... What ever happened to responsibility? Am I to be forced to sleep in chemicals because someone who smokes can't stay out of bed when they light up? That fire is NO accident!! My mother who smoked for 40 years before quitting (!) NEVER smoked in bed. What a concept.

Chemicals everywhere ... chemical companies and pharmaceutical companies rule, don't they? What a story they must've spun this time for a profit -- (Please, this is my assumption, only -- can't imagine why I'd ever think of this one.)

OK, guess that's it. Pretty simple. This IS America, isn't it?

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City: NYC
State: NY
Zip: 10016

Profit-driven interests of corporations such as these bed manufacturers and chemical companies often outweigh the health and well-being of individuals. Companies are rarely held accountable for the toxic pollution/off-gassing they create.

I advocate a wider use of the Precautionary Principle, which urges that 'first, no harm be done,' and that Ecological Economics, a more valid measurement which factors in the costs of industrial production to public health, be employed.

The United States is already under obligation to operate by the precautionary principle. The Federal government signed and ratified the Rio Declaration from the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. The Rio Declaration says,

"In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States [meaning nations] according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation."

In the case of pending legislation to require flame retardants in mattresses, one can only infer by the extreme rush to legalize them without ANY further scientific study of the harm they [known and suspected carcinogens, pesticides and other poisons] pose to a sleeping population is that their bottom-lines will be positively impacted. Any other altruistic interpretation is sheer naiveté.
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City: PORT ST. LUCIE
State: FL
Zip: 34983

THAT IS SO DISGUSTING TO PUT ALL THAT JUNK IN THE MATTRESS. I CAN ONLY BUY PLAIN COTTON MATTRESS WITH ORGANIC COTTON THE OTHERS NEVER SEEM TO OUTGAS AND LAST NEW ONE I BOUGHT COULD NOT USE AND GAVE IT AWAY. I NEED TO GET RX FOR THE MATTRESS AND THAT IS ANNOYING TOO. ONE SHOULD HAVE RIGHT TO CHOOSE WHAT IS IN THEIR MATTRESSES. THAT IS ALL CHEMICALS AND ONE DOES NOT EVEN KNOW HOW THE FUTURE WILL BE FOR THE CHILDREN BROUGHT UP ON THIS TOXIC MATTRESSES. PLEASE STOP ALL THAT DISGUSTING CHEMICAL USE. ESPECIALLY IN MATTRESSES.
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City: Olympia
State: WA
Zip: 98502


I cannot imagine anything more dangerous and ignorant than putting toxic chemicals in our beds! The body runs a detoxification and renewal cycle while we sleep that can only be burdened by yet MORE chemicals being emitted from the bed on which it is resting! Specialty mattress manufacturers have used naturally flame retardant materials such as natural, organic wool for years in safe mattress construction and the industry needs to follow their lead. General fire prevention can be done by other means, but we have no choice but to breathe what is in the air around us wafting out of our mattresses! The proposed law would result in yet another toxic chemical 'experiment' done without informed consent on the human population as a whole while rates of cancer, asthma, and degenerative disease skyrocket and everyone shakes their head in dismay and hides their head in the sand from the fact that we are poisoning ourselves out of existence! In mattress construction as in all other areas the Precautionary Principle must be adopted - a chemical must be proved safe before it is used. Why have chemicals been given the constitutional right of 'innocent until proven guilty' but the constitutional rights of millions of human citizens to 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' has been denied through the poisoning of our bodies and the disastrous health effects we suffer? Let's get our priorities straight: manufactured products are here to serve people not endanger them. We all have the residue of thousands - if not tens of thousands- of chemicals in our bodies which were unknown in our grandparent's generation. Many are now known to be endocrine disruptors. Our task in this critical hour is to halt and reverse this trend before the damage to the human gene pool is irreversible. We need to make a law FORBIDDING the use of toxic materials in mattresses, not requiring it!
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Retailer Comments on Flame Retardant Chemicals in Mattresses
In an effort to fight this law that requires flame retardant chemicals in mattresses we faxed and emailed retailers in the Furniture Industry and asked them to vote on this issue on our website. All the responses voted against this law. Some of these retailers also left comments. I omitted the names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Here are some of the comments from Retailers about flame retardant chemicals in mattresses:


Glendale,CA
It would be hard to find another legislative issue where the right thing to do is as intellectually clear as that of reversing the new FR rules.
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Avondale Estates, GA
Of Course the risk is outweighed! Get a hold of yourself and stop this. How much of this is going on without our knowledge? How many of my friends and family do I have to loose from early deaths due to our lack of knowledge on environmental exposures. Why doesn't the media expose the truths for our safety!!
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DUNMORE, PA
(Brand name hidden) already has "treated cotton" in its Fireblocker mattresses. I was not aware of any of this until I received your fax. I am going to request a MSDS from them.
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Tarboro, NC
Having suffered from MCS for over 20 years, it is encouraging to see that people are finally beginning to see the cause and effect of adverse exposure to some of the chemicals in our everyday products. We still have a long way to go.
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Carson City, NV
I have clients who are highly allergic to to any chemicals, as a matter of fact one of my clients was in the hospital with severe asthma because of a chemical in her chair that we had just purchased. I find this absoulutely absurd! I would not want to sleep on a mattress treated in chemicals, especially Boric Acid.
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Amarillo, TX
Flame retardants may be important, but the chances of injury or death are calculated and probable only if a fire occurs. It seems to me that injury from the use of Boric Acid is inevitable just from sleeping. The risk is FAR too great for me!
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Whiteville, NC
I definitely don't want anything more toxic added to my home environment!
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Gahanna, Ohio
This should not be a requirement. It should only be an option.
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Alexandria , La.
It concerns me greatly that our government is passing laws that could potentially poison me and my family. I would like to know what group of people have been lobbying for this legislation. I'm sure that someone stands to profit greatly by this law and our health is of no concern to them.
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Westerly, RI
ENOUGH of making the public pay, monetarily and in health, for the cutting of manufacturing costs by the makers. You are making us SICK!
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Sanibel, Fl
Thanks for the update. We Appreciate the information and will pursue this issue.
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Essex, MA.
We do not sell mattresses, but we do help our clients find mattresses through retailers. This is bottom line disturbing information, and a horrific dilemma, given the also real danger of flammable mattresses. We vote against this law, which appears to actually increase the risk of total harm to humans, no matter how much it may reduce the risk of harm by fire. Clearly, a slow death or damage by poison is not a preferable choice to a faster death by fire. This is an extension of the chemical sensitivity risk right into people's rest time. What good is all of the 'knowledge' in these risk solutions, if there is no wisdom in any of the research?
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Virginia Beach, VA
Is this a new form of suicide that the government has development. I for one do not intent to buy any mattresses with deadly chemicals embedded into them. We suffer enough for all the chemical in our food and the air we breath. Now we have to worry about what we are breathing in our sleep. What may be good for the few is lethal to the masses. I have seen what boric acid can do to roaches. Have we all been label roaches to the government now. With the raising cost of healthcare, we have to add respiratory infection to the list of deadly diseases. THIS MUST NOT BE PASS INTO LAW.
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Columbia, NC
This is ludicrous! Given a choice I would rather perish in a fire than to die a slow death from poisioning. Talk about escalating heath care costs, not to mention those that will have to endure. Where's the reasoning and who's going to financially benefit from this (if allowed to pass) legalized genocide?
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Wellington, FL
STOP THE MADNESS!
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Cold Spring Harbor, NY
It makes me sick that this can even happen. I don't understand how this is even legal? It is no wonder why people are always sick with something.
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Hollywood, Florida
This is an incredibly irrational and dangerous concept. We must not allow this to happen.
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Barnegat, NJ
It appears to me that someone in government has their priorities confused. We would be jebardizing the health of most of the population to protect insurance companies from lawsuits.
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Mission HILLS, CA
I AM FIRMLY OPPOSED TO THE NEW FIREPROOFING LAWS. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE. OUR CLIENTS SHOULD HAVE THE CHOICE AND SIGN A WAIVER AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE POTENTIALLY EXPOSED TO TOXIC CHEMICALS. THIS NEW LAW MAY EXPOSE THE INDUSRY TO A LOT OF LITIGATION AND LAWSUITS.
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Cary, NC
Petition, I oppose any and all Flame Retardant Chemicals in Mattresses.
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Raleigh, NC
The thought of using Boric Acid that would cause the aforementioned afflictions is insane.
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Haiku, HI
It seems we're always fighting invisible toxins in our modern society. It's discouraging. I tend to be very conscientious about my diet and the types of chemicals etc I use in my household. Nonetheless, I have just been diagnosed with extremely high levels of lead and mercury, and so am particularly sensitive to the topic of toxins in our environment over which we have no control. I hope our votes in this situation will make a difference.
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Spartanburg, SC
What is the point of risking the many problems on the possible chance of fire? Smoke inhalation will kill before the fire.
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Avon, CO
We are already exposed to many harmful chemicals daily. Why do we have to sleep with them too.
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Raleigh, NC
I am MUCH more worried about the certain danger of sleeping on, and indirectly inhaling, poisons designed to kill hardy pests than the potential threat of a fire. It is outrageous that this is being forced on the public unawares! Please do not go forward with the plan to treat all mattresses with boric acid and other such toxic chemicals.
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Garysburg, NC
How stupid to kill us slowly. The ratio of those who die on burning mattresses to those who spend 8 hours a night for a life time with no fire is quite lopsided. Stop the laws which are really unnecessary.
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Austin, Texas
There is always a politician anxious to jump into our beds. The excuse this time is to save a few smokers from killing themselves while smoking in bed. Save a few while legislating poison for all. This is a stupid and potentially dangerous law that will not be good for anyone and will add an unnecessary $100 to the cost of bedding.
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Hickory, NC
Please do not share my email with any other companies. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THERE BE ANY SUBSTANCES KNOWN TO HARM ANY HUMAN BE PUT INTO A MATTRESS WHERE THE MAJORITY OF US SPEND 1/3 OF OUR ENTIRE DAY!! THIS IS LUDICROUS AND SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN AN OPTION. IF CALIFORNIA LAWS ARE SO STRICT THEN LET THEM DEAL WITH THE RISING INSURANCE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH LONG TERM EXPOSURE. IF MATTRESS COMPANIES FIND IT TO DIFFICULT TO SELL TWO 'DIFFERENT' TYPES OF MATTRESSES, THEN LEAVE CALIFORNIA OUT OF THEIR SELLING LOOP. LOSING CALIFORNIA SALES WILL BE MINIMAL COMPARED TO THE LAWSUITS THAT WOULD ENSUE 5 TO 10 YEARS FROM NOW!!!!!!!!!
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Radcliff, Ky.
Thank you for making the industry aware of this. There are enough pollutants in our everyday lives without adding more. This is an outrage that the bedding industry would even consider doing this! Please help to keep us informed about the progress of this action. I hope and pray that this can be stopped!
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