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Medical Doctors Comments,
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(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.
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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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