|  | Medical Doctors Comments, 
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	Comments Below)
 
 Hippocrates left us with the admonition: 
	"First do no harm.”
 
 ************************************************************************
 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.
 
 ************************************************************************
 
 
 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?
 ************************************************************************
 
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
   Dr. JESUS R. MARANTE,  MDDAYTOP 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 Dr. Elizabeth Vaughan, MDVaughan 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 Dr. Stuart Kossover, MDGreensboro, 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).
 ************************************************************************
 
 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. 
	************************************************************************
 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
 |  
	************************************************************************
   Other Doctors Comments Dr. Sher K. Malik, Ph.D. ChemistryStockton, 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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??
 ************************************************************************
 
 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!
 ************************************************************************
 
   
	Public and Scientific Comments        
	 
	City: SequimState: 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.
 
	************************************************************************ City: ScottsdaleState: 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
 ************************************************************************
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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!
 ************************************************************************
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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?
 ************************************************************************
 
 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
 ************************************************************************
 
 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!
 ************************************************************************
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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
 ************************************************************************
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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?
 ************************************************************************
 
 City: Kenmore
 State: WA
 Zip: 98028
 
 
 The toxic load on our bodies is high enough without purposefully increasing 
	the load.
 ************************************************************************
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 City: Federal Way
 State: WA
 Zip: 98023
 
 I would really like it if companies would stop trying to poison us 
	unnecessarily!
 
 Thanks!
 ************************************************************************
 
 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?
 
 ************************************************************************
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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!
 ************************************************************************
 
 
 Retailer Comments on Flame Retardant Chemicals 
in MattressesIn 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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!!
 ************************************************************************
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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!
 ************************************************************************
 
 Whiteville, NC
 I definitely don't want anything more toxic added to my home environment!
 ************************************************************************
 
 Gahanna, Ohio
 This should not be a requirement. It should only be an option.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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!
 ************************************************************************
 
 Sanibel, Fl
 Thanks for the update. We Appreciate the information and will pursue this issue.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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?
 ************************************************************************
 
 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.
 ************************************************************************
 
 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?
 ************************************************************************
 
 Wellington, FL
 STOP THE MADNESS!
 ************************************************************************
 
 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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