40 years of manufacturing organic new technology mattresses for customers worldwide
From the ‘Society of Toxicology,’ News Release
“In what will be a first for all involved, the world's foremost organization of toxicologists will help furniture makers and fire marshals determine if two types of flame retardant chemicals may be used without harm to human health. … However, more must be known about the toxicology of these chemicals before manufacturers use them to meet new fire safety standards.
At the request of the American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA) and the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM), the Society of Toxicology (SOT) will conduct inquiries into two types of flame retardant chemicals-chlorinated phosphate esters and boric acids. Some scientists report that the chlorinated phosphate esters may be carcinogenic, and that boric acid may be a reproductive toxicant for male children. The manufacturers of these chemicals state that their products are safe when used as intended. To date, none of these claims has been thoroughly assessed by credible, independent scientists.
… But if insufficient science exists to make a proper evaluation, or if unacceptable health hazards are shown to exist, furniture makers will be advised that it is not possible to use these products without more study.” http://www.toxicology.org/information/news/pr_flameretardant.doc [This workshop was canceled due to only seven scientists being pre-registered.]
In spite of the above warnings, the innerspring mattress industry is charging ahead and already putting these chemicals in millions of mattresses nationwide, even though they have been warned it may not be safe for human exposure. The above news release was reported in Furniture Today, the leading trade magazine. International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) has not even done a simple independent risk assessment that reviews known science and factors in amount and duration of exposure, on any of the chemicals they are putting in mattresses, even though one could be had for ten to twelve thousand dollars. I don’t think any of the chemicals they are choosing would pass a risk assessment. The EPA gives many more health warnings on human exposure to Boric Acid including fetal death, birth defects, and simple slow poisoning.
A new law goes into effect in California on January 1 and is being enacted by the CPSC nationwide within the next year that requires all mattresses to resist ignition from open flames. Mattress makers are using Boric Acid and other known toxic chemicals to meet this law. While millions of people are already sleeping in Boric Acid in new mattresses, some brands are exposing an additional 16,000 people nationwide every day to over a pound of Boric Acid powder as loose dust in the surface of their mattress. Californians are being exposed at an even faster rate since most new mattresses already meet this law with added toxic chemicals These people are told their new mattress “Contains no harmful chemicals!” If the Law Tag on the mattress says it contains “Treated Cotton”, it’s likely Boric Acid. See the whole story at www.Strobel.com/vote.htm
Sincerely,
Mark Strobel,
President
Strobel Technologies,
www.Strobel.com, Phone: 812-280-6000, 800-457-6442, Fax: 812-282-6528