Written by KC Ennis
Recent years have seen significant changes in the federal fire code regulations. The most stringent requirements went into effect in July of 2007. All mattresses must now resist an open flame on the side and the top, except those prescribed by a doctor, osteopath or chiropractor. Manufacturers have a variety of fire-retardant solutions, all of which must be tested and labeled to assure that they are compliant with the current codes. There are no labeling requirements for the chemical fire-retardants used in mattresses. Solutions that meet the federal standards fall into three primary categories.
- Chemical fire-retardants are utilized to saturate the mattress ticking in conventional inner-spring mattress. The chemicals must be used in high concentrations, typically adding as much as a pound and a half of chemicals to a typical queen inner-spring.
- Fire-retardant fire sock, composed of inherently fire-resistant fibers such as modacrylic, or fiberglass cores, which surrounds the mattress.
- Wool batting, a naturally fire-resistant material, generally covered in organic cotton, to create a natural fire barrier, generally used with latex for an all natural latex mattress.
Much has been said about the exposure to possible toxic chemicals as a result of the use of chemical fire-retardants. It seems fairly certain that we will absorb chemicals if they are used in our beds and that some of these chemicals should be a cause for concern. In general, it seems that the best solution is to error on the side of caution. Any mattress that contains high concentrations of chemical fire-retardants just adds additional cause for concern for the risks of chemical contamination in our homes.
Natural latex mattresses have become the most popular solution for consumer concerns about toxic fire-retardant chemicals. A latex mattress, covered with organic cotton and natural wool will pass the new fire code regulations, without the addition of any chemical fire-retardants. In addition, a latex mattress is anti-microbial, resist dust mites, mold and mildew, while providing the most durable sleeping surface available. A natural latex mattress, covered with organic cotton and wool, can assure you and your family that you are sleeping safely without exposure to toxic off-gassing.
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