• Two-thirds of bedroom fires are set by children playing with lighters and matches
• 80% of all fire deaths occur in the home
• Matches and lighters are involved in 75% of child-play fires
• Most electrical fires start in the bedroom

Sources: U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association

Due to the dangers associated with mattresses and home fires, basically two US federal laws require flame retardants in mattresses (whether synthetic or organic).  All manufacturers need to comply with these strict standards, before they can produce and distribute mattresses in the United States.  Mattresses sold in Canada do not undergo the same regualtions; however please visit Health Canada for more information.

The first regulation, issued in the 1970’s measures the size of the smolder of cigarette-type burns. The second (issued in 2007) measures the burn rate of open-flame fires, as in the case of matches, lighters, candles, etc.

In order to meet federal regulations, most synthetic mattress manufacturers place a fiber barrier that blocks fire.   However, manufacturers are not required to disclose the composition of those fibers which now becomes an area of concern when it comes to off-gassing from synthetic fibers.  Although PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) are now being phased out of the mattress industry, they are being replaced by new chemicals which have not been tested for long term health effects or possible chemical combination threats.  Formaldehyde, TDI (toluene di-isocyanate) styrene, butadiene and other petroleum derivatives are being widely used in the mattress industry today.  These chemicals make their way into our bodies and what is becoming a greater concern is how these chemicals are effecting the developing child.

Flame retardent standards are no lower for organic mattresses.  Most organic mattresses are naturally flame resistant as Organic wool is an inherently natural flame resistant material.  Organic mattresses that do not use organic wool use environment friendly coatings.  These natural alternatives do cost more than chemical saturation, but you can be rest assured that you will be sleeping on a chemical free environment.

See mattress organic for best reasons to buy organic.

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