Nov 2, 2007 5:44 pm US/Pacific
Call Kurtis: Chemicals In Mattresses
SACRAMENTO (CBS) ―
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Call Kurtis, CBS 13, KOVR, Kurtis Ming
New standards have made mattresses more fire resistant. They'll still burn, just not as fast, because they contain more fire resistant materials.
But we've learned that some workers who handle these materials at a Simmons Mattress Plant claimed that the chemicals were causing them health problems.
Employees reported irritated eyes, bloody noses, respiratory problems, and painful skin rashes.
A report by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that there is no proof that these illnesses were caused by fire resistant materials. No hazards were detected in the workplace.
"I don't see any concerns for consumers with the components of our product from a health and safety standpoint," says Dr. Jonathan Dawe, PhD, who works for Simmons.
Dr. Dawe suspects that employees might be reacting to soaps and detergents in fabrics, and provides protective gear to any worker who requests it.
But one mattress maker disagrees.
Mark Strobel makes mattresses with minimal flame retardants. Since 2003, he has campaigned against what he considers dangerous toxic overload.
"They are, in fact, using boric acid, which is roach killer," Strobel says.
Serta International confirms that boric acid is present in their products, but states that it is safe.
"If you eat too much boric acid, it becomes poisonous. But no one's eating boric acid," says Al Klancnik, an enginner for Serta. "No one is eating their mattress."
Fire resistant materials are inside mattresses, forming a barrier just under the cover, or "ticking." The Consumer Product Safety Commission says it protects consumers.
"The CPSC would never have passed a rule that allowed certain materials to be used that would harm consumers," says Julie Vallese of the CPSC.
But Strobel disagrees. "It's close, chronic exposure. You're laying there, full body and breathing, contacting it for your entire life."
Those materials do not have to be listed on the mattress label, but the law says manufacturers have to tell you -- if you ask.
The only way to get a chemical-free mattress is by prescription.
The California Assembly is going to consider Assembly Bill 706, which would outlaw certain fire retardants in California. It should receive a vote in the next session.
A second bill, A-B-513, is being written now, and would reportedly affect a whole range of fire retardants.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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