Chemical Risks
So far the CPSC has identified only two systems they consider acceptable
risks.
1) A Melamine-Formaldehyde system they call ‘low risk.’ But, this system
contains a small amount of free Formaldehyde. Could this small amount harm
us over time? Could more be released over time? No one knows. We can only
guess.
2) Modacrylic fibers that contain Antimony Oxide spun with the fiber,
usually mixed with polyester batting, which the CPSC calls ‘Moderate risk’
and more study is needed. The CPSC draft law cites Danish research that
shows Antimony Oxide can be released with perspiration.
Then the CPSC draft law translates both the ‘low risk’ and ‘moderate risk’
system to what they call ‘negligible risk.’ It is not wise to put our entire
population at even negligible risk to save a very few.
Other systems including Boric Acid will also be used. The CPSC says more
study is needed and says Boric Acid is acutely toxic and a probable
reproductive and developmental toxin. Yet, Boric Acid is already in 15% of
all new mattresses sold nationwide in anticipation of the new law. It will
also be widely used if the new law is passed.
It is well known that Formaldehyde, Antimony Oxide, and Boric Acid are
acutely toxic to people. All absorb readily through skin and breathing
contact. The only hope is that they will somehow not absorb in our bodies
through sleeping in them for the next forty years or more. Most people would
not want to take this risk.
Formaldehyde and Antimony Oxide also causes cancer. Even Fiberglass is a
hazard to breathe.Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome (SIDS) has been linked to Antimony leaching out of mattresses
by European researchers. The British government mandated use of flame
retardant chemicals in crib mattresses in the 1980's. Antimony was a popular
choice, but since this problem was discovered many manufacturers stopped
using it. The CPSC seems unaware of this risk.
The CPSC commissioned a study by the
National Academy of Sciences to examine flame retardant chemicals to be used
in upholstered furniture in 1999. This study knew of the SIDS risk and how
Antimony leaches out of mattresses. They warned it would be a risk to use
Antimony. The CPSC seems to have forgotten this and recommends Antimony in
mattresses.
Much more study and professional independent ‘risk assessments’ are needed.
Even then it is still a guess. You are putting all of our people at risk to
save a very few. How do we think we are so smart that we can predict the
future? We already know these chemicals can kill us.
Consider the consequences of guessing wrong. 300 million people will be
exposed to save 300.
The CPSC missed citing new research by the EPA that came out after the draft
law was written, and that Boric Acid also causes Neurological Damage:
EPA Boric Acid Review, June 2004, Conclusions: “have identified the
developing fetus and the testes as the two most sensitive targets of boron
toxicity … high prenatal mortality, reduced fetal body weight and
malformations and variations of the eyes, central nervous system,
cardiovascular system, and axial skeleton … The testicular effects that have
been reported include reduced organ weight and organ:body weight ratio,
atrophy, … reduced fertility and sterility”
http://www.epa.gov/iris/toxreviews/0410-tr.pdf
Antimony Oxide MSDS: “Potential Health Effects: ... May cause heart to beat
irregularly or stop. … Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated exposure may
damage the liver and the heart muscle. Prolonged skin contact may cause
irritation, dermatitis, itching, and pimple eruptions. There is an
association between antimony trioxide production and an increased incidence
of lung cancer.”
http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/a7236.htm
FORMALDEHYDE MSDS: "POISON! DANGER! SUSPECT CANCER HAZARD. MAY CAUSE CANCER.
Risk of cancer depends on level and duration of exposure. VAPOR HARMFUL.
HARMFUL IF INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES
AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. STRONG SENSITIZER. MAY BE FATAL OR CAUSE BLINDNESS IF
SWALLOWED. CANNOT BE MADE NONPOISONOUS."
http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/F5522.htm
Please read the health effects section of the CPSC draft law:
“ Antimony is regarded as a possible inhalation carcinogen. … There is
limited data to suggest that antimony may be released from a polymer matrix.
… The results of the limited testing suggest that antimony may be released
in measurable quantities from a polymer matrix. … the amount of antimony
found in a barrier is expected to be higher than in the polyester fabrics …
The amount of antimony migrating from treated barriers is expected to be
higher as well.” [Antimony Oxide is not chemically bound and could enter our
bodies and harm us.]From page 166,
http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia05/brief/mattressespt3.pdf
"Dermal administration in rabbits caused systemic toxicity and even death
(Fleming, 1938; Myers et al., 1978). Death was observed in rabbits after a
single dermal application of 6.7g/kg in corn oil. ... Fleming et al. (1938)
reported systemic toxicity and death after 5-8 days of daily application of
dermal applications of an unspecified dose in a paste of artificial acidic
or alkaline sweat." (Page 138)[Danish Environmental Protection Agency
testing revealed Antimony was released from Modacrylic fibers with sweat.
(page 163)] "One human occupational study reported reproductive effects.
Menstral cycle disturbances, early interruption of pregnancy, and increased
incidence of spontaneous late abortions ... (Belyaeva, 1967) page 140.
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