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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.