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- Better Wellbeing
- Better Wellbeing is a health conscious company that believes in living a balanced lifestyle, while doing our part create a more sustainable future for all of humanity and the world at large. We love everything eco-friendly and organic, as well as sharing our knowledge and experience to help other live happier, healthier lives.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Why Do Mattresses Have Flame Retardants?
Why Do Mattresses Have Flame Retardants?
Here at Better Wellbeing, we are dedicated to offering items that we feel will help improve your life. One area that we feel very strongly about is the bed that you sleep on. You spend approximately 8 hours a day (1/3 of your life) sleeping on a mattress. Over the years, standards have changed, and for a long time your mattress was required to meet certain flame retardant standards. I've done the research for you, so can understand why almost all mattresses have toxic chemicals in them and why we prefer to offer mattresses and bedding that are chemical free. You'll sleep better knowing you're on a mattress that isn't leaching fire retardant chemicals.
Why are fire retardants in mattresses?
In 1975 California passed a law, TB117, requiring mattresses and furniture to be flame retardant for a certain period of time in order to protect people from instantaneous fires happening from a candle or cigarette falling on a mattress or couch cushion. To meet these standards, companies began using flame retardant chemicals. Since companies could not sell furniture in California without complying with this law, the rest of the country started adding flame retardants to their furniture as well. After all, it’s easier to apply the same process for all items than have two manufacturing processes. Ironically, the flame retardants do not prevent the materials from burning, it just postpones the material from burning for several seconds. Once the material does burn, those chemicals are released into the air. Studies have shown that Californians have higher levels of PBDE (pentabromodiphenyl--a highly harmful flame retardant, known to cause cancer, that has been banned from California and other countries since 2004 and voluntarily stop production in 2005). There are still many unknown chemicals being used as flame retardants including formaldehyde.
What is the new law on flame retardants?
In 2013 the TB 117 law was revised to TB117-2013 to meet new standards and provide options that do not rely on flame retardants for furniture and mattresses. As of January 1, 2015 the new law is in effect. This law does not prohibit the use of fire retardants. Furniture and mattresses may still have fire retardants in them. If the tag is labeled with code TB117, it most likely has flame retardants in it. If the tag is labeled with code TB117-2013, it may or may not have flame retardants in it. This new law allows for individuals to get prescriptions from a licensed healthcare professional for mattresses specifically made without flame retardant chemicals.
How do you make mattresses flame retardant without chemicals?
Wool is the most widely used source of an all natural flame retardant for mattresses and bedding. Sheep secrete a waxy substance called lanolin which protects their coat from the rain. The lanolin fills their coat with the wax, which repels too much water and also makes it flame retardant. Flame retardant is different from flame resistant. The wool will eventually burn if the flame it held to it long enough, but it does not immediate ignite in flames. Wool that still has lanolin on it will typically smolders or chars and extinguishes itself when the flame is removed.
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