Five Problems with crib mattresses: Flammability
Due to the high flammability of polyurethane foam, chemical fire retardants and/or barriers are added to meet the minimum flammability standards set by government agencies. While there are no laws or regulations regarding the materials or chemicals permitted to be used in crib mattresses (other than the CPSIA and basic labeling requirements), the government does mandate minimum flammability standards. The flammability of polyurethane foam poses a significant danger.
“If ignited, polyurethane foam can burn rapidly, releasing great heat and consuming oxygen.
In an enclosed space, the resulting deficiency of oxygen can present a danger of suffocation to the occupants. Smoke and gases released by burning foam can be incapacitating to human beings if inhaled in sufficient quantities.” (Polyurethane Foam Industry-Wide Warning Label) Polyurethane foam decomposes into deadly and hazardous gases when ignited. “Thermal decomposition products from polyurethane foam consists mainly of carbon monoxide, benzene, toluene, oxides of nitrogen, hydrogen cyanide, acetaldehyde, acetone, propene…” (OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins. “The Fire Hazard of Polyurethane and Other Organic Foam Insulation Aboard Ships and In Construction.” U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Safety & Health Administration.
www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib19890510.phpl)
“Hazardous decomposition products [from flexible polyurethane foam] include: carbon monoxide, acetaldehyde, acrylonitrile, 2,4-toluene diisocyanate,
polymer fragments, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrogen cyanide. Fire retardant foams may generate emissions of hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, hydrogen flouride, or phosphoric acid…”
(“National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Flexible Polyurethane Foam Production” U.S. EPA. Federal Register. October 7, 1998. Vol. 63. No. 194. www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-AIR/1998/October/Day-07/a25894.php)
According to Jonathan R. Barnett, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Fire Protection Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, “polyurethane foam produces ten times more carbon monoxide for each gram burned than does wood.”
http://encarta.msn.com/text_761563809___13/Fire.phpl
“…carbon monoxide is the deadly gas and will kill us before the flames do.” (“Mattresses: Deadly Fire Hazards.” CBS News. The Early Show. Interview with U.S. Deputy Fire Administrator Chief Charlie Dickinson. June 28, 2004. www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/06/28/earlyshow/living/home/main626380.shtml)
Thousands of innocent people are killed or severly injured from bedroom fires each year.
Sadly, children comprise the majority of these casualties. “In 1995, CPSC [Consumer Product Safety Commission] conducted a field
investigation study to learn more about cigarette-ignited fires and open flame fires. The report, issued in 1997, showed that about 70% of the
open flame fires involved child play and that 68% of the open flame deaths were to children playing with lighters, matches, and other open
flame sources.”
(Consumer Product Safety Commission “Standard to Address Open Flame Ignition of Mattresses/Bedding; Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.” 16CFR Part 1633. Federal Register/Vol. 66, No. 197/October 11, 2001, Pg. 51886)
While the above studies did not involve crib mattresses per se, it is nonetheless clear that polyurethane foam constitutes a widespread concern, especially in those products impacting babies and young children.
Additionally, the details of the flame barriers being used to protect polyurethane foam are becoming increasingly proprietary. The manufacturers of these flame barriers routinely refuse to divulge ingredient lists and material safety data sheets associated with their barriers.