Chemicals In Mattresses - "They are, in fact, using boric acid, which is roach killer"

[Kadie]

Nov 2, 2007 5:44 pm US/Pacific

Call Kurtis: Chemicals In Mattresses

Kurtis Ming
Reporting

(CBS13) SACRAMENTO 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.

snip...
Dr. Dawe suspects that employees might be reacting to soaps and detergents in fabrics, and provides protective gear to any worker who requests it.

snip...
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.

more...
http://cbs13.com/topstories/local_story_307171659.html