PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) is a toxic flame retardant used in the mattress and pillows. PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers, can impair brain development, particularly in the very young, and alter thyroid hormone balance, which is critical to the function of the central nervous system

Scientific studies postulate a relationship between some fire retardant chemicals and adverse birth outcomes, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, cryptorchidism, reduced fertility and sperm counts, and other negative neurological and reproductive impacts

This is of special concern for pregnant women and young children who are the most vulnerable to endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, mutagens, and neurological and reproductive toxins. Since spermatocytes are the most rapidly growing cells in adults, men also need to be protected as well from toxic materials in their beds.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Scientific Reports on Chemicals used to flameproof mattresses:

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

CDC Boric Acid Review, Health Effects, 1992, Conclusions: “Demonstrated injury to the gonads and to the developing fetus. … Boron (as boron oxide and boric acid dusts) has been shown to cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract in humans. … Boron does cause health effects following acute dermal exposure. … Neonatal children are unusually susceptible to boron exposure. … Neurological damage is an area of concern following exposure to boron … http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp26-c2.pdf

Boric Acid MSDS: “Chronic Exposure: Prolonged absorption causes weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, convulsions and anemia. Liver and particularly the kidneys may be susceptible.” www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/b3696.htm

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

Vinylidene Chloride MSDS: irritation, symptoms of drunkenness, lung congestion, liver damage, convulsions LONG TERM EXPOSURE: kidney damage, tumors http://www.matheson-trigas.com/msds/MAT25070.pdf

Decabromodiphenyl Oxide, Brominated Flame Retardant, 82% Bromine Minimum, contains free Bromine, http://www.grchem.com/product-30_e.htm

Bromine MSDS: “Skin Contact: Corrosive! Symptoms may include skin discoloration, pain, serious burns, blistering, and slow healing ulcers. Eye Contact: Corrosive. Can cause blurred vision, redness, pain, severe tissue burns and eye damage. Chronic Exposure: Pulmonary edema, pneumonia, diarrhea, and rashes may be delayed complications of severe exposures.” http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/b3905.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

Articles about PBDE`s in various news media

This recent article in the The Oregonian sums up the problems for humans:

Research has shown that the levels of PBDEs in American women are doubling every two to five years. Even low-level exposure, particularly for developing infants, poses some risks to brain development, hormone functioning, memory, learning and behavior.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2003/07/10/MN121662.DTL

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/03/22/flameretardant/

References:

EPA national emissions standards for air pollutants Chemicals used in making polyurethane and their health hazards:

http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/foam2/fr14ap03.pdf

Consumers Union on the flammability of polyurethane:

http://www.consumersunion.org/products/nasfmdc699.htm

Our Stolen Future report on PBDEs, used as a fire retardant but banned in the European Union.

http://www.ourstolenfuture.com/NewScience/oncompounds/PBDE/2004/2004-1104kuriyamaetal.htm

Dust Mites

http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC2551.htm

Wool, naturally fire retardant

http://www.fabrics.net/fireproofing.asp