Stricter federal fire safety standards for mattresses may prevent at least 270 deaths per year. The new standard, expected to cost manufacturers more than $100 million per year, is the most expensive regulation ever adopted by the commission.
The new standard "it holds tremendous promise for saving lives and preventing injuries and property destruction and exemplifies the government-private sector partnership Congress envisioned for this agency," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton.
When fully effective, CPSC estimates the new mandatory standard for mattresses is likely to save as many as 270 lives, preventing 78 percent of the deaths, and 1,330, or 84 percent of the injuries currently occurring every year.
"Consumers who purchase a new mattress that meets this standard will add an important layer of fire safety protection to their home," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton.
"Lives will be saved as a result of this standard, as it requires new mattresses to limit the spread and intensity of a mattress fire, which will give people more time to escape from their residence."
The mandatory standard addresses mattress fires ignited by open flame sources, including matches, candles, lighters, and other related scenarios. The test protocol was developed in coordination with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Under the new mandatory federal rule, mattress sets must meet a performance standard. The CPSC does not specify how manufacturers are to design their mattresses to meet the standard. The new federal standard for mattresses goes into effect on July 1, 2007.
Cigarette ignition is covered by a separate mandatory standard. That standard has been in place for more than 30 years during which deaths and injuries from mattress fires caused by smoking materials have fallen dramatically.
