RISK ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL CHRONIC HAZARDS ASSOCIATEDWITH THE USE OF FLAME RETARDANT CHEMICALS IN MATTRESSESAND UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE

摘要

Residential fires involving upholstered furniture and mattresses and bedding are leading causesrnof fire deaths associated with consumer products. The societal costs for these fires are anrnestimated 5.8 billion dollars for 1998. To address these hazards, the U.S. Consumer ProductrnSafety Commission (CPSC) is considering flammability performance standards for mattressesrnand upholstered furniture. The CPSC staff estimates that the flammability standards forrnmattresses and upholstered furniture could prevent hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuriesrneach year, when the standards reach full effectiveness. In addressing the hazards associated withrnmattress and upholstered furniture fires, the CPSC staff is working to develop appropriaternperformance standards. Thus, as part of this effort, the CPSC staff is assessing the potential forrnhealth risks associated with the use of selected flame retardant compounds that may be used tornmeet new standards for mattresses and upholstered furniture. This paper discussesrnmethodologies and technical challenges relating to the assessment of exposure and riskrnassociated with the use of selected flame retardant chemicals in mattresses and upholsteredrnfurniture.