New Federal Mattress Standard To Go Into Effect July 1

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Mattresses made and imported this summer must meet a new flammability standard starting July 1, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. <br/><br/>The change is designed to

Wednesday, June 20th 2007, 7:08 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Mattresses made and imported this summer must meet a new flammability standard starting July 1, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The change is designed to reduce the number of mattress fires from open-flame sources such as candles and lighters. The agency estimates the new rule could prevent as many as 270 deaths a year. About 360 people die each year from residential mattress fires, according to the commission.

The new performance standard, approved in February 2006, limits the amount of heat released in a mattress fire.

Retailers can continue to sell their existing supplies of mattresses that don't meet the standard until that supply is sold out.

The new standard does not address cigarette ignition, which has been covered by a separate standard for more than 30 years.