What kinds of chemicals are used to make baby clothes flame retardant? Are all sleep clothes treated with these chemicals and how safe are they?</o :p>
Most sleepwear made from synthetic fiber is polyester, and according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), "less than 1% of either polyester or cotton sleepwear garments are treated with flame retardant chemicals." The key word here is "treated," which, in this case, does not mean exactly what one might suppose. Treated or not, most children's sleep clothes made of synthetic fabrics will contain flame retardant chemicals in one way or another. Sometimes the material is treated after it is woven or after the garment is finished; more often, the flame retardant is actually bonded into the composition of the fabric. Therefore most chemical-free (as well as comfortable) option is untreated, snug-fitting cotton stretchies. But it's crucial to note that cotton garments must be snug-fitting in order to comply with government safety rules.</o :p>
For purposes of the CPSC, synthetic materials are either considered to be "inherently" flame resistant or they are treated with flame retardants. Materials requiring chemical treatment include nylon, acetate, and triacetate. "Inherently" flame resistant materials include most polyesters, modacrylic (Verel, SEF, Kanecaron); matrix (Cordelan); and vinyon (Leavil). These materials are manufactured with built-in fire retardants, chemically inserted into the compound, becoming a part of its molecular composition. Chemicals used on pajamas or in pajama fabrics include halogenated hydrocarbons (chlorine and bromine), inorganic flame retardants (antimony oxides) and phosphate based compounds, all of which are the basic building blocks of most conventional fire retardants.</o :p>
The enhanced polymers are quite stable, so polyester sleepwear is unlikely to pose a health risk to your child, beyond the reduced breathability of the fabric, which can contribute to overheating and rashes. And one can also consider the negative impact on the environment during its manufacture from petrochemicals.</o :p>
The CPSC first adopted standards for children's sleepwear in 1971. The standards stipulated that all sleepwear exposed to a small open flame must self-extinguish. Polyester garments and cotton garments treated with chemical fire retardants were approved, but untreated cotton garments were not. Subsequent data indicated a significant decrease in sleepwear and fire related deaths and injuries among children.</o :p>
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