What does that mean?
People have become increasingly concerned about safety, especially when it regards our children. In the 70's a new
flammability ruling was created, stating that fabric sold for children's sleepwear and children's clothing sold as sleepwear must
meet flammability standards, or be clearly marked as "not suitable for children's sleepwear" (if it appeared to be a sleepwear type item). If the
fabric did not pass flammability tests, it would need to be treated with fire retardant.
Many people were unhappy with these standards because they preferred natural fibers such as cotton, to polyester (chemically treated or not) and they did not like the idea
of adding chemicals to clothing their children would be wearing to bed. Due to public pressure, the
standards have been changed from the original rules. As of this writing (2005), these rules apply to sleepwear sizes 9 months to 14.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) now states (as of this writing, 2005):
1. The fabric and garments must pass certain flammability tests, or
2. be "tight fitting" as defined by certain dimensions.
The reason for "tight fitting" is that loose garments are more likely to come into contact with a flame.
Environmental and Health Hazards Like other chemicals, certain fire retardant chemicals are said to be building up in our environment and food chain. Are they a health risk?
We aren't scientists, so we can't answer that question. However, we encourage you to become informed and make up your
own mind. The following articles are very informative:
Chemicals can wash out over time Various chemicals are used in making items more fire resistant and many wash out over time. I looked up one such chemical and the company stated that
it lasted for 50 washings. How many people actually count the number of washings and then throw away the garment when it
reaches that number? According to the government document in the first section above (CPSC), three different areas are tested (fabric, prototype trim and seam areas and production garment
trim and seam areas), and they are tested at production (or after one washing) and again after 50 washings. One maker of fire retardant stated on their website that their fire retardant was "non-toxic" but it also stated that
"treated fabric is permanently fire resistant provided the goods are not laundered." Obviously, this type of fire retardant could not be used on fabric that
will go into children's sleepwear.
What Should You Do?
Learn the facts
For further questions, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Learn the benefits and risks regarding the use of various fabrics. Do you feel safer using a fabric that passes
flammability tests, or would you prefer to use natural fibers and follow "tight fitting" standards?
Children's Fabrics Our fabrics are all 100% cotton unless otherwise noted. NONE of our fabrics are "suitable for
children's sleepwear" according to their manufacturers. This means that you must keep the garment tight fitting if it is to be used as sleepwear.
Interesting Side Note Diapers and underwear are not considered "sleepwear". We assume it is because they are "tight fitting" and are an UNDER layer, meaning
that there would be another layer between the diaper or underwear and any flame.