The U.S. Congress passed the Flammable Fabric Act in 1953; originally, the act merely regulated the ways in which highly flammable clothing could be manufactured. However, the law was expanded several times so that today there are regulations for such items as plastic, foam used in wearing apparel, children’s sleepwear, vinyl plastic film used in clothing, clothing textiles, carpets and rugs, and mattresses. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has been given authority to issue and administer fabric flammability safety standards. Even though there are standards in place, consumers can further protect themselves and their families by treating fabrics and materials themselves.

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