Dear Netfah,
I am starting a children’s clothing company and am thinking about including a sleepwear line. I live in Alaska and though global warming has taken its toll on our environment, it is still quite cold here year round. I wanted to use polyester fleece for the sleepwear line and was just wondering about flame retardancy on the fabric. I know there are laws that require it be put on manufactured synthetic childrens night wear, but is it already on the fabric when I buy it or do I have to have it professionally applied?
– Nancy, Anchorage AK
Dear Nancy,
Fleece fabric is usually made from polyester. Polyester (fleece) is a synthetic material that when touched by flames, melts instead of burning causing the fabric to melt onto the skin instead of charring. This instensifies the burn and in order to remove the melted material, the skin often is removed along with it as well. Because of this, manufacturer regulations require that all children’s sleepwear be ‘flame retardant’.
In reference to your inquiry regarding whether or not polyester fabric itself is treated with a flame retardant, the answer is NO. Like most fabrics, it is sold without the applications. Only when the fabrics are manufactured into garments does the law step in and regulate what is required before selling. Recently, due to the level of toxicity in children from the chemicals in fire retardant applications, the government is reviewing this requirement. For more information regarding those up to date regulations check out http://www.osha.gov/.
With concerns of global warming and eco-friendly / baby-friendly goods, you might want to consider a natural fabric like organic cotton or wool that burns instead of melting and does not require the same applications as the fleece. Natural material, no chemicals, happier babies. Sounds like a great slogan for a childrens clothing line if I do say so my self.
Check J&O’s eco-friendly selection of organic cotton fabric here!
Check out J&O’s warm selection of natural wool fabric here!
Check out J&o;’s great selection of assorted polar fleece here!
