Cigarette smoldering standards

In 1973, the U.S. Department of Commerce promulgated Flammability Standard FF4-72. This Act requires all mattresses to pass a cigarette smoldering test. Boric acid (12-14 wt.% loading) in conjunction with a dust control agent (1 wt.% of paraffinic oil) is normally used in the cotton batting to pass the test. 

In summary, cigarette smoldering and open flame are the two types of ignition considered in assessing fire risk. Federal cigarette standards are in place for the mattress industry. 

Standard Methods of Tests for Determing Resistance of Mock-Up Upholstered Furniture Material Assemblies to Ignition by Smoldering Cigarettes, 1989. 

Flammable Fabrics. One of Chairperson Susan King s early initiatives was a November 1978 proposal for a flammability standard for furniture fabrics to prevent sofas and chairs from igniting when exposed to smoldering cigarettes. The agency estimated that 800 people per year died from such fires. The agency... 

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