CLEVELAND -- The federal government passed tough new standards on the mattress industry to reduce fire hazards.

But now there's a new question about the chemicals some mattress makers use to keep you safe. Experts estimate the new standards may eliminate up to 75 percent of the deaths and injuries that occur each year from mattress fires.

But mattress manufacturer Mark Strobel said, "We continually find these flame retardants are harmful. [Federal regulators] ban them one after the other".

But Patty Davis with the Consumer Product Safety Commission defends the safety of the flame-retardant substances used in mattresses.

"We tested exposure to various chemicals and our scientists, the top in the field here in the united states, found an insignificant risk to consumers", said Davis.

Manufacturers use boric acid to make mattresses more flame resistant, a chemical also in roach poison.

Ryan Trainer, Vice President of the International Sleep Products Association said boric acid minimizes the risk of mattress fires. According to Trainer, boric acid is "very safe for consumers. We do not have a problem with using that".

Allergist Dr. Leonard Rubinstein admits the flame retardant chemicals might have a worthwhile effect, they also have the potential to harm the respiratory system. "Patients are often developing eye or skin irritation from sitting in contact with these chemicals that leach out. We are also seeing patients having headaches or neurological symptoms from some of these aromatics", said Rubinstein.

Davis defended the chemicals saying, "There is a far greater risk of dying in a mattress fire or being injured in a mattress fire as opposed to the risk of exposure".

Consumers can buy a mattress that uses no chemicals at all. Stores sell organic mattresses made from wool. They are C.P.S.C.-approved because wool is a natural flame retardant. Another option is latex, but latex mattresses usually require a doctor's prescription and cost more than regular mattresses.

If you want to check your own mattress to see what chemicals it contains, you will have a tough time. Government regulations do not require manufacturers to disclose which flame-resistant chemicals they use. The label only has to show what kind of material was used.